Thomas Gaona
Saint Augustine,FL
Summary
Seasoned Director of Bands with a background in leading and organizing successful music programs. Demonstrates strong leadership abilities, exceptional musical knowledge, and excellent organizational skills. Known for fostering talent development and creating inspiring musical performances. Instrumental in transforming band programs to produce high-level performance ensembles.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Education Sales Representative
Music & Arts
Jacksonville, FL
06.2024 - Current
- Resolved issues related to pricing, billing, contracts. in a timely manner.
- Utilized CRM software to track customer interactions and manage accounts.
- Participated in training sessions to improve product knowledge and sales techniques.
- Assisted customers during selection process and helped choose perfect products to meet individual needs.
- Met with store managers to discuss product needs, accomplish sales goals and facilitate sales growth.
- Exceeded sales goals using consultative sales talents and effectively explaining programs and services to generate interest.
- Developed promotional materials such as brochures, flyers, emails.
- Maintained up-to-date records of all client interactions using CRM software systems like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
- Implemented professional sales presentations to creatively communicate product quality and market comparisons.
- Generated quotes for customers based on their needs and budget constraints.
- Initiated and monitored strategies for retaining and servicing accounts to maintain consistent revenue streams.
- Communicated effectively with clientele to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Reached out to customers to set up appointments, check on satisfaction and suggest additional offerings.
- Conducted research on current trends in education technology, products, and services.
Associate Director of Bands
Flagler County Schools
St. Augustine, FL
07.2023 - 05.2024
- Supervised student musicians during performances to ensure accuracy of notes and rhythms.
- Positioned group members to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
- Attended professional development workshops focused on current trends in instrumental education.
- Prepared students for auditions or competitions by providing guidance on repertoire selection.
- Sourced new materials such as sheet music and audio recordings for use in rehearsals or performances.
- Directed rehearsals to achieve tonal and harmonic balance.
- Planned band involvement in extracurricular activities and special events.
- Incorporated technology into rehearsal sessions, including recording software and digital instruments.
- Worked closely with administrators to ensure compliance with district policies related to student safety regulations.
- Selected appropriate musical selections for concert programming based on student abilities and interests.
- Utilized innovative teaching methods such as improvisation exercises or composition projects.
- Maintained a detailed budget for purchasing instruments, supplies, sheet music.
- Coordinated with school, students and parents regarding after school rehearsals and performances.
- Conducted weekly sectional rehearsals with the brass, woodwinds, percussion, and color guard sections.
- Managed communications between parents and guardians regarding their child's participation in the program.
Assistant Band Director
St. John's county School District - Bartram Trail
St. Johns, FL
08.2017 - 05.2023
- The music ensembles have received a superior rating at several Music Performance Assessments during my tenure.
- Since I took over the Advanced Jazz Ensemble in the Fall of 2017 - the ensemble has received Straight Superiors at the district Jazz Music Performance Assessment for 5 consecutive years.
- The Advanced Jazz Ensemble received its first ever Superior rating at the State Jazz Music Performance Assessment.
- Planned band involvement in extracurricular activities and special events.
- Led after school programs such as Marching Band and Concert Band.
- Verified student eligibility, established performance requirements and monitored student educational standings.
- Used computers and synthesizers to compose, orchestrate and arrange music.
- Rewrote original musical scores in different musical styles by changing tempos, harmonies and rhythms.
- Implemented fundraising and promotional activities to support music programs.
- Transcribes musical compositions and melodic lines to create musical style.
- Positioned group members to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
- Met with composers to discuss interpretations of work.
- Directed rehearsals to achieve tonal and harmonic balance.
- Guided up to 275 musicians during Marching Band rehearsals and performances.
- Instructed performers on history, fundamentals and appreciation of different music styles.
- Prepared invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements and other documents to maintain organized filing system.
Media Specialist
First Baptist Church Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
04.2013 - 04.2018
- Maintained first-rate service by quickly repairing or replacing damaged materials and equipment according to library budget.
- Handled troubleshooting of PCs, software, printers and other equipment for entire design department.
- Ran cables, arranged speakers and managed projectors for diverse event requirements.
- Recorded and published high-definition videos of company seminars and presentations for website and social media use.
- Processed faculty requests for new resources.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL12.2016
Associate of Arts -
Florida State College At Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL05.2013
Skills
- Conducting Proficiency
- Music Editing
- Extensive Trombone Performance Background
- Musical Arrangements Understanding
- Performance Assessment Understanding
- Conflict Resolution
- Training & Development
- Instrument Maintenance & Repair
- Computer Skills
- Customer Service
- Relationship Building
- Good Work Ethic
- Team Management
- First Aid/CPR
- Team Building
- Active Listening
- Microsoft Office
- Critical Thinking
- PPE Use
- Reliable & Trustworthy
- Problem Resolution
- Organizational Skills
- People Skills
- Planning & Organizing
- Basic Math
- Data Management
- Supervision & Leadership
- Equipment Installation
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Experience in Leadership
Certification
- Professional Teaching License
Timeline
Education Sales Representative
Music & Arts
06.2024 - Current
Associate Director of Bands
Flagler County Schools
07.2023 - 05.2024
Assistant Band Director
St. John's county School District - Bartram Trail
08.2017 - 05.2023
Media Specialist
First Baptist Church Jacksonville
04.2013 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education
University of North Florida
Associate of Arts -
Florida State College At Jacksonville
- Professional Teaching License
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