Benny Davis
Benny Davis’ Bio
As an experienced educator, Mr. Davis’ unique approach to teaching combines deliberate and affective instruction, innovative teaching techniques, resolute goals with a youthful outlook on life. He views those he teaches as people, not just students. “Caring as much for a student’s life is just as important, if not more important, than caring about their playing ability.
Mr. Davis attended the University of Arkansas and Baylor University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Music Ed/Conducting. During his university years, Mr. Davis performed with the Razorback Band from 1975-1978 and with the Baylor Golden Wave Band in 1979. He studied trumpet with Robert Bright at the University of Arkansas and with Ron Fox, and Rick Chapman while attending Baylor University.
Mr. Davis views his high school band director, Irby Martin, trumpet teacher Robert Bright, and his university band directors, Mr. Eldon Janzen and Mr. Richard Floyd not only as mentors but as the greatest influences in his life. He also worked closely with Eddie Green and Brian Merrill.
Mr. Davis began his teaching career in 1982 at Bowie Jr. High School in Irving, TX. After serving as assistant director to Mr. Jim McGahee at Chester W. Nimitz High School in Irving for two years, Mr. Davis moved to DeSoto, Texas where he served as the head director for 11 years at DeSoto West MS. During his tenure in DeSoto, Mr. Davis’ bands placed 1st, 2nd, and 4th in the state finals of the TMEA Honor Band Contest, performed at the Texas Music Educators Convention in San Antonio in 1996 as well as the Midwest Band and Orchestra Convention in Chicago in 1997.
Mr. Davis’ DeSoto West MS Band was also the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Cup that is awarded to middle school band programs throughout the United States who demonstrate a uniquely high level of quality over an extended period of years.
Mr. Davis was the head band director in his hometown of Waxahachie, Texas from 1998 to 2005. Under his guidance, the WHS Band appeared at the UIL State Marching Contest on two occasions – the first time any WHS Band had qualified for the state contest. The WHS Band was also selected to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City in 2000 and performed at the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2005. These years started the wheels of progress in motion that set the WHS band program on the path where they would become one of the best band programs in Texas—a tradition that continues today.
In 2005, Mr. Davis opened Rockwall Heath High School. During this time, the RHHS Bands earned UIL sweepstakes awards and other regional and national recognition including the Mark of Excellence, and placing 6th in the state finals of the Texas Music Educator’s Association Honor Band Competition. In 2008, the Heath Bands traveled to New York City and performed in Carnegie Hall.
Today, Mr. Davis remains active as a UIL judge for marching and concert contests across Texas and maintains a private trumpet studio.