Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Davis.
Hi Jared, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I first came in contact with band at a young age by watching my older brother who was a member of his high school marching band. Watching them perform, I was enamored by their energy, showmanship and most notably, their SOUND. I joined band and the rest is history. Now as a music educator, I want to provide my students with a similar or better band experience than the one I had. Being a member of the band program did so much for me and I want to do the same for my students.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have to overcome a lot of challenges to run the band program. Students face a variety of obstacles on a day to day basis. Financial disparity, negative peer/community influence, unstable living situation and some times having to grow up faster than they should have to in order to fulfill adult type responsibilities are just some of the challenges that we face.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Director of Bands at Dr. Ronald E. McNair High School in Atlanta, GA. I mold and teach students how to become the best version of themselves through the medium of music. I am most proud of the impact that I have on my students lives. Seeing students overcome adversity and thrive is such a joy for me. I tell my students on a daily basis that I want to see them WIN! Winning can be hard and isn’t always an enjoyable process but as long as we continue through the process, they will succeed.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
You won’t have everything figured out and that’s ok. Lead every decision that you make with a sound mind/heart. Even if it doesn’t yield the results that you are looking for, you can relish in the fact that you had your program and students best interest in mind. Self reflection is vital. Be open and honest with yourself about the good, bad and the ugly. Lastly, get a mentor. Speak to them regularly! Having someone in your field who knows more than you or that you can bounce ideas off of is critical.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmarchingmustangs?igsh=MTNzOHFiYmNncXZuYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMarchingMustangs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mcnairmarchingmustangsband3720
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mightymarchingmustangs?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafW-X9tylNCDDTWM9EN7shoYQJwTsah2Rv47_QSGqLwAY38aMLdklRiCuACSQ_aem_YuND68DBQyzlB8mH5ewggg
