Portland Public Schools Hires New Choir Director

Jonathan Mayo will be the new Choir Director for Portland Schools beginning this fall. He has been teaching choir for six years, most recently in Grand Rapids, and has experience in teaching elementary, middle, and high school vocal music. Mayo received his Bachelor of Church Music and Music Teaching Certification from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX.

Mayo will teach and direct the choirs at both Portland Middle School and PHS. He will also direct two middle school bands. Mike Sulecki, Portland Schools Director of Music, told the Beacon that beginning this fall there will be a middle school jazz band.

Jonathan was born and raised in the suburbs of Northwest Houston, TX. From a young age, he began singing and performing in front of his church community and sung in his church choir. He started band and choir in middle school and continued choir throughout his college years. His vocal accomplishments range from being a Texas All-State Choir member his senior year of high school to touring with a vocal ensemble called “One Voice,” based out of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Mr. Mayo began his teaching career in central Texas.

Mayo has helped his students find musical success in a variety of competitions, including soloists receiving top ranking in Region Choir auditions and choirs earning sweepstakes (top scores) in sight reading at the annual Texas UIL Vocal Competition. He is passionate about motivating his students to achieve high standards of success and passing down the tradition of reading, creating, and enjoying music.