David Demand: That's Mr. Maestro

When the Coeur d'Alene Symphony takes the stage on Dec. 3 for the performance of "Messiah," David Demand will be their leader.

He's been the conductor of the musical group for 11 seasons, and music - especially Messiah - has long been special in his life.

"My parents, especially my Dad, were always listening to music at home. From Thanksgiving on he would put all of his 33s on the record player and we would have non-stop Messiah playing," Demand said. "He also loves classical and big band music."

So does the son. He'll bring a bit of holiday magic to North Idaho as he conducts two shows in December.

"Yes, it is always a fun time to bring out the holiday spirit in the audiences. It is almost a rite of passage to do a Messiah every year and to perform many of the greatest hits in the holiday repertoire," he said.

Can you talk about your musical background?

My family was very musical. My father played clarinet and saxophone in a dance band. He still is playing in several bands at the age of 86. My mother played several instruments, my sister and I competed on who got to be at the piano. I entered competitions throughout my schooling and I double majored in piano and clarinet through my undergraduate degrees and my master's. In working on my doctorate, I still took clarinet lessons, but I focused on piano performance and I was an opera coach at the University of Iowa. I also had the chance to do quite a bit of conducting throughout my master's and doctorate programs.

How did you get your start as a conductor?

I was hired to do musical productions at the Summer Palace Theatre at Washington State University for the summers doing stock theater runs, three to four different shows during the summer. I was also the music director at several different churches.

What kind of influence did music have on you growing up?

Growing up I was always fascinated by music. I studied the piano and clarinet and was a member of the concert bands at school, jazz bands, jazz choirs and rock and roll garage bands. These days were very memorable. During college I played in several bands to make extra money.

What do you enjoy about being a conductor?

Having the privilege of working with the orchestra members, some of the finest musicians in the Inland empire and getting to work with our guest artists who are Internationally acclaimed.

What kind of influence does the conductor have on a performance?

The conductor sets the tone for the overall performance and should lead by example in preparing his score. The interpretation of the overall work, and the ability to draw the quality of sounds from the players are some of the things that you look for.

Can you talk about the biggest challenge you face as a conductor?

Helping the symphony board to raise funds and to seek ways to make the overall organization a success.

Do you have any major musical composers that have influenced you?

Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Stravinsky. There is so much to learn from all of the masters. Each piece that the orchestra plays has something that you can learn from.

Do you have any favorite pieces?

Not really, I love all kinds of music.

Are you also a singer?

Yes. I am a tenor and I sang in a rock and roll show band for several years. I am also the choir director at St. George's School.

What is the best way to work with musicians and bring out their best?

By being very prepared yourself for each rehearsal and concert and to respect them as a player.

How do you prepare for a specific show?

I first listen to the music, then analyze the score from top to bottom to see what particular motives, phrasing and musical qualities can be brought out within our orchestra. I will also listen to other pieces that the composer wrote to see if there are additional ideas that can be brought out. I then research the composer and try to find out what he was writing the piece for. We next make sure that we have the players that we need and set the rehearsal schedule.

What are some of the challenges of attracting audiences to see a classical performance?

Programming music and guest artists that reach out to both young and older audiences with all kinds of musical backgrounds

What's ahead for you?

The Messiah performance on Dec. 3 with the Northwest Sacred Choral and the Saint George's Symphonic Choir at the Lake City Community Church. Then on Dec. 10 is our Holiday Concert in which we are performing the world premier of this arrangement of William Barry's American Carols. We are having the choirs from Lake City High School, Coeur d'Alene High School ad the Charter Academy join us for this performance. We are also looking forward to our annual Young Artist Competition at Whitworth University on Jan. 7-8, and the Symphony's Black and White ball on Jan. 21.

Date of birth: 9-20-61

Education: Bachelor's degree in music, Washington State University; master's degree in music, Washington State University; Doctorate of Music, University of Iowa pending; three summers at the Banff School of Fine Arts studying with Willard Schultz and Georgy Sebok.

Family: Married 26 years to Renee Demand; 3 children, Rebekah 22, Ryan, 20 and Michael, 11

Number of hours on average you work in week: I work full time at St. George's School in Spokane. I'm also the music director for the musicals at school. We do 4-5 different musicals each year and I also help with the sets for all of the drama productions. I am also the Artistic Director and Conductor for the Coeur d'Alene Symphony and Chamber Orchestra and the Coeur d'Alene Youth Orchestra. Overall I spend roughly 70-80 hours working per week during the school year.

Number of hours on average you sleep in a night: 6

Hobbies: Woodworking and construction, gardening, boating, fishing, hunting, etc. (anything outdoors), biking, working out

Favorite movie: I love the old westerns.

Favorite type of music: Classical and jazz. Anything that is performed well

Favorite spectator sport: Football, I played through high school

Quality you admire most in a person: Someone who is a hard worker and honest

One thing you consider your greatest accomplishment: Helping my wife raise our family

One person who influenced my life: My father. He was a hard worker and provided for his family. Musically speaking Vladimer Horowitz - no matter what he presented, it was always musical.