A school dance without music isn’t a school dance at all; it’s students in expensive clothes with uncomfortable shoes standing in their school’s cafeteria. Music creates a dance, it creates a vibe, it creates memories. What’s a school dance without its DJ?
Introducing Avi Devan, an actuarial science major at ISU and JHS’s DJ for the 2025 Homecoming dance. A master in his craft and taker of requests, Devan was raised by a DJ, his father, and uses his accumulated talents to follow the energy of any crowd.
“I like to go into [sets] with no preparation. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but I think the best DJs can think on their feet. I’ve gotten really good at thinking on my feet over the years,” Devan said.
True to Devan’s talents, he prefers to read the crowd and play the song that fits them the best. Amongst the songs played September 20th you more than likely heard a few of Devan’s favorites.
“I love ‘Party in the USA’…‘Baby’ by Justin Bieber is always a classic, and you know, since we’re in Iowa, ‘Cotton Eyed Joe’ is really good,” Devan said.
While there are many who think they have the power to wield the discs, it takes many hours of practice and album reviews to curate that perfect beat. Devan himself took to the mixer when he was 19.
“When I got to college, I started working at a bar, and I started running their social media. I kinda was just around DJing, and one day I decided to give it a shot.I picked it up…ever since then I’ve just been playing…my friends like to say, if there’s a board and music playing, I’ll be there,” Devan said.
Beyond the headphones and board, there are many more elements that go into getting the dance floor moving. Devan works for DSM Dance Party DJs, a metro DJing business boasting a proud 12 DJs and thousands of dollars in equipment to provide a night to remember.
“[We have] LED screens…low fog… and bubbles with haze inside. For Saturday it’s our sparklers,” DSM Dance Party DJs owner, Ren Jamisola, said.
With Homecoming being a success you can be sure to thank Devan and Jamisola for taking care of your music.
“I promise I’m not like other DJs…I’m one for the students. I remember what it was like to be 16, 17, 18,” Devan said.
