John Davis
Bass
Has played with the Salina Symphony since:
1990
Hometown: Grew up in Minnesota, Michigan and Kansas
Current City: Salina
Education:
B.A. in Radio/TV/Film with a minor in Bass Performance, University of Kansas
Job Title:
Retired residential appraiser for my own business, Allied Appraisals
Owner of and chief maintenance person for the Stringman, which provides rentals/sales and support services for violin, viola, cello and bass players of all ages and abilities
Earliest musical memory:
When I was about four, I remember hearing Yehudi Menuin on record performing Beethoven’s violin concerto. I met him at a solo recital a few years later, during my “I want to be a violinist” phase.
Best part of being a Salina Symphony musician:
That’s easy—look at all the dynamic musicians I am surrounded with. What a great group of people with tons of positive energy, all in one place!
Most memorable performance with the Salina Symphony:
Our inaugural performance at the Stiefel was “Sweeney Todd” with the Community Theater. I knew the Symphony would grow from there.
Favorite composer:
Bach
What song best describes you when you first wake up in the morning?
“A Day in the Life” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
Performances by guitarists (Segovia is particularly enjoyable) and double bass ensembles. Yes, they exist; I get ideas for my bass camps from them.
How do you spend your free time?
Plotting and scheming for my next double bass camp, traveling and completing renovation on a house in Lawrence. Then I teach bass.
Whom do you admire?
Kids just beginning to play a musical instrument, and those of us (musically predisposed) who have continued to play as we got older
What is your greatest accomplishment?
As former Executive Director of the Symphony, working together with the Board of Directors to get the Symphony into this marvelous performance space at the Stiefel Theater.