Big Dave's Info My name is David Carmichael, though few people call me that anymore. I suppose I began being called "Big Dave" my junior year of high school by a few close friends, and now, few people know as anything but Big Dave. I am 25 years old, a music education student at Murray State University (in Kentucky), and in a family of 6. My parents are Allen and Marsha Carmichael, and we get along very well. I have two sisters (Beth and Ellen) and a brother (John). I also have two brothers-in-law (Chad and Jason) and a sister-in-law (Jessica), and a growing number of nieces and nephews. Peyton is seven, Camille is five, and Caleb is three; all of those belong to Beth. Ellen and Jason have a six-month old little boy, Zeb. John and Jessica's four-month old little boy is named Weston. I stand 6'6" on most days, have brown hair, hazel eyes, and clean teeth. I do my best to shower every morning, and try to look somewhat respectable. I weigh somewhere around 240 lbs, I guess, but I'm not a heavy, large man. Just... well... big, as the nickname suggests. My stature is often fairly intimidating, or so I've been told. = ) I'm a member of the North Marshall Church of Christ, and attempt to be a devout Christian as God would have me be in all things I do. I teach classes there, and occassionally preach. I also preach every other month at the 4th and Lewis congregation in Vienna, Illinois. I enjoy horseback riding, hiking, most sports, white water rafting, and reading (John Grisham is one of my favorites). I have, and always will be involved in music. I really love it. I have played the euphonium since 6th grade and really love doing so. I also play the trombone, tuba, and trumpet. My favorite conductor of all time, as was most peoples', is the late Leonard Bernstein. I've received a few honors in band. I attended Governor's School for the Arts in the summer of 1997 (an experience that was beyond words), received the John Phillip Sousa award my senior year, and made 1st chair euphonium in the Kentucky All-State Symphonic Band. I will always feel privileged to have been able to sit among some of the greatest high school musicians in the state. It was truly an honor. For the past five semisters at Murray State, I've sit first chair in the wind ensemble - yet an even bigger honor. I have been a member of the All-Collegiate Band for the last three years. I was the Racer Band Euphonium Section Leader in 2000, and had a solo in the closure. I was awarded "Racer Band Member of the Year" at the awards banquet in 2000, and received the award for "Best Brass" this past year. I was also elected Racer Band President in 2001, learning a new slew of jobs and responsibilities. This past fall, I was the "Low Brass Coordinator" for Racer Band and was again named "Racer Band Best Brass member of the Year," as well as "Loudest Section." heh. I've worked the last five summers with the directors at Lone Oak High School to assist them in helping the low brass. It's been both humbling and exciting, and I'm honored to be there. They are an amazing bunch of guys. A special hey out to all of you low brass guys. Miss you guys. In the spring of 2000, the wind ensemble here at Murray traveled to England on a tour through London, Oxford, and Manchester. We played at the BWASBE International convention in the Royal British College of Music. It was awesome, and I can't wait to go back. If you are ever able to go, do so. On November 25, 2002, I was initiated into the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. It's a group of men striving to make music, to strive to encourage others to, and to spread our love for music to others (among other things). It's a great organization, and I'm proud to be a part of it here at the Gamma Delta chapter in Murray. We do a lot of great things to help music reach the community in ways I would've never thought possible. Great group of guys in it, too. Some of my very closest friends. We are currently involved in many civic works in Murray, and if you are interested in Phi Mu Alpha or the Gamma Delta chapter, I would welcome emails from you and will do my best to answer any questions you might have concerning it. Since joining, I have been elected into the office of secretary, and (currently) president. There are many people that I have a tremendous amount of respect for in the music world that I wouldn't feel right without mentioning. Mr. Ron Cowherd was my middle school instructor and he will always be remembered by me as the one who encouraged me so much to practice EVERY day and better myself as a musician (I want to think I did). Mr. James "Buddy" Light was my high school director. He went from the scariest man alive my freshman year to a friend who I can count on my senior year. His encouragement (and scolding - thank you for forcing me to make music, and not just play notes) will always be remembered. Scott Ford... "Crazy Larry," will always be remembered by me as the man that single-handedly brought Lone Oak's pride back. His enthusiasm was one I have not seen matched by any other high school marching band director. Stephanie Ford is probably the best guard instructor in the Western Kentucky area. I can't remember too many times that Lone Oak's guard has been beaten since she began helping. Jeremy Watwood, a guy who gave up his time for free to help the band along, is one I will always look to as someone to model my attitude after. Doug vanFleet, a man who had about as much patience as I've ever seen from anyone who had to deal with all the... unique... people in the Paducah Concert/Community Band. Thanks to John Fannin and Dennis Johnson for making my collegiate experience one that I will never forget, nor one which I believe could ever be matched. Most recently, I have to thank Ray Conklin, who has single-handedly made my sound and technique reach beyond what I could've ever imagined. Thank you, all. And to all of my friends... I can't write enough things to let you guys know how much you mean to me. I won't try to name all of you, but you know who you are and I hope you know how much appreciate all that you are to me. Thanks guys, for everything. Oodles of lovin, Dave |
This page was last updated on: February 8, 2005