Steven Thorne
Virginia Beach,VA
Summary
I am a Virginia-licensed music educator with over five years of experience in the classroom and private studio and a 30-year background in music performance. I am currently seeking the position of Director of the School of the Arts at Norfolk Academy, where I can utilize my extensive knowledge and passion for music to inspire and educate students. With a proven track record of fostering a love for music in my students, I am dedicated to creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment that encourages growth and creativity for all students. Additionally, I am skilled in music technology for composition, as well as technology for the recording arts and live performance.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Band Director
Norfolk Collegiate School
08.2021 - Current
- Rebuilt the band program after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Developed strong professional relationships with colleagues, students, and their families.
- Taught grades 4-12, consisting of being an adviser to sixth and eighth-grade students, Lower School Band, Middle School Band, Upper School Concert Band, Upper School Jazz Band, Guitar Class, Sixth Grade Electives Explorations, and American Music in History and Culture upper school class.
- Worked closely with administration and athletic director to coordinate and provide sound and technology as an indoor and outdoor sound engineer, DJ for special events, and audio technical support.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress, upcoming events, performance schedules, and any concerns that arose.
- Incorporated technology into the band curriculum, such as digital audio workstations (DAW).
- Developed a community partnership with the Tidewater Winds.
- Organized rehearsals for the school musicals, liaising with the Tidewater Winds.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments such as written tests, playing exams, and individual conferences.
- Developed differentiated lesson plans to teach music theory, history, performance techniques, and leadership skills to students of all skill levels.
- Attended professional development workshops and conferences to stay current on best practices in music education.
- Organized experiential learning experiences for students in addition to chaperoning colleague's experiential learning experiences.
- Selected repertoire suitable for each ensemble's skill level while maintaining a balance of musical styles throughout the school year.
- Mentored new teachers within the music department.
- Committees: Educational Technology Committee, Student Leadership Committee
K-12 Music Teacher
Young Musicians of Virginia
01.2020 - 08.2021
- As an independently contracted teacher, I taught in multiple educational settings including the private studio, Pop Music Ensemble, Music Theory, and Conducting.
- Communicated with students, parents, and administration. Filled in for the band director when needed for Concert Band and Jazz Band.
- Planned for and held student recitals.
- Prepared students for auditions, including Virginia State Band, via modeling and teaching scales, etudes, exercises, and sight-reading. Students are held accountable by following and completing a weekly reflective practice journal.
Private Instructor
MUSIC AND ARTS
01.2013 - 12.2019
- Provided differentiated supplemental music education to students of different levels of learning.
- Communicated effectively with students and parents. Communicated effectively with management.
- Prepared students for recitals by focusing on the fundamentals of musicianship/performance with the learning of and application of exercises, etudes, music theory, and the learning of quality repertoire.
Marching Band Woodwind Instructor
Frank W. Cox High School
08.2014 - 11.2015
- Instructed students in the techniques for successful practice and performance of Marching Band repertoire.
- Planned for and instructed rehearsals during the marching band seasons for weekly competitions and VBODA assessments.
- While serving as the woodwind instructor, the woodwind section received multiple awards at various competitions.
- Enhanced student performance by incorporating diverse woodwind techniques and methods in lessons.
Education
Bachelor of Music - PreK-12 Music Education
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
Norfolk, VA12.2012
Skills
- Reliability
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Student motivation
- Live and recorded music technology
- Music composition and arranging
- Ensemble management
- Rehearsal techniques
- Music theory
- Jazz improvisation
Affiliations
- NAfME (National Association for Music Education)
- VBODA (Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association)
Awards
Oak Award (2024)
"Teacher in the Bleacher" Award (2023)
Down Beat Magazine Student Music Award (1999)
Richard R. Dee Concerto Competition Winner (1998)
Certification
Virginia Licensure
Music Education - Instrumental PreK-12
Expiration: 2017
Renewal submitted on May 12, 2025
Timeline
Band Director
Norfolk Collegiate School
08.2021 - Current
K-12 Music Teacher
Young Musicians of Virginia
01.2020 - 08.2021
Marching Band Woodwind Instructor
Frank W. Cox High School
08.2014 - 11.2015
Private Instructor
MUSIC AND ARTS
01.2013 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Music - PreK-12 Music Education
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
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