MARIA SCHNEIDER, Composer
"Tom's music is sophisticated, smart and fun and his compositions provide a fantastic bridge between the educational and professional music worlds. If I was leading a younger band, I would stock my library full of his music!
"JAMES WARRICK, Educator, New Trier HS Jazz Ensembles
"Tom has written something for every level of jazz ensemble. The hard part is picking something to play because my students love them all!"
FRED STURM - Former Director of Jazz Studies, Lawrence University - "I've admired Tom's writing and teaching for over two decades. He nurtures, inspires, and ignites his students with dedication, ingenuity, and unbridled love for teaching. His creativity as a composer/arranger has sparked and evolved continuously throughout his run as an educator. generating smart, imaginative materials for beginners and hip artistic offerings for collegiate and professional ensembles. One trip through Tom's web site will illustrate the scope of his numerous accomplishments.
"WALTER AVELLANEDA - NMEA Division IV Chairperson
Tom Davis conducted the NMEA Division IV Jazz Ensemble. Over the course of the weekend it was evident that his ability to work with our students was phenomenal. Rehearsals were fast paced, exciting, and filled with so many great learning experiences. The students had an instant connection with Tom and his music which made for a great musical experiences. After hours of hard work, the result was a truly personal performance from out students that they will never forget. It was a pleasure to host Tom Davis and I couldn't be happier with the results!
DANA WILSON - Composer, Professor, Ithaca College School of Music
"As composer, arranger, conductor, educator and jazz performer, Tom Davis brings that rare combination to his music of vitality and playability. Tom has incredible insights into what young players are capable of, while also challenging them with great writing and fresh and exciting ideas."
JAMES BYRN, Caston Bands, IMEA Exhibits Chair
Mr. Davis is not only a fantastic composer, he is a world class educator. He has not only sought my input for the piece we are commissioning, he has sought the input of my students. Early in the commissioning journey my students have already had valuable educational experiences and I am excited not only about the piece, but about the learning experiences my students will have along the way.
DR. TIM HOWE- Assistant Professor of Music, Arkansas Tech
"Thank you for collaborating with the Arkansas Tech Jazz Ensemble on INSTRUMENT of JUSTICE. In every classroom encounter the students made significant leaps in learning and comprehension about jazz music and performance. It is rare to find a clinician who has such tremendous artistic and educational skills together."
DAN FABRICIOUS - NYSSMA Instrumental Jazz Review
"This music pushes the boundaries and still stays within the big band context that we work with. And Tom has also come up with a way for students and teachers to easily immerse themselves in his music on his site. My own students have really loved playing Tom’s music and I hope other teachers will share it with their students!"
BILL TIBERIO - Director, Fairport (NY) High Jazz Program and former president NYS Chapter of IAJE
"I am always seeking out fresh and innovative material for my high school jazz bands. Tom's new charts are challenging and musically rewarding. The tunes explore new pathways in large ensemble writing, and allow for very personal statements of creativity by the players and their director. I appreciate his "raising the bar," and hope that other writers will be influenced and encouraged by some of the risks Tom has taken with this recent output."
HOWARD POTTER - Eastman School of Music Community Ed Division, Director, Eastman Jazz Educators Jazz Orchestra -
"These are great pieces - contemporary in style, well crafted works which will I know your high school / college students will really enjoy!