Charles Davis is a Funky, Rock/R&B drummer with a passion for marching percussion. He has been playing drums for 30 years; and has studied the drum set with Steve Michaud and Mike Mangini. He has also studied Drum Corps/Marching Percussion technique under the instruction of Chris Dufault. Charles has resided in Nashua, New Hampshire for over 20 years.
Charles credits his “Uncle Bennie” as his first influence in drumming. He first picked up the sticks at age 6 after watching his uncle play, and shortly thereafter joined the Kingsmen Drum and Bugle Corps in Fitchburg, MA; this was Charles first experience at diversifying himself in different areas of percussion. At age 18 he joined the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps and continued to learn the ins and outs of marching percussion, while still continuing to become skilled at the drum set. That same year, while still in high school, Charles was selected to participate in the percussion section for the All State Band. In, 1990 Charles was introduced to local drum instructor Steve Michaud, who at the time was one of Gary Chaffee’s top students. Steve opened the door to Jazz, Latin, and Fusion.
Charles began instructing the Spartans in 1994 giving him the opportunity to return to his Drum Corp roots. In 1999 he began to teach in the Nashua School District as an Elementary Instrumental Instructor, as well as teaching privately out of his home. In 2004, Charles became the Nashua High School Marching Band Percussion Instructor/Arranger and continues his work there. In the spring of 2005 Charles had the privilege to study with world class drummer Mike Mangini from Berklee. In 2006 Charles began teaching privately at Music’s Cool Academy of Music in Londonderry, NH as an instructor, and continues his work there. During the same year Charles toured locally with the Mike Forkuo Project a Christian based acoustic, rock, soul band. www.myspace.com/michaelforkuo.
Charles is also a choir member and lead drummer for the New Hope Community Church in Ayer, MA. His goal in life is to keep God as the main focus; as he continues to balance a thriving family of four and a successful career in music. His current influences include: Steve Michaud, Mike Mangini, Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl, Vinne Colaiuta, Carter Beauford, Will Calhoun, Calvin Rodgers Teddy Campbell, Aaron Spears, Gerald Heyward, and Steve Smith, Just to name a few…
Charles continues to progress professionally as he imparts his experience and skills to his friends, students, band members and new clients.
(doe: 8-29-2008)