Vanessa Davis

Dr. Vanessa Davis is a clarinetist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. An avid performer, she has given recitals in the U.S., Europe, and Canada. She is a clarinetist in the Lone Star Wind Orchestra and second and Eb clarinet with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared with the Texarkana Symphony, Allen Philharmonic, McKinney Philharmonic and Sherman Symphonies while actively freelancing throughout DFW. Prior to current appointments, she performed in the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, the Metropolitan Wind Symphony, and freelanced in Boston. Committed to the advancement of new music and repertoire diversity, she has commissioned several new works by composers including, Jenni Brandon, Pax Ressler, Theresa Martin, Luke Ellard, Erin Cameron, and Sy Brandon. She has also been involved in several consortium commissions including Paul Schoenfeld’s Trio, Margaret Brouwer’s Sonata, and James Stephenson’s Yehtudes. She frequently performs recitals of unaccompanied clarinet works and clarinet works with electronics.

In addition to her schedule of performances, Dr. Davis is an active university professor. She currently teaches at McLennan College, North Central Texas College, Laredo College, and Dallas College. ​Her students have been successful earning college scholarships, being hired in their field of choice, and successfully moving on to other programs post-graduation. Prior teaching appointments include Stephen F. Austin State University, the University of North Texas, and Ithaca College.

She regularly gives masterclasses and performances at colleges and universities across the United States. Dr. Davis is an active member of several professional organizations. She is currently the Chair of the International Clarinet Association College and Pre-Professional Engagement Committee.

She is a regular contributor to the journal of the International Clarinet Association, The Clarinet, and has contributed to both the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors Journal, the Symposium Journal, and The Instrumentalist.

Dr. Davis is a Buffet Crampon Performing Artist and a D’Addario Woodwind Artist. She holds a Doctorate in Clarinet Performance from the University of North Texas where she studied with Kimberly Cole Luevano. She has also studied with Richard MacDowell, Richard Faria, Elizabeth Gunlogson, and David Seiler. For more information about Dr. Davis, her performances, and teaching philosophy.

She currently plays on a Buffet R-13 Prestige Bb, Buffet R-13 A, a Buffet R-13 Eb, and a Buffet Prestige Bass clarinet.