Many of COSI’s Team Members combine their passion for art with science education to give COSI guests a rich learning experience. Dave Buker, of Dave Buker & the Historians, is a talented musician and works as the Manager of the Tech Studio at COSI. He not only teaches students of all ages music creation, but also teaches 3D modeling/printing, videography/photography and digital art. I had a chance to talk with him about how his passion for music intersects with teaching at COSI.
Jaclyn: Tell me a little bit about your background in music.
Dave: I discovered a love for music at a young age, and started playing brass instruments in middle school. Throughout middle and high school, I started playing guitar in several bands, which is when I really began to compose my own music. That ultimately led me to pursue music at a collegiate level; I graduated from Youngstown State University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in music education (classical guitar emphasis). My time spent at YSU was also when I learned more about music theory, compositional techniques, arranging and piano fundamentals.
After graduating, I moved to Columbus and formed Dave Buker & the Historians with drummer Joe Spurlock and keyboardist Paul Valdiviez. Both Joe and Paul have music degrees, and play multiple instruments, so we’ve always spoken a very similar language. The band’s lineup has changed a bit over time but now also features my fiancé, Leanna Stansell (vocals/keyboard), and bassist Tim Jennings, both of whom bring very complementary elements to what Joe, Paul and I began cultivating seven years ago.
Jaclyn: Where do you find inspiration for your music?
Dave: Like many songwriters, I draw inspiration from personal experiences and the experiences of those in my life. In fact, that is why we use the name “historians;” I feel that songwriters often serve as documentarians for things that might have otherwise gone undocumented.
Jaclyn: How do you combine your passion for music with your work in the Tech Studio?
Dave: My passion for music, as well as media and art in general, is directly correlated to the activities in Tech Studio. There are obvious examples: I get to teach about audio production, recording, composition, etc. But also my background as an artist helps me when working with students in any discipline, whether it be videography, graphic design or animation. All of these disciplines require a certain measure of storytelling and so that is always a reference for me. Also, all art requires the artist to go through a process, which can at times be challenging; I find it helpful that I often go through a similar process through my work.
Jaclyn: Are there ways in which your band life intersects with your work life?
Dave: Absolutely. We have several students who visit Tech Studio to work on audio production and music composition. I often work very closely with them and site musical examples from my own work… which in turn leads to these students listening to Dave Buker & the Historians… which leads to conversations about things they noticed in the music. Also, students sometimes come to see me play, often bringing their whole family along. I really appreciate that support.
Jaclyn: Other than audio production, what is your favorite thing to teach about in Tech Studio?
Dave: I really like to teach about video production. I, along with our Tech Studio team (Ryan Westhoven and Liz Martin), produce most of COSI’s educational and marketing videos and so videography is something we’ve become increasingly passionate about. We even offer week-long summer camps that focus exclusively on editing, green screen compositing and the basics of camera functions.
Tech Studio at COSI is open Wednesdays from 3pm-5pm and Saturdays from 12pm-5pm. A special workshop on electronics prototyping will be held on May 20 at COSI, 333 W. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215. Visit cosi.org or call 614.228.2674 for details. Dave Buker & the Historians will release a new EP, You Can Follow, on June 10 with a performance at Rambling House Soda. Visit davebuker.com for details.
Columbus Makes Art Presents is a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council – supporting art and advancing culture in Columbus. The column is a project of the Art Makes Columbus campaign, telling the inspiring stories of the people and organizations who create Columbus art. Each column will be written by a different local arts organization to give you an insiders look at how #artmakescbus.
