Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Other Experience
Timeline
Generic

Carl Copon

VIRGINIA BEACH,Virginia

Summary

Dynamic Music Teacher with a rich tenure at Virginia Beach City Public Schools, adept in vocal techniques and fostering student growth. Excelled in curriculum development, enhancing learning through innovative music instruction. Proven track record in building meaningful relationships and collaborating effectively with faculty. Passionate about mentoring students to achieve beyond their expectations, with a flair for creating inclusive environments that nurture talent and teamwork. Member of Instructional Leadership Team, Performing Arts Department Chair, Department Chair Lead, who has experience managing faculty committees to achieve school goals and produce school and district-wide events. Former District Choral Representative for Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Eastern Shore, as well as former District Music Chair for Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. Coordinated district choral auditions, and district all-state auditions at the secondary level, and coordinated the district choral events as well.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Music Teacher - Vocal/Choral/Piano Instructor

Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2005 - Current
  • Planned and executed targeted lesson plans to instruct on music theory, music history, and performance etiquette.
  • Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
  • Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning.
  • Assessed student performance and provided constructive feedback to guide progress.
  • Encouraged social interaction and collaboration among students to foster camaraderie and teamwork.
  • Tailored instruction to meet individual student needs and cultivated inclusive learning environment.
  • Incorporated creative activities into lessons to engage students and spark interest in music.
  • Utilized current technology and interactive teaching methods to enhance student engagement.
  • Sponsored student fine arts clubs, attending club meetings and events.
  • Fostered love for art and learning to inspire students to pursue passions and interests.
  • Attended department meetings and collaborated with other fine arts teachers.
  • Supervised students during rehearsals to provide direction to students during practice sessions.
  • Used technology in classrooms to integrate technology and multimedia tools into art lessons and enhance student learning.
  • Managed classroom behavior to establish and maintain clear classroom behavior and discipline expectations.
  • Scheduled shows and performances in accordance with school calendar.
  • Held afterschool meetings and rehearsals in preparation for shows.
  • Created supportive and inclusive learning environments to foster positive classrooms that support student growth and learning.
  • Gathered display materials and distributed programs for shows and performances.
  • Evaluated and graded students' class work, performances, projects, assignments and papers.
  • Collaborated with community arts organizations to bring real-world experiences into classrooms and provide students with opportunities for learning and growth.
  • Attended concerts and performances to support students and arts community.
  • Planned and delivered lessons to teach classes in arts to engage and educate students.
  • Established strong music foundation with students by incorporating basic music theory into weekly lessons.
  • Selected music from various genres for use as teaching pieces.
  • Worked with students to sharpen sight-reading, memorization and improvisation piano techniques.
  • Developed musical instruction with goal of end-of-term recital performance.
  • Audio-recorded performances for playback to help students identify mistakes and areas for improvement.
  • Provided feedback and grades to provide regular feedback on student progress and assigned grades based on performance.

Choral Adjudicator

Chesapeake Public Schools Choral Festival

Evaluated choral ensemble performance and sight-singing.

District Choral Assessment Adjudicator

VCDA District 4 (Chesapeake and Portsmouth, VA)

Evaluated choral ensemble performance and sight-singing.

Conductor

Chesapeake Public School All-City Boys Chorus

Rehearsed and conducted select boys choir for public performance.

Education

Bachelors of Music in Music Education, BMME - Music Education

Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
12.2004

Skills

  • Vocal techniques
  • Learning enhancement
  • Rehearsals
  • Performance direction
  • Faculty collaboration
  • Relationship building
  • Performance preparation
  • Program development
  • Program administration
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Classroom management
  • Sight reading
  • Music theory
  • Choral performances
  • Curriculum design
  • Fundraising
  • Vocal tone
  • Staff development and mentorship
  • Documentation
  • Musical instruction
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Behavior management
  • Audio editing
  • School assembly preparations
  • Music production
  • Proficient in Piano
  • Special events
  • Curriculum development and lesson planning
  • Aural skills
  • Pedagogy and music theory
  • Supply coordination

Accomplishments

  • Awarded "Kellam High School Teacher Assistant of the Year" for 2006.
  • Awarded "VBCPS City-Wide Teacher Assistant of the Year" for 2006.
  • Awarded "Kellam High School Teacher of the Year" for 2017.
  • Awarded "Kellam Knight of the Year" for 2022.
  • Awarded "District Choral Director of the Year" for 2010, 2015, and 2020.
  • Chairperson for the Love Kellam Week Planning Committee.
  • Chairperson for the Kellam High School Grading Committee.
  • Lead Teacher on the Kellam High School PBIS Team.

Affiliations

  • National Education Association (NEA)
  • Virginia Education Association (VEA)
  • Virginia Beach Education Association (VBEA)
  • National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
  • Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA)
  • Virginia Choral Directors Association (VCDA)

Other Experience

  • Workshop Presenter (Musical Theatre) at the Virginia State Thespian Conference.
  • Rehearsal Accompanist for Opera For Us (February 2025).
  • Mr. Kellam Pageant Event Sponsor and Show Producer (2014-2022).
  • Served on the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Music Curriculum Writing Team (for two update cycles).
  • Coordinated performance ensembles for city-wide community events.
  • Coordinated performance ensemble trips for both in-state and out-of-state performance experiences.
  • Collaborated with Kellam Drama and Music on over 20 full-scale musical theatre productions.

Timeline

Music Teacher - Vocal/Choral/Piano Instructor

Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2005 - Current

Choral Adjudicator

Chesapeake Public Schools Choral Festival

District Choral Assessment Adjudicator

VCDA District 4 (Chesapeake and Portsmouth, VA)

Conductor

Chesapeake Public School All-City Boys Chorus

Bachelors of Music in Music Education, BMME - Music Education

Old Dominion University