The McDavitt Drum

Linda McDavitt

Linda McDavitt was director of bands at Dripping Springs from 1978-1984. Being the only director for 6th-12th grade band Linda felt like this is where she really became her own as a teacher. During McDavitt’s six years at Dripping Springs she led them to be state finalists in both UIL Marching Band and UIL Honor Band contests. She was amazed by the work ethic of the Dripping kids and helped to lay a foundation that would serve the program well to this day. Linda had an incredibly successful teaching career and was named to the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 2012. On top of teaching Linda has been an active percussion performer throughout her lifetime. She has performed regularly with the Austin Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, Charlotte Opera, The Austin Symphonic Band, and Inside Out Steel Band. 

After retiring in 2001 she began to run the Genevieve and Ward Orsinger Foundation founded by her aunt. The Foundation reflects the philosophy of the Orsingers. It helps give people the tools to become educated, healthy, and self-reliant by making grants in the areas of Cultural Enrichment, Education and Human Services. The Foundation supports organizations and institutions in Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall and Travis Counties.

Linda even found time to be a competitive sailor throughout her lifetime and in 2015 at the age of 69 she was on a team that competed in The Clipper Around The World Race. This race helps to raise money for UNICEF and takes a full year to complete! 

Thunder In The Hills is honored to start “The McDavitt Drum” award. This award will be presented to the group with the highest overall score regardless of division and it will be a traveling trophy with each year’s winner being engraved on a nameplate on the base of the trophy. Linda has helped to make our world a better place through her amazing work as an educator and her time leading a non-profit. And to top it off she’s a percussionist! We hope this award can embody some of her amazing spirit and energy for percussion and life.