International Drum Month - Hal Davis Spotlight

To continue our celebration of International Drum Month, we’re next spotlighting Hal, our principal percussionist. Read about him below!

I was born and raised in Riverside, CA. I was first involved in drums/percussion in the 4th grade, and continued in school band and orchestra throughout school, until graduation. My first symphony experience began when I was a high school sophomore, performing with the Riverside, CA, Redlands, CA, and San Bernardino, CA Symphony Orchestras, and was a percussionist with the Riverside, CA ballet and opera orchestras. This lasted for 3 years, until I graduated high school. (I also took private drums/percussion, and piano lessons for a number of years.)

After high school I enlisted in the Air Force Band, performing with the AF Bands of the West and Midwest, in San Antonio, TX, and Rantoul, Il. After the Air Force I studied music education in college. Over the years I have also performed with cover bands, musicals, the Southern Oregon Jazz Orchestra, small jazz combos, and various other groups. I have been principal percussionist with the Rogue Valley Symphony for approximately 38 years. 

According to my parents, I was interested in drums/percussion since I was about 6 years old. I jumped at the opportunity to be part of the 4th grade school band, and never turned back. One of my favorite pieces of music is Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story”. Such a fun, cool, challenging piece!

My favorite things about being with the Rogue Valley Symphony are the joy of performing with so many outstanding musicians and soloists, and the wonderful support and enthusiasm of our audiences.

When I’m not playing music, I get great satisfaction from teaching private drum/percussion lessons, travelling, and of course, I truly enjoy time spent with my grandchildren!

Hmm…that’s a tough one. I guess an ‘unusual fact’ about being a percussionist is that there is virtually no limit to the vast assortment of percussion instruments/items percussionists are called on to play. Creativity is the spice of life in the percussion world. 😁