Dawson Burnes is the Assistant Director of Bands at East Paulding High School in Dallas, Georgia. A native of Rome, Georgia, Mr. Burnes earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia, where he was an active member of the UGA Horn Studio under the direction of James Naigus and Jean Martin-Williams. Mr. Burnes directs the  EPHS Symphonic Band, assists in the direction of the EPHS Marching Raider Brigade, and teaches Music Theory and Piano. The EPHS Wind Ensemble, under the assistance of Mr. Burnes, was invited to perform at the 2027 Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference.

During his time at UGA, Mr. Burnes performed with several of the university’s premier ensembles, including the Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, and British Brass Band. An advocate of the marching arts, he was an accomplished leader within the UGA Redcoat Marching Band and marched in the Drum Corps International circuit starting at the age of 15. Mr. Burnes concluded his DCI career as a conductor of the Phantom Regiment. He previously served as a mellophone technician with Atlanta CV Drum & Bugle Corps. Mr. Burnes is a published arranger through RWS Music and frequently writes and arranges for marching bands across North Georgia. His arrangement for wind ensemble titled “Aileron” was performed by the Vandercook College of Music Symphonic Band at the 2026 Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference.

Outside of the classroom, you can find Mr. Burnes on the pickleball courts, golf course, or watching college football.