Composer and percussionist David Hughes was fortunate enough to be raised around the rich musical waters of coastal Alabama. This geographic location placed him inside a mixture of music that included Gospel, Country, Mardi Gras Marches, Classical and Rock. Hughes has gained valuable experience through fifteen years of facilitating a variety of percussion and music centered events. His work with diverse groups of people helped him develop unique and versatile approaches to music creation and education. Hughes’ body of work could be considered a musical gumbo of sorts and includes pieces that could be labeled as folk, modern, classical and a mixture of other genres as well. As an educator his varied background has afforded him the ability to create positive learning environments for adults and children alike.
Teaching Experience
Music Teacher, St. Paul’s Episcopal School, Mobile, Alabama, 2011-Present
Leads third, fourth and fifth grade students on adventures through musical genres and instruments from around the world. Directs four fourth grade ensembles that utilize tin whistles, diatonic xylophones and various percussion instruments.
Music Teacher, Mobile Symphony Preludes Program, Mobile, Alabama, 2009-Present
Develops and directs fun musical explorations for first and second graders in the Mobile County Public School System as part of Mobile Symphony’s education program, Preludes.
Percussion Instructor, Mobile, Alabama, 1993-Present
Has taught percussion privately and in group settings for over 15 years. Has valuable experience working with a wide variety of groups that include church groups, Arts educator training seminars, Boys and Girls Club classes, Youth Leadership seminars, and community drum circles.
Volunteer Teacher, Junior Achievement, Mobile, Alabama, 2000-2002
Worked with eighth grade students teaching them the value of obtaining a high school and college education.
Computer Lab Supervisor, University of Mobile, Mobile, Alabama, 1996-1999
Facilitated the development and assembly of the University of Mobile’s Fine Arts technology lab. Established music technology training courses that worked in conjunction with the university’s music theory curriculum.
Performance Experience
Percussionist, 1993-Present
Has performed in concert series and festivals throughout the United States and has entertained as a guest artist with symphony orchestras in Michigan, Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, California and Pennsylvania.
Composer, 1993-Present
Composes music in a rich variety of styles with pieces commissioned and performed through multiple avenues including fine arts museums, professional dance companies, chamber performances, and symphony concerts.
Management Experience
Owner, The Rhythm Center, Mobile, Alabama, 2010-Present
Provides music classes to a variety of community groups from home school coop groups to after school programs in the Mobile County Public School System. Manages the music teachers who implement these classes.
Program Manager, Equipment Sales Corporation, Mobile, Alabama, 2003-2009
Collaborated with owners to plan, execute, and monitor strategies that focused on healthy corporate development. Managed marketing initiatives to unite customer advertising efforts. Implemented enhancement programs that assisted dealers in developing sound business practices.
Operations/Marketing Manager, Mobile Symphony, Mobile, Alabama, 1999-2003
Supervised the development and implementation of Mobile Symphony marketing campaigns. Created fiscally responsible production, marketing and technology budgets. Built strong working relationships with artist managers, guest artists, patrons and board members. Deeply involved in developing the symphony’s artistic vision and strategic plan. Collaborated with community leaders to foster a cohesive Arts community.
Education
University of Mobile, Mobile, Alabama — Bachelor of Arts, Music, 1999
