Davis was a great teacher, educator

On Nov. 12, Tom Davis, a great teacher and educator died. He had many talents and made University of Iowa Marching Band members in the 1960s feel honesty, hard work and integrity were the essence of all Saturday football band performances.

When I met Tom in 1961, I was a trombone player auditioning for the UI marching band. I was very nervous and did not do a good job. He invited me back that afternoon to play for him again. Because of that simple act, he gave me a chance to belong to a special group that has lasted for 50 years and my continued trombone playing. I am on my third trombone partly because of him!

Tom taught many people how to tell a good joke, and use puns and limericks, as he was an accomplished “wordsmith.” His ability to listen to music and then draw out on paper (no computers) all formations and transitions for 160 band members was another talent. But he also held you responsible for making a wrong turn in a band formation on the field.

He sometimes gave the impression he could have been a “goof-off” in school and might have been a handful for his teachers. I think this impression was why he could control a marching band of sometimes loud and boisterous college musicians so easily.

People will always try to define a great person, educator or teacher. Davis was one example of “you'll know one when you see them.”

Tom Snyder

Dyersville