Mark Davis began playing trumpet in the fifth grade under another Calhoun County musician, Sherill Bailey. By sixth grade he was marching with the high school band and playing his trumpet at Friday night Trojan football games. By graduation he had successfully learned to play several of the brass band instruments quite well, including the baritone and the tuba.
Marching band had its fun moments, but concert band was what convinced Davis that he wanted to study music in college. The playing level that Mr. Bailey was able to get the Bruce High Band to perform really inspired Davis. It is no wonder band became his number one priority while in high school.
College days at Ole Miss allowed many more learning opportunities that would benefit his teaching career. Besides being a part of the Pride of the South Band and other instrumental groups on campus, Davis auditioned and was accepted into the Memphis Blues Drum and Bugle Corp. It was a challenging experience, but well worth the time and effort that was required of membership.
After finishing at Ole Miss, he began his teaching career at Eupora High School. He later returned to Ole Miss as a graduate assistant and met Lisa, another graduate assistant who became Mrs. Mark Davis. His wife, Lisa, plays the French horn in the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.
Son Kurt, currently a student at Ole Miss, was a member of the prestigious Lions All State Band while in high school and plays French horn in the Wind Ensemble at Ole Miss. Daughter Natalie is a dancer with Ballet Mississippi.
Davis is currently the director of bands and instructor at Lake High School. Davis directs the elementary and high school bands and teaches three sections of Music History. It is unusual for a small 2A school to offer a Music History class, but Davis created the curriculum and objectives without a textbook or guide.
After 30 years as band director, Davis has been selected by Alexandria Crout as Star Teacher. He began teaching her and her two sisters, Anastasia and Adrianna in 5th grade band.
Many directors have taught twins, but triplets? “This award has been very humbling to say the least,” stated Davis.
Davis has had the opportunity to teach in several high schools, large and small in his 30 year career as well as being an adjunct faculty member at Belhaven University in Jackson.
He has taught many outstanding students and his bands have received superior ratings and recognition because of their hard work.
“Bringing home trophies and superior ratings is nice, but what students learn from the process that it takes to earn those awards is even better than the shiny trophies,” said Davis.
Watching the little victories and small accomplishments of his students each day have been his greatest awards in teaching.
“Seeing a student’s eyes light up upon learning a new note as well as the look of satisfaction upon learning the second octave of a scale is a wonderful feeling of satisfaction,” said Davis.
And most teachers will agree with Davis that when he sees that student’s “light bulb” brighten because he or she has learned something new that is an award that just can’t be ignored. He appreciates the role models of band director Sherrill Bailey, and Ole Miss Band director Dr. L. M. Snavely and credits their guidance to part of his success in his career.
With an active interest in Sacred Harp music, band directing career, and active family life, Davis has stayed on the run must of his adult life, literally. When time allows, Davis is a marathon runner.