About

John Buford has directed youth choirs from churches to schools for 36 years. He was recently recognized as Dare County Schools 2023-2024 teacher of the year. John Buford first started in Dare County Schools teaching at First Flight Elementary School in 2005. In 2016 he moved into the role of chorus director at First Flight High and First Flight Middle. He instituted the All County Chorus for Dare County School students and has been a strong advocate for teachers and students in Dare County. Prior to the Outer Banks, Buford was organist/choir director at several churches in Tidewater Virginia where he found time to sing opera and oratorio with the Virginia Opera Chorus, Todi Music Festival, Coastal Carolina Chorale and Bel Canto Italia in Rome. Buford has directed community performances of Handel’s Messiah. He is a National Board Certified teacher and was First Flight Elementary School 2009 Teacher of the Year and First Flight Middle School 2023 Teacher of the Year. He was recognized in Spring 2025 by the Dare Arts at the 28th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show for his contributions to the arts in our community.