Central State University has hired alumnus Antoneo Davis as its new Assistant Band Director. At twenty-four years of age, Davis is the youngest assistant director in the school’s history.
“He is the cream of the crop,” Band Director Ramon Key said. “I knew he had something in him and saw great potential his freshman year in band. He had wonderful determination and a genuine love for the Invincible Marching Marauder band.”
Davis graduated from Central State last May. This is his first job after college. “I’m so excited and can’t explain in words how proud I am to be on the staff of this wonderful organization,” Davis said.
Davis said the transition from student and peer to assistant director has been relatively easy. Students have accepted him as an authority figure. “I have always been respected, and I always, in turn, respect others,” he said. Davis was leader of the trumpet section while enrolled in Central State, and he said that many students already saw him as a bandleader.
Davis said that he is learning a great deal about running a band organization including scheduling travel, arranging music, and coordinating marching drills. “I thought it would be a challenge and something new to be on the other side of the desk, and it sure is,” he said. “As a student you don’t worry about scheduling the rides, you just hop on the bus and perform.”
For the past year, Key has been responsible for all aspects of the band. “It’s good to see new leadership in the band especially an alum,” said Robin Davis, a former flag corps captain and now a volunteer with the band. “Key has been working very diligently without a partner. This was much needed and honestly right on time,” she said.
Davis has many plans for the fall season. He hopes to recruit new members and would like the band to double in size within five years. He is looking forward to a great year. “It’s looking like it’s going to be another great season for the Invincible Marching Marauders. I bleed maroon and gold,” Davis said.