Devin R. James
Conyers,GA
Summary
Dynamic educator and current CEO at Marching To Harmony, Inc., skilled in fundraising management and corporate leadership. Proven track record in developing comprehensive music programs and enhancing student performance through innovative teaching methods. Adept at event coordination and fostering collaboration among staff, driving organizational success and student engagement.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Rockdale County School District
Conyers, GA
07.2021 - Current
- Incorporated technology into rehearsal sessions including recording software and digital instruments.
- Supervised student musicians during performances to ensure accuracy of notes and rhythms.
- Provided individual instruction to students on instrument technique and performance skills.
- Communicated regularly with parents about their child's progress within the band program.
- Advised students on college applications related to music degrees or scholarships.
- Mentored younger teachers who are interested in pursuing careers as Band Directors.
- Assisted in fundraising activities to support the band program's needs financially.
- Directed musical ensembles in concerts, festivals, competitions, and other public events.
- Attended professional development workshops focused on current trends in instrumental education.
- Worked closely with administrators to ensure compliance with district policies related to student safety regulations.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive band program for students aged 10-18.
CEO Non-Profit Company
Marching To Harmony, Inc.
Conyers, GA
02.2020 - Current
- Directed long-term research initiatives to identify new markets for growth opportunities.
- Collaborated with marketing teams on campaigns aimed at increasing brand visibility in target markets.
- Developed strategies for improving customer service standards throughout the company.
- Overseen the daily operations of the organization and ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Maintained open communication channels between departments to maximize efficiency and productivity.
- Created and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, government agencies, and other industry partners.
- Represented the organization at conferences, events, and networking activities as needed.
- Spearheaded internal initiatives designed to foster collaboration among staff members.
- Facilitated board meetings and provided leadership guidance to senior management.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure competitive pricing for goods or services.
- Developed and implemented strategic business plans to increase company profitability.
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish long-term goals, strategies and company policies.
Teacher/Band Director
Dekalb County School District
Stone Mountain, GA
08.2007 - 06.2021
- Monitored progress of student musicians throughout the year by evaluating their practice habits and attendance records.
- Attended professional development workshops focused on current trends in instrumental education.
- Selected appropriate musical selections for concert programming based on student abilities and interests.
- Assisted in fundraising activities to support the band program's needs financially.
- Supervised student musicians during performances to ensure accuracy of notes and rhythms.
- Maintained a detailed budget for purchasing instruments, supplies, sheet music.
- Communicated regularly with parents about their child's progress within the band program.
- Worked closely with administrators to ensure compliance with district policies related to student safety regulations.
- Utilized innovative teaching methods such as improvisation exercises or composition projects.
- Directed musical ensembles in concerts, festivals, competitions, and other public events.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive band program for students aged 10-18.
- Provided individual instruction to students on instrument technique and performance skills.
- Implemented fundraising and promotional activities to support music programs.
- Directed rehearsals to achieve tonal and harmonic balance.
- Established performance metrics to monitor progress towards organizational goals.
- Organized and conducted regular rehearsals with high school bands to prepare for performances.
Teacher/Band Director
Richland School District One
Columbia, SC
08.2002 - 06.2007
- Planned field trips to enrich students' educational experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting.
- Utilized technology-based learning tools to enhance classroom instruction.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
- Supervised student musicians during performances to ensure accuracy of notes and rhythms.
- Provided individual instruction to students on instrument technique and performance skills.
- Collaborated with the music department chair to plan out concert programs.
- Directed musical ensembles in concerts, festivals, competitions, and other public events.
- Worked closely with administrators to ensure compliance with district policies related to student safety regulations.
- Utilized innovative teaching methods such as improvisation exercises or composition projects.
- Maintained a detailed budget for purchasing instruments, supplies, sheet music.
Community Orchestra Asst. Director
Benedict College
Columbia , SC
01.2002 - 06.2005
- Encouraged creative expression among orchestra members while maintaining control over rehearsals.
- Organized and conducted rehearsals with orchestra members, providing instruction and feedback as needed.
- Selected repertoire based on skill levels of orchestra members, instrumentation, and availability of sheet music.
- Developed and implemented music programs to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
- Collaborated with other school faculty members to coordinate musical activities with other academic subjects such as math or science.
- Attended conferences related to orchestral conducting techniques in order to stay abreast of current trends.
- Provided guidance to students on proper technique for playing their instruments correctly.
- Played different musical instruments to accompany and complement praise teams.
- Instructed performers on history, fundamentals, and appreciation of different music styles .
- Directed rehearsals to achieve tonal and harmonic balance.
Band Director/Pep Band
Allen University
Columbia, SC
08.2001 - 06.2002
- Composed original pieces of music for student ensembles to perform at various events.
- Sourced new materials such as sheet music and audio recordings for use in rehearsals or performances.
- Mentored younger teachers who are interested in pursuing careers as Band Directors.
- Directed musical ensembles in concerts, festivals, competitions, and other public events.
- Supervised student musicians during performances to ensure accuracy of notes and rhythms.
- Provided individual instruction to students on instrument technique and performance skills.
- Monitored progress of student musicians throughout the year by evaluating their practice habits and attendance records.
- Rewrote original musical scores in different musical styles by changing tempos, harmonies, and rhythms.
- Played different musical instruments to accompany and complement praise teams.
Education
Master of Arts - Education Administration
Southern Wesleyan University
12-2012
Bachelor of Science - Music Education
South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, SC05-2001
Ph.D. - Educational Administration
Walden University
Minneapolis, MNSkills
- Fundraising Management
- Event Coordination
- Music Arranger/Composer
- Corporate Leadership
- Educational Administration
- Music Technology
- Author/Writer
- Curriculum Development
Accomplishments
- 2024 Teacher of the year(Music Technology) Rockdale County School District
- 2023-2024 Grammy Music Educator Award Semi-Finalist
- 2024-2025 Grammy Music Educator Legacy Award
- 2009 New Teacher of the Year Award (Avondale HS)
- 2017 Leadership Award United Methodist Church
Timeline
Teacher
Rockdale County School District
07.2021 - Current
CEO Non-Profit Company
Marching To Harmony, Inc.
02.2020 - Current
Teacher/Band Director
Dekalb County School District
08.2007 - 06.2021
Teacher/Band Director
Richland School District One
08.2002 - 06.2007
Community Orchestra Asst. Director
Benedict College
01.2002 - 06.2005
Band Director/Pep Band
Allen University
08.2001 - 06.2002
Master of Arts - Education Administration
Southern Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Science - Music Education
South Carolina State University
Ph.D. - Educational Administration
Walden University