Profile image for Christopher Davis

Christopher Davis, DMA

Professor, Music
Coordinator, Percussion
864.977.7176
chris.davis@ngu.edu
Unit: Music, College of Communication and Fine Arts
Location: Tigerville

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
  • Teaching & Education

    You will learn with me when taking courses in Applied Percussion Lessons, Development of Music Styles Post-19th Century & World Music, Jazz and Music Appreciation, Music Theory, Percussion Methods, Contemporary and Experimental Music of the 20th Century, Instrumental Repair – Percussion, and The Integration of Global Music into the Classroom.

    Degrees

    • BM, Music Performance, Capital University
    • MA, Percussion Performance, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
    • DMA, Percussion Performance, University of South Carolina
  • Professional Experience

    My experience includes performing, presenting, and teaching professionally for over 20 years. I have served the Percussive Arts Society through membership on the University Pedagogy Committee (2007-2015) and as an officer for the SC chapter of PAS: Secretary/Treasurer (2005-2013), Vice-President (2013-2016), and President (2016-2019).

  • Selected Publications

    Highlighted Performances

    • Principal Percussionist with the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra since 2015
    • Percussionist with the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra since 2004
    • Freelance Percussion Performer, Teacher, and Presenter since 1998
    • Premiere performance of “No Wind, No Rain, Just a Subtle Mist” for Prepared Vibraphone by Joe W. Moore III
    • Soloist for the Focus Day 50th Anniversary Celebration at PASIC 2011
    • Soloist for the Focus Day Centennial Celebration of John Cage at PASIC 2012
    • Ensemble Member for Performances at PASIC, OMEA, and PMEA
    • Member of the Toledo Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps from 1995-1999

    Highlighted Presentations

    • “Percussion From the Podium” clinic at SCMEA 2018 in conjunction with Dr. Paul Buyer and Dr. Jesse Willis as members of the SC chapter of PAS
    • “Vibraphone FUNdamentals” clinic at PASIC 2016
    • “Percussion Ensemble Literature: Choosing the Right Music for Your Group” clinic at SCMEA 2016 in conjunction with the SC chapter of PAS
    • “Percussion from the Podium” clinic at SCDOP 2015
    • “Percussion Repair 101” clinic at SCMEA 2013
    • “Vibraphone FUNdamentals” clinic at SCDOP 2012

    Published Articles

    • “Percussion Repair 101” The PAS Educator’s Companion, Spring 2015, Vol. 1, pp. 36-40
    • “Music: An Appreciation-Brief” 8th edition by Roger Kamien. Reviewer and Subject Matter Expert in building LearnSmart for Music
    • “Grant Writing” Percussive Notes, January 2014, Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 14-19

    Professional Endorsements

    • Black Swamp Percussion Educator
    • Innovative Percussion
    • Remo Drumheads
    • Sabian Cymbals
    • Yamaha Performing Artist
  • Selected Awards Received
    • 2019 – PAS Outstanding Chapter Award – South Carolina
    • 2012 – Lamar S. Chapman Meritorious Award for Faculty, North Greenville University
  • My Network

    I will gladly involve you in my circle that includes:

    • Robert Breithaupt
    • Jim Ed Cobbs
    • Eric Paton
    • Gary Olmstead
    • Michael Kingan
    • Scott Herring
    • Guinean Master Drummer Bolokada Conde
  • My Story

    My father was a high school band director, so I have been around music my entire life. I began percussion with my first Fisher Price drum kit at the age of three. My mom says that I used to march up and down the sidewalk playing my drum as if I was in a parade. I officially began percussion lessons in the fifth grade and have been playing since. I was not drawn to being a band director, because all I wanted to do was play percussion and teach percussion, hence my three degrees in percussion performance. My father had said since my early college days that he saw me teaching at a small Christian college. Fast forward a few years and I was brought to North Greenville University. I love teaching at a Christian university where Christ is the focus in every discipline, particularly through His gifts of music. I enjoy bringing honor to His name through my teaching of music and my performance.

    My wife, Jennifer, and I have four wonderful and extremely energetic children. We are members at Grace Church – Greer, where we both serve on the worship team. I love having the opportunity to share my gifts in corporate worship every chance that I get.

    Favorite Course to Teach

    Aside from loving to teach all things percussion – lessons, ensembles, methods – I truly enjoy teaching The Development of Musical Styles Post 19th Century & World Music, which is a senior-level course. I enjoy sharing my passion for the contemporary and experimental music that has taken place throughout the 20th Century up to today. Within the same course, I have the opportunity to take my students through an overview of music from around the globe, while giving them a hands-on experience in some of these cultures through drumming.

  • Related Links

    Explore more resources related to this field of study:

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