Davis heads to state
Written by Maegan Nelson, Former Student on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Hundreds of eager musicians ranging from middle school to high school students gathered on Saturday, February 11, at Cascade High School to participate in the Solo Ensemble Competition put together by the Mount Pilchuck Music Educators Association. Among these lucky individuals is Tom Davis, sophomore, of Snohomish High School.
These musicians have been practicing for months in advance for this competition. If they win in their instrument division, they compete in spring at state.
“It’s a lot of fun” states Davis, who went to state last year playing string bass. “This year, I picked a very lyrical piece [Hindemith Sonata for Double Bass], and I have been focusing on having a strong even smooth vibrato and an even tone. Last year, I played a really fast piece so this year I’m playing something different.”
Davis says that the competition at state is intense, but familiar. “It’s basically a whole bunch of people getting together… we all know each other… We accept that we are all at similar playing levels, so it’s more personal competition for me.”
Davis is also involved in Seattle Youth Symphony, a highly prestigious program for young musicians. He also participated in All State Concert Band this year on tuba. Davis had to audition for a spot in the band, and performed in Yakima with hundreds of other musicians who had been selected to participate from throughout Washington State.
Davis’ mom is very proud of him. “Tom has always been involved in music, from attending Music Together classes as a toddler and preschooler, to exploring cello and other instruments in elementary and middle school. He enjoys music and playing double bass (and tuba) so I don’t need to remind him to practice, usually it’s to stop playing and go to bed!”
Davis’ bass teacher states that Tom is “well versed in all aspects of music, he knows theory and how to play [well] in addition to being good at math, physics, history, [and] politics. [In addition], his attitude is absolutely exemplary toward listening to what I have to say, and always has a smile on his face. He is a modern day renaissance man.”
Pete Wilson, SHS music director, is also very impressed with Tom Davis and his recent achievements. “He is a freakishly amazingly talented musician… he knows how to play trombone, tuba and string bass at an exceedingly high level for his age. He got into All State Concert Band on Tuba, an instrument he learned [last year], after only having the music for one day…” Wilson continues, saying “[Tom] knows a ton of stuff about music… he can tell you what piece is being played and the main theme of the piece and then he will play it for you on his string bass… [On top of that], he’s not only good at jazz but also exceedingly good at classical music, [I could even say] that he knows more about classical music than even I do!”
Davis plans to continue music into his adult life. “Maybe at a semi-pro level” he states, “probably playing in community orchestras. My big plans, however, include science, mostly research… I’m thinking about applying to higher level colleges in that sense, like Cornell, University of British Columbia and Cal Tech.”
