By John Dobberstein, Editor
Darrin Davis is stepping down as director of bands for Broken Arrow Public Schools to focus his time directing fine arts programs at the district.
Davis has spent 31 years with the district’s band programs, and his name has become synonymous with The Pride of Broken Arrow as he’s led the high school marching band to national acclaim. BAPS said Davis will be focusing his energies as Executive Director of Fine Arts.
Davis has seen the Pride of Broken Arrow earn an impressive four Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Championships, 21 BOA Regional Championships, 24 Oklahoma State Marching Championships; along with appearances in three Tournament of Roses Parades and the 2005 Presidential Inauguration Parade.
Concert ensembles under Davis’ direction have performed at prestigious events such as the American Bandmasters Association Convention, the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, Carnegie Hall, Music for All Regional and National Festivals, and six times as a featured honor band at the Oklahoma Music Educators Convention.
“Throughout his esteemed career, Davis has been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless students through his passion for music and dedication to excellence,” the district said Wednesday in a statement. “Under his leadership, the Broken Arrow band program has achieved numerous accolades and earned a reputation for excellence both regionally and nationally.”
Davis is a highly decorated music educator with his election to the American Bandmasters Association, the Bands of America Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma Bandmasters Hall of Fame.
“My time serving as the Broken Arrow Director of Bands has been the privilege of my life with so many amazing musical memories,” Davis said Wednesday in a statement released through BAPS. “I’m thankful for the dedicated and talented students and colleagues. I’m also particularly proud of the performances and programs created by the very best designers in the performance arts. Many of those programs are considered among the best of all time.”
Kelli Pence will assume the role of Broken Arrow band director, but Davis will remain actively involved in the fine arts programming for the district.
Davis will conduct his final concert as Director of Bands on May 6 in the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center beginning at 7 pm. This will also be a special concert as the Broken Arrow High School Band will receive the prestigious Sudler Flag of Honor from the John Philip Sousa Foundation.
Davis will also make his final appearance as a director of the Pride of Broken Arrow marching band at the annual Broken Arrow Rooster Days Parade on May 18.
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