He was a consultant on visitation teams for the Mississippi Accreditation Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Davis served on numerous boards and commissions. He is best remembered as a master conductor and an inimitable arranger. For an additional 10 years, until his death on October 3, 1981, for a total of 33 years, he continued to serve as conductor of Jackson State University’s Wind Ensemble and chief arranger for the Jackson State University Marching Band, “The Sonic Boom of the South.” He taught applied trumpet and french horn, instrumental conducting, brasswind classes, instrumental arranging and music theory. Davis, the man affectionately known as “Prof” and “Maestro” was the headband master, Director of the Marching Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and the coordinator of the instrumental division. Cab Calloway’s influence is still present today in the sound and show designs of the Jackson State University Marching Band.įor twenty-three years, from 1948-1971, Mr. Davis’s marching band concept was greatly influenced by Cab Calloway’s big band sound and showmanship. Davis participated in several other organizations, culminating these experiences by playing trumpet in Cab Calloway’s orchestra. He also played with an Army band that toured the United States on a bond drive and later played with a traveling Army band in the Pacific Theater of Operations playing for dances and USO shows.Īlso, before coming to Jackson State University, Mr. During his tour of duty in the United States Army, he played solo trumpet in the 164th and 372nd Army Bands. In 1943 he was inducted into the United States Army, Infantry Division, where he served until 1946. He earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Alabama State University in 1948 and was awarded the Masters of Arts degree in Instrumental Pedagogy from the Ohio State University in 1955. His early childhood was spent in Ironton where he received his elementary and secondary education. Davis of Ironton, Ohio, former arranger for Cab Calloway’s legendary big band became Jackson State University’s first full-time band director. Davis was born in Ironton, Ohio on January 14, 1922. Eventually, I want to earn a master’s degree and teach high school band.In 1948, William W. I have not yet decided to pursue a job or graduate school for the fall, but I’m applying to both to weigh out which will be the most beneficial for my career. They have all collaborated to push me to become the best music teacher and citizen I can be.
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My time at JSU has surrounded me with musicians and educators that I will have as a source for the entirety of my career. How has JSU been preparing you for life after college? Although I will not be able to use it, I am so excited for the future of Mason Hall and the unity it will bring to the music department family. We made do with what we were offered to keep moving forward. For half of my education here at JSU, we have been in less than desirable circumstances, but I don’t know of a more capable faculty and student body to work through this with. Since the tornado hit campus, the music department has been scattered all around campus. What has been the most impactful experience you’ve had as a college student? I am student teaching this semester at Saks Middle and High Schools, where I teach 5th-12th grade band students in several different classes. What class are you most excited for this semester? It only makes sense for me to teach music. I also serve as an ambassador for the School of Arts and Humanities.
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I am a member of Phi Eta Sigma, National Society for Leadership and Success, and National Association for Music Education. I am part of the JSU percussion studio and have played in many other different ensembles on campus including chamber winds, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, Latin ensemble, civic symphony orchestra, as well as multiple musicals. This previous year, I served as a drum major for the Marching Southerners. On campus, Chick-fil-a is the smartest option, but when I go out, Cooter Brown’s is a personal preference.Īre you involved in any clubs or organizations? In addition, I got to perform with the best marching band in the country!ĭo you have any hobbies other than the Marching Southerners?īand… It doesn’t really allow much time for anything else, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! When I decided that it would be music education, there really is no better place to be than JSU. When it came time to decide where I wanted to go to college, I knew I wanted to go into education. I first heard of JSU because of the Marching Southerners when I was in only middle school band. After graduation, he is hoping to pursue a graduate degree in music and teach high school band.
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Josh Anderson is a senior music education major from Gardendale, AL.