Press Release for Donation of DDDC Drums to Circleville Middle School
The Davis Demons Drum Corps, who first appeared in local parades in 1961, and maintained a presence until 1995, a 34-year history of performing for the community, donates its remaining equipment and drums to the Everts Middle School music department (photo from Drum Corp Magazine circa 1964).
The Davis Demons Drum Corps (DDDC) of Circleville, Ohio, is pleased to announce that, in time for the 2011 concert season, its remaining drums and equipment is being presented to Mr. Julian Savage, Band Director, Everts Middle School Music Department.
The Davis Demons, founded in 1961 by John Davis, was formed “to advance the art and knowledge of the drum corps, to unite the interests of the members, to improve the standards of drumming…” (DDDC Constitution). The ‘Davis Demons’ performed in Circleville and around Ohio for 34 years, from 1961 to 1995, before becoming inactive when John Davis became too ill to lead the Corps.
The Davis Demons were among the first in the country to introduce Latin American cadences to its performances, a practice imitated by many, which is now common in high school and college bands.
In its heyday, the Davis Demons performed at Ashville 4th July festival, the Circleville Pumpkin Show, Jackson Apple festival, Columbus Day parade in Columbus, Millersport Sweet Corn festival, and as far afield as Cincinnati, Nelsonville and Bainbridge. Many of the members would play in their respective High School or Middle School bands, and then do a quick-change to perform as Davis Demons.
When the Corps disbanded in 1995 the drums and equipment were stored for safekeeping. In August of this year (2011) former Demon Kevin Crites started the Davis Demons Drum Corps Alumni web page http://davisdemonsdrumcorpsalumni.weebly.com/) and Facebook page. Former Demons quickly joined the site and discussed the possibility of a reunion. Being scattered across the country, and only a few members still being in Circleville, it was realized that a reunion would not be possible. As an alternative, to preserve the spirit of drumming and giving back to the community, the Demons alumni decided to donate the remaining equipment to the Everts Middle School music department. Our appreciation goes out to Bob Stout, former Davis Demon, for his dedicated work in locating the drums and doing all necessary repairs in preparation for the donation to the school.
Not all of the drums and equipment have been recovered for donation to the Middle School. The effort to recover this equipment is on going. The DDDC Alumni would also like to locate other DDDC memorabilia, such as the Demons’ flag, other color guard equipment or uniforms, for donation to the Pickaway County Historical Society or for other display purposes. If any members of the community have Demons drums, equipment or memorabilia, please contact the DDDC Alumni at [email protected].