Originally from Rome, Georgia, Dawson Burnes is the Assistant Director of Bands at East Paulding High School in Dallas, GA. Dawson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the UGA Horn Studio under the direction of Dr. James Naigus and Dr. Jean Martin-Williams. While at UGA, he performed in the Wind Ensemble and British Brass Band and studied under many notable conductors and performers, such as Dr. Michael Robinson, Dr. Jaclyn Hartenberger, Dr. Nicholas Williams, Dr. Shiree Williams, and Philip Smith.

Dawson is heavily involved in the marching arts and athletic bands. He served as a mellophone section leader and Associate Band Captain of Performance with the UGA Redcoat Marching Band, conducting the pep band, volleyball band, and gymnastics band. He has marched in the Drum Corps International circuit starting at the age of 15, concluding his marching career as a conductor of Phantom Regiment. Dawson is also a freelance composer and arranger, writing for concert bands, chamber groups, and marching ensembles. His arrangements are frequently played in the stands by the UGA Redcoat Marching Band and high schools in the North Georgia area. He currently serves as a mellophone and drum major technician at Atlanta CV Drum & Bugle Corps.