Our Instructors
Each of our band directors has decades of experience coaching students from all skill levels into experienced musicians.
Jim Burk
James Burk earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education, Magna Cum Laude, in 1992 from Liberty University.
From 1992-2000, Mr. Burk served as the Head Director of Bands for Florida Christian School in Miami, Florida. Under Mr. Burk’s direction, Florida Christian’s band program grew to include five concert bands that incorporated over 265 students contributing to the school’s recognition with a Music Educator’s National Conference award for high enrollment. During his tenure, Florida Christian produced eight superior-rated concert bands at Florida Bandmasters Association district festivals between 1996 and 2000. In 2000, Florida Christian’s High School band was runner up at the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools State Festival and the FCS Middle school took first place in their state division.
From 2000-2004 Mr. Burk was the Band Director for Bedford Middle School and Assistant Marching Director for Liberty High School in Bedford VA.
Mr. Burk is in his 20th year at North Raleigh Christian Academy as the Director of Bands and was the founding director of the NRCA Marching Knights. While at NRCA, he has conducted bands ranging from grades 4 through 12 that have earned numerous Superior ratings in the regional Association of Christian Schools International festivals. He has also trained numerous students that have participated in the North Carolina Band Directors Association All-District and All-State bands at both the middle school and high school level. In addition, Mr. Burk currently serves as the Minister of Music at Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church.
Mr. Burk’s wife of 31 years, Jennifer, also holds a B.S. in Music Education from Liberty University. She is currently a freelance French horn player in the greater Raleigh area. All five of their daughters have played brass instruments with their family brass ensemble.
Le Roy Barley
A native of Washington, DC, Le Roy graduated from Duke Ellington School of the Arts in June1997. In 2001 he earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from North Carolina Central University located in Durham, North Carolina. He later obtained a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from NCCU in 2011.
Mr. Barley holds the following teaching positions: Adjunct Instructor of High Brass at Shaw University, Jazz Director at Green Hope High School and Green Level High School, Brass Instructor at the Musicians Learning Center, Wind Ensemble, Jazz and Marching Band Director at North Raleigh Christian Academy. He is often called upon as a Consultant, Adjudicator, Guest Artist, Guest Lecturer, and Guest Speaker for various schools and organizations. Further, He has had the opportunity to teach at Duke University as Lecturer and Director of Jazz Combos, North Carolina Central University as Adjunct Instructor of Trumpet, Upper Room Christian Academy as both Music and Band Teacher, Beginning Band Director and Jazz Band Director with Capital Christian Homeschool Bands, Powell GT Magnet School as Band Instructor and he helped develop and instruct the Winds/Brass program at KidZ Notes.
Mr. Barley’s teaching philosophy is simple. Everyone should be exposed to music and have a basic understanding of it. The teacher must strive to meet the student where they are, in regards to their learning style and level, and encourage and challenge them as they grow. The goal doesn’t have to be for them to be a professional musician, however, approaching music at a high level will give the participant discipline and problem solving skills that will better them in life. The benefits are undeniable. No other activity ignites the brain like playing music and it can be enjoyed at any level well into advanced age.
Mike Minguez
“Following my discharge from the Army Band, I eventually received my BS in Music Education. ” – Mr. Minguez
“I had the opportunity to start and teach in the Band program at North Raleigh Christian Academy for 20 years. During all this time, I had the privilege to play professionally with area Big Bands, combos, and be soloist in specialized band groups. As a professional musician, I have recorded with Arbor Records and played with several recording groups on individual CD’s, have been in back up bands and orchestras behind stars like Gladys Knight and Red Skelton, and in musicals such as “Annie” and “Guys and Dolls” with the North Carolina Theatre. I also had the privilege of going overseas with two different bands as a part of Raleigh’s Sister Cities cultural exchange in both France and England.” -Mr. Minguez
“God has given me an incredible experience with music, and I now continue to share this with individual students and groups alike. I am looking forward to sharing that experience with your CCA Jazz Band students.” – Mr. Minguez