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The Daggett School of Music was established in June, 2022 in response to a growing community of non-traditional and traditional students who were looking for opportunities OUTSIDE of the public school system to grow and develop as musicians. Our plans for our community are big and exciting. Our goal is to accommodate any student in the Rogue Valley, and beyond, in their musical education. We have plans to expand to Musical Theater and fine art in the coming years! We also are partnering with Southern Oregon Dance Center to offer special sessions for families who are looking for one place to expose their children to the performing arts.
Bios:
– Evan Daggett–
Mr. Daggett is the founder of the Daggett School of Music. He grew up in Grants Pass, spending 1000s of hours playing and practicing with the Grants Pass High School Percussion Section and Jazz Band. He went on to the University of Oregon to begin his percussion studies under the tutelage of Dr. Charles Dowd, Dr. Sean Wagoner, and Jason Palmer. After taking time off school to do mission work in Eastern Africa, Mr. Daggett married his wonderful wife and they began their family. He began working at Grants Pass High School in 2009 as the Percussion Director. In 2012 he became the assistant Jazz instructor and co-taught the high school wind ensembles. He ran the middle school and high school percussion programs until 2016. This year will be his 14th season as the Percussion Director with the Grants Pass High School Marching Band.
Mr. Daggett’s music studies began in Eugene and were completed in Ashland under the direction of Dr. Terry Longshore and Bryan Jeffs. There, he studied band and choral conducting, percussion performance, music theory, and music history. After receiving his Bachelors in Music Education, Mr. Daggett completed the intensive 1-year Masters of Arts in Teaching degree at Southern Oregon University. From college he went straight to working as an elementary music educator in Medford and then later in Grants Pass.
Mr. Daggett has had the privilege of being the drummer for Funktional Fusion for 17 years. He has also performed in the pit orchestras of many local musical theater productions. He even has had the opportunity to perform with the Green Garter Band of the University of Oregon as well as with the The Diamonds. Mr. Daggett also has years of experience in the dance arts, both on stage and off. Fun Fact — he was part of a hip hop crew in the year 2000 who auditioned for the Queen Latifah show. They took 3rd place in the national competition! His dance moves aren’t quite as cool nowadays, but he still likes to groove, (much to the chagrin of his children).
– Michael Heater –
Born and raised in Southern Oregon, Michael Heater has been performing with a variety of bands up and down the west coast since 1996. Favorite stops along the way have included time with the Oregon Jazz Ensemble while studying at the University of Oregon, a stint with Eugene-based band Caleb and Sol, a summer in China with the 2008 Beijing Olympic Orchestra, a handful of appearances on Eugene artist and long-time friend Dennis Hvass’s 2010 album, “In the Key of D,” three years with San Diego-based rock band Sometimes Julie and drum credits on their 2021 album, “Where are You?”, original member and current drummer for Oceanside, CA band Pip and the Lefties, and current bassist for Trevor Hanks and the Blackburn Rebels here in GP.
Having played a variety of instruments growing up, Michael’s interests have focused in and found a love for drums, bass guitar, and electric guitar. With a professional background in business coaching, Michael’s approach to teaching music factors in a strong foundation in fundamentals along with a curiosity to help students identify their unique and optimal learning style in order to help them lean into their strengths.
– Jess Daggett –
Jess, known affectionately as Miss Jessi, is a hidden gem in the Rogue Valley. She has all of the talent of a star but has chosen to stay local, raising her beautiful children, helping mamas have babies, and singing in local theater productions when she can. Jess spent years practicing and performing with the Grants Pass High School Chamber Choir and Sounds Unlimited. She had the privilege of studying under both Dr. Wilson and Ms. Julie Lehnhardt during her time at Grants Pass. She also performed in many plays and musicals under the direction of Mrs. Kate Skudstad. After high school she studied under Dr. Paul French and Dr. Fredna Grimland at Southern Oregon University.
Jess was cast as the Millie in Rogue Music Theater’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2015. She was cast as one of the disciples in Kate Skudstad’s production of Godspell in 2022. Jess is also the first teacher that most students at Southern Oregon Dance Center will meet when they begin their dance journey. She has been the Creative Movement instructor, teaching the 3-6 year olds, for 10 years and loves it!
Jess has the patience of a saint which, when combined with her years of experience and her incredible talent, create a phenomenal teacher ready to help your student reach their potential!
(And yes… she is married to Mr. Daggett.)