On March 22, the Cheney High School Band earned first place in indoor percussion at a regional competition hosted at Ridgeline High School. Their powerful and emotional performance featured an original composition titled “Grace” – written by the late Drey Davis, a beloved Spokane musician, educator and mentor whose influence continues to resonate.
Before his unexpected passing, Drey poured his heart into both the music and the young people he mentored. He regularly traveled from Spokane’s Northside to Cheney High School before school hours to work with the drumline, sharing his time, talent, and passion. In addition to his work with Cheney, Drey also taught band for grades 6-12 at Northwest Christian School, where he cultivated a love for music and discipline in the classroom and beyond.
The band’s winning performance – led by Joshua Wisswell and supported by Cody Goforth – included contributions from a dedicated team of students, including Cory Jones, Mason Utz and Joanna Wilkerson, as well as several Cheney Middle School students who joined the high school ensemble. Their efforts were more than a competition – they served as a heartfelt tribute to the man who helped guide and inspire them.
A canvas displayed at the event echoed Drey’s lasting imprint: “Legacy is not leaving behind something for other people – it’s leaving something behind in people.”
That legacy lives on. In 2024, Mayor Lisa Brown officially proclaimed July 14 as “Drey Day” in Spokane. This year’s celebration returns to Chameleon (1801 W. Sunset Blvd.) with doors opening at 4 p.m. and performances beginning at 5:00 PM. The event will feature live music across genres – gospel, R&B, rock and jazz – and is open to all ages.
The evening will also raise funds for a community mural in Drey’s honor – a lasting tribute to a life that continues to uplift others through music, mentorship, and love.