Music Professor Conducts Georgia All-State Concert Band

Paul Davis, Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Bands at Converse College, was conductor of the 2002 Georgia All-State Concert Band in Savannah, May 4-5. Comprised of the very best high school musicians from throughout the Peach State, the activity is held annually and is the one of the highest musical honors students can attain.

Performing throughout the weekend were four wind bands, two symphonic bands comprised of students in grades 11-12, one junior band comprised of students in grades 7-8 and one concert band comprised of students in grades 9-10. The ensembles presented a concert at the historic Lucas Theater in Savannah’s beautiful historic district. The Concert Band performed “Sweet Land of Liberty,” by Ken Sochinski; “The Florentiner March,” by Julius Fucik’; “And Can It Be,” by David Gillingham, and “El Camino Real,” by Alfred Reed.

“The response by students, parents and band directors was absolutely astonishing,” said Davis, who was selected as conductor by the Georgia Music Educators Association to the honor of conducting the 2002 group. “The students performed so well all weekend, that at the end of nearly every rehearsal there was immediate applause from the parents and directors in the gallery who were observing.”

Along with Professor Davis, conductors included nationally recognized composer David Holsinger, Ray Cramer who is Director of Bands at Indiana University and Kenneth Ozello who is Director of Bands at the University of Alabama.