Davis Herndon

With a background in classical music, Davis Herndon discovered his passion for the arts at an early age. Raised in Cayce, South Carolina, he began studying piano as a child before taking up the trumpet and trombone, ultimately finding the tuba at age 11.

A graduate of the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities (Class of 2015), Davis went on to pursue a degree in tuba performance, studying with Michael Taylor at Furman University and Don Harry at the Eastman School of Music. During his time at Eastman, he performed with numerous ensembles, including the Eastman Wind Ensemble, Eastman Philharmonia, Eastman Jazz Ensemble, DRE Jazz Ensemble, Eastman Studio Orchestra, and Tuba Mirum. He also founded the brass band The Boomhauers, serving as the group's primary arranger. As a recording artist, Davis has contributed to projects spanning film, tv, video games, music videos, and experimental progressive rock.

Davis's passion for theater was reignited after returning to Columbia during the pandemic. Since 2022, he has appeared in nearly 30 productions throughout the Midlands. Notable roles include Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Young Frankenstein), the Cowardly Lion (The Wizard of Oz), Archibald Grosvenor (Patience), Edna Turnblad (Hairspray), Oscar Madison (The Odd Couple), and others. He has also worked extensively on production teams, serving as Music Director for White Christmas, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Spamalot. In 2024, he made his directorial debut with Mary Poppins at Village Square Theatre in Lexington.

Today, Davis continues to explore opportunities for artistic expression through music, theater, and education as an active performer, music educator, and freelance vocalist throughout the Columbia area.