PORTIA R. BURNS
Cornelia,USA
Summary
Vocal Director with extensive experience in choir leadership and music theory instruction. Demonstrated success in training diverse vocal ensembles and implementing innovative techniques to enhance performance quality. Strong communication skills foster collaborative environments and build positive relationships with performers. Accomplished music director and composer with a proven track record in successful theater productions and concerts, enhancing audience engagement through creative arrangements.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Vocal Director, Sound Technician, and Pit Conductor
Gainesville High School
Gaineville, GA
09.2022 - Current
- Collaborate with instrumentalists to achieve cohesive sound during performances.
- Direct rehearsals to establish tonal and harmonic balance among musicians.
- Develop vocal exercises to enhance singers' tonal quality.
- Coach soloists on performance techniques and stage presence.
- Set up and operate soundboards, microphones, and audio mixers for events.
- Perform sound checks to ensure optimal sound quality prior to shows.
- Train volunteers on proper use of audio equipment and troubleshooting methods.
- Maintain and repair audio equipment, ensuring reliability during productions.
CEO and Instructor
Music Expressions Prep, Inc.
Cornelia, GA
08.2020 - Current
- Establish and manage private music academy offering individual and group lessons for voice, piano, percussion, guitar, and bass across all age groups.
- Collaborate with music educators to refine instructional strategies and boost student engagement in music programs.
Minister of Music
Shady Grove Baptist Church
Cornelia, Georgia
01.2003 - 08.2025
- Provide piano accompaniment and vocal training for all church choirs.
- Led worship services, coordinating music selections and rehearsals.
- Directed choir and instrumental groups, enhancing musical performances.
- Collaborated with church staff to plan special events and services.
- Organized community outreach programs through music-related activities.
- Provided training and mentorship to aspiring musicians in the congregation.
- Managed audio-visual equipment for worship services and events.
- Fostered a welcoming environment for diverse musical expressions within the church community.
- Organized and led weekly choir rehearsals.
- Recruited new members to join the church's musical groups.
- Planned and directed special program.
- Oversaw maintenance needs related to any musical instruments owned by the church.
- Taught private lessons to individuals interested in learning how to play a particular instrument associated with the church's musical program.
Adjunct Professor of Music
Brenau University
Gainesville, Georgia
08.2010 - 01.2023
- Orchestrated accompaniment, provided vocal instruction, and conducted Brenau Gospel Choir.
Chorus/Theatre Arts Teacher
Jordan Middle School
Lawrenceville, GA
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Designed curriculum and course structure; oversaw grading and assessment; optimized and enhanced 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Mixed Chorus; and established inaugural Theatre Arts program.
Chorus/Music Appreciation Teacher
Gainesville Middle School
Gaineville, Georgia
08.2012 - 05.2017
- Designed innovative curriculum and course structure for choral music education.
- Directed three choral ensembles, including 6th Grade Beginning Mixed Chorus and 7th/8th Grade Mixed and Women’s Choruses.
- Managed grading and assessment processes to uphold academic integrity and promote student success.
- Presented comprehensive understanding of Western music (6th grade), world music (7th grade), and music business (8th grade) in music appreciation classes..
Teaching Assistant to Julia Hamilton in Chorus and Musical Theater
Gainesville High School
Gainesville, GA
01.2012 - 05.2012
- Assisted in choral curriculum and exam creation, delivered student support, and assessed written assignments.
Education
B.M. - Music Education
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA04-2012
B.A. - Vocal Performance
Piedmont College
Demorest, GA06-2010
Skills
- Vocal coaching and direction
- Audio mixing and mastering
- Soundboard operation
- Tonal balance and pitch correction
- Rehearsal planning and direction
- Curriculum development
- Piano accompaniment and ensemble management
- Diction coaching and language proficiency
- Breathing techniques and warm-up exercises
- Audition preparation and repertoire selection
- Collaborative leadership in music
- Harmony teaching and emotional expression
- Music theory and sight reading
- Sound design and audio production
- Relationship building and teamwork
Affiliations
Mu Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Inc.
References
References available upon request.
Awards
- Adjunct Professor of the Year, Brenau University, 16
Languages
- English, Native
- Spanish, Basic Competence (Comprehension, Reading, and Writing)
Accomplishments
- Honorary Thespian for Troupe 2445, Gainesville High School May 2024
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Limited
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Vocal Director, Sound Technician, and Pit Conductor
Gainesville High School
09.2022 - Current
CEO and Instructor
Music Expressions Prep, Inc.
08.2020 - Current
Chorus/Theatre Arts Teacher
Jordan Middle School
08.2019 - 05.2020
Chorus/Music Appreciation Teacher
Gainesville Middle School
08.2012 - 05.2017
Teaching Assistant to Julia Hamilton in Chorus and Musical Theater
Gainesville High School
01.2012 - 05.2012
Adjunct Professor of Music
Brenau University
08.2010 - 01.2023
Minister of Music
Shady Grove Baptist Church
01.2003 - 08.2025
B.M. - Music Education
Brenau University
B.A. - Vocal Performance
Piedmont College
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