In addition to being an adjunct instructor at Lee University, Jim Burton is the Director of Bands at Cleveland High School in Cleveland, TN. Under his direction, the Cleveland Band has been a Featured Performance Group at the Tennessee Music Education Association state convention, a participant in the Tennessee State Concert Band Festival, a Bands of America Grand National Championships Semi-Finalist, a 2-time Class Champion and 10-time finalist in Bands of America Regional Championship competition, and a two-time percussion finalist at the Winter Guard International World Championships.

Jim is currently serving as the Tennessee Music Education Association’s State Band Chair. In 1998, he was named Cleveland City Schools’ district level Teacher of the Year. Jim is a member of the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, Tennessee Bandmasters Association, Tennessee Music Education Association, National Band Association, and the Phi Beta Mu Honorary Music Fraternity.   He and his wife Nikki are the parents of Callaway and Cole.