Rick S. Gates
Copperas Cove
Summary
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for proactive problem-solving and process optimization to support team objectives. Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills with quick adaptability to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings a positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth. Extensive background in choral music with over 35 years of choral directing experience.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Music Director
Grace United Methodist Church
11.2022 - Current
- Handled requests for specific musical selections.
- Directed groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Studied scores to learn music in detail and develop interpretations.
- Planned and scheduled rehearsals and performances and arranged details such as locations, accompanists and instrumentalists.
Head Choral Director
Copperas Cove High School
05.2021 - Current
- Responsible for teaching and developing a complete choral program including opportunities for 9-12 grades
- Planned and directed choir rehearsals to increase music literacy and appreciation.
- Chose pieces of music to set choir up for success and challenge abilities.
- Prepared and administered budgets to maintain operations within acceptable limits.
- Positioned members within groups to obtain balance among vocal or instrumental sections.
- Fine Arts Department Head
Choral Director, Teacher and Coach
Lucyle Collins Middle School
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Company Overview: LWISD
- Responsible for teaching and developing a choral program of excellence as well as coaching 8th grade Boys Basketball
- Fine Arts Team Lead
- Campus Representative for District Education Improvement Team
- Planned and directed choir rehearsals to increase music literacy and appreciation.
- Demonstrated singing techniques, teaching applicable music theory and explaining significance of pieces.
Minister of Music-Choral Director
Celebration Community Church
01.2015 - 05.2021
- Responsible for the overall music ministry of the church including Sanctuary Choir, instrumentalists, groups and soloists
- Planned, organized and led music ministry during worship service by motivating congregational participation and providing direction to choir members and musicians.
- Provided inspiring and motivational music ministry during worship services, programs and events to uplift, encourage and entertain people with positive messages and values.
Choir & General Music Teacher
J. Herman Reed Middle School
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Company Overview: J. Herman Reed Middle School
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
- Planned and executed targeted lesson plans to instruct on music theory, music history, and performance etiquette.
- Responsible for teaching and developing a choral program as well as providing an additional elective option in General Music
- Duncanville ISD
Assistant Manager & Frame Shop Manager
Hobby Lobby
10.2008 - 08.2017
- Responsible for excellence in customer service, handling dissatisfied customers and overall store operations as well as frame shop operations
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
- Generated repeat business through exceptional customer service.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to employees.
Church Planter and Pastor
GraceMark Church
01.2008 - 09.2010
- Responsible for all aspects of beginning a new church fellowship including incorporation, staffing, budget, outreach, and pulpit ministry
- Educated members of congregation on religious beliefs and practices.
- Supported religious leaders in performing various duties.
- Wrote and delivered sermons.
- Facilitated worship services, encouraging participation from congregation.
- Provided pastoral counseling to members of congregation.
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church Brewton AL
05.2003 - 06.2007
- Responsible for oversight and implementation of a comprehensive music ministry including all ages
- Provided inspiring and motivational music ministry during worship services, programs and events to uplift, encourage and entertain people with positive messages and values.
- Planned, organized and led music ministry during worship service by motivating congregational participation and providing direction to choir members and musicians.
- Managed music ministry budget and submitted required reports, estimates and requests by deadlines.
- Coached and mentored music ministry team members to become lifelong learners with respect to musical talents and spiritual development.
Minister of Youth & Music
First Baptist Church Alvarado TX
06.1999 - 05.2003
- Responsible for oversight and implementation of a comprehensive music ministry including all ages
- Also provide direct oversight to sound reinforcement and projection system
- Responsible for oversight of comprehensive youth ministry including ages 7-12 grade
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Raised congregational awareness of needs and contributions of youth to church life and operations.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
Minister of Music & Students
East Ridge-East Lake Baptist Church Chattanooga TN
05.1995 - 05.1999
- Responsible for oversight and implementation of a comprehensive music ministry for all ages
- Responsible for oversight of comprehensive youth and college ministry including ages 7-12 grade
- Provided inspiring and motivational music ministry during worship services, programs and events to uplift, encourage and entertain people with positive messages and values.
- Planned, organized and led music ministry during worship service by motivating congregational participation and providing direction to choir members and musicians.
- Rehearsed choir and conducted warm-up prior to services.
- Bridged generational and cultural differences by selecting balance of musical styles for every service and presenting spiritual context.
- Utilized technology in planning and presenting music to enhance worship message.
- Provided pastoral counseling to members of congregation.
Education
B.M. - Vocal Performance
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
01.1995
Masters of Arts - Christian Education
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
05.2003
Skills
- Interpersonal relationships and communication
- Collaborative leadership
- Producing, directing and coordinating concerts and events
- Selection of curriculum and curriculum alignment for Secondary schools
Accomplishments
Nominated for the HEB Excellence in Education Awards for last 2 years.
Successfully grew the Choral Program at CCHS from 64 students to 158 in 3 years time, while implementing 4 new choirs.
Consistent 1's (Superior) rating at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluations.
Led fundraising effort to raise $84,000 to take Voices of Cove to compete in Nations Capitol.
Successfully aligned curriculum for all Junior High Schools and High School in Copperas Cove ISD.
Certification
TEA (Texas Education Agency) certified MUS EC-12
Texas Principals Certification
Timeline
Music Director
Grace United Methodist Church
11.2022 - Current
Head Choral Director
Copperas Cove High School
05.2021 - Current
Choral Director, Teacher and Coach
Lucyle Collins Middle School
08.2019 - 05.2021
Choir & General Music Teacher
J. Herman Reed Middle School
08.2017 - 05.2019
Minister of Music-Choral Director
Celebration Community Church
01.2015 - 05.2021
Assistant Manager & Frame Shop Manager
Hobby Lobby
10.2008 - 08.2017
Church Planter and Pastor
GraceMark Church
01.2008 - 09.2010
Minister of Music
First Baptist Church Brewton AL
05.2003 - 06.2007
Minister of Youth & Music
First Baptist Church Alvarado TX
06.1999 - 05.2003
Minister of Music & Students
East Ridge-East Lake Baptist Church Chattanooga TN
05.1995 - 05.1999
Masters of Arts - Christian Education
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
TEA (Texas Education Agency) certified MUS EC-12
Texas Principals Certification
B.M. - Vocal Performance
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
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