University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts
Announces New Faculty Members

        The University of Mobile’s Center for Performing Arts welcomes new additions to the faculty for the 2004-05 academic year.

        Alabama State Representative Randy Davis will join the faculty of the University of Mobile’s Center for Performing Arts as assistant professor of music and director of wind and brass studies. He most recently served as Community Education Coordinator for the Baldwin County Public Schools and prior to that as teacher/administrator for the Mobile County Public Schools. Davis, who holds a bachelor of music education and master of music education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and an education specialist degree in administration from Alabama State University, also served as a choir director in area churches for 30 years. Davis served as band director at Murphy High School, Azalea Middle School, K.J. Clark Middle School and George County High School. He also served as an instrumental instructor at the University of Mobile and the University of South Alabama. He served as performing member and principal trumpet player for the Mobile Opera Guild, Port City Symphony, Pensacola Symphony, Mobile Brass Quintet, Mobile Pops Orchestra and Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra. In 1999, Davis was awarded the Michael D. Fitzhugh Award for outstanding contribution to public education by the Mobile Area Education Foundation. In 2004, he received the State of Alabama’s Community Educator Benefactor Award.

        Dr. John Myrick, assistant professor of music, holds a bachelor of music education, master of music education and doctor of education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Myrick will serve as the director of instrumental music and music education. Previously, Myrick served as an adjunct professor at UM as well as the University of Southern Mississippi, Spring Hill College and the University of South Alabama. He also served as the superintendent of Choctaw County Public Schools and as a teacher and principal in the Mobile County Public School system.

        Dr. Patrick Jacobs, assistant professor of music, holds a bachelor of music in vocal performance from Loyola University New Orleans, a master of music in vocal performance from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, and a doctorate of music in vocal performance from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Jacobs has served as adjunct voice instructor at the University of Mobile and University of South Alabama. He has performed with the Pensacola Opera Company, Berkshire Opera Company, Des Moines Metro Opera and Opera Theater of Pittsburgh.