About David

​Musical Skills: 

Teacher / Private Music Instructor

​Orchestra / Band Director

Choral Conductor

Music Production / Audio & Video

Worship Planning / Worship Leader

Piano / Keyboards / Saxophone

Vocal Soloist

Accompanist

Arranger / Orchestrator

Adjudicator / Clinician / Consultant

Music Technology Expert (PC|Mac adept)
     (Finale, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X) 



Additional Skills: 

Public Speaking

Extensive Supervisory Experience, ability to handle Multiple Priorities, Deadlines and Diverse Personalities

Refined Verbal & Written Communication

Strong Organizational, Planning, Time Management and Problem Solving

Computer Related:
- PC Repair, Build, Setup & Tech Support
- Network Administrator
- Website Design & Management
​
"...there's no single way to teach ...you figure out, in each case, how to best explain what you are thinking to the students."      - Seiji Ozawa, Conductor, Boston Symphony Orchestra

David has directed both instrumental and choral ensembles of all ages and sizes, and conducting and teaching music have been his lifelong passions. He has been a professional church musician while serving as a substitute teacher in the Gwinnett County Public School system, and most recently received his Music I and II certification at the Professional Level with scores of 286 and 289 respectively from the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators® (GACE®)

He currently works as a freelance musician and teacher for the Gwinnett County Public School system, teaching Music Technology and Class Piano (Keyboarding) at Discovery High School in Lawrenceville. He is also  Woodwind Instructor for the Grayson High School Marching Band, where prior to his position at Discovery, he regularly substituted in Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and Theater, as well as Advanced Music Technology. He is a studio quality pianist and vocalist, and was Assistant Musical Director for the Grayson High School Theatre Department's 2018 Spring Musical, The Sound of Music, and also serves as a vocal coach and consultant for other theatrical presentations. David is a frequent guest conductor for both Band and Orchestra at GHS, having also served as adjudicator/clinician prior to their LGPE (Large Group Performance Evaluation) performances.

During his years as a professional church musician, his responsibilities have covered a wide array of activities, such as:
  • Worship Leader
  • Choir Director
  • Orchestra Director
  • Arranger and Orchestrator
  • Church Administrator
  • Producer
Through the years, David has led various mass choirs, served as Music Director for National and International Music & Creative Arts Events, as well as served as a worship leader for pastors, leaders and missionaries from all over the world. He is currently serving as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in Grayson, Georgia.

David attended West Nassau High School in Callahan, Florida and completed his AA degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville. After extensive coursework at the University of North Florida, David relocated to Georgia, where he transferred to William Carey University, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, completing his Bachelor’s degree in Music, and was on the President’s list (4.0 GPA) every trimester he was enrolled as a full-time student there. He is currently working toward his Master's degree in Music Education at the University of Florida.

He resides in Grayson, Georgia, and is married to his high school sweetheart, Yvette (Card) Thomas.
​They have three grown children, as well as four grandchildren!

David's MIDI work space while at Truth Tabernacle of Praise.

Experience:
Gwinnett County Public Schools - Gwinnett County, GA
     Music Teacher, Discovery High School (Lawrenceville), 2018 to present
     Substitute Teacher, Fine Arts Specialist, 2017
Grayson High School Band - Grayson, GA
     Woodwind Instructor, 2016 to present
First Baptist Church - Grayson, GA
     Minister of Music, 2018 to present
Truth Tabernacle of Praise - Atlanta, GA (Stone Mountain)
     Worship Pastor / Administrator / Founder, 2005 to 2017
Rehoboth Baptist Church - Atlanta, GA (Tucker)
     Associate Pastor - Worship, 2002 to 2004
Mabel White Memorial Baptist Church - Macon, GA
     Associate Pastor, Minister of Music and Worship, 1997 to 2002
First Baptist Church - Callahan, FL
     Music and Worship Pastor, 1985 to 1997