Jonathan was introduced to the family business at a very young age. Some of his earliest memories are working with his father installing sound systems in churches and restaurants, setting up productions in auditoriums, arenas, and parks, or recording the high school band or chorus. By the time Jonathan was in middle school, he was recording concerts on his own or managing the stage for conventions and concerts for his dad.
While in college at Wingate University studying music education, Jonathan worked on campus as the technical director for the University Theater, as well as serving as stage manager for the school’s music department. He also worked off campus for Holloway’s Music Center as an audio technician and installer, as well as the percussion and band instrument representative. Jonathan also worked at many of the concert and convention venues in and around Charlotte free-lancing for artists such as No Doubt, The Dave Matthews Band, DC Talk, Garth Brooks, and Brooks and Dunn. He also performed with groups such as the University’s Marching Band and Wind Ensemble, the Union Symphony, the Charlotte Symphony, and North Carolina Baptist Singers and Instrumental Ensemble.
During the summer breaks, Jonathan served as the Audio Visual supervisor for the North Carolina Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell near Wilmington, NC. Here he was responsible for all sound, lighting, and video for the camp’s conference facilities, including the 1000 seat auditorium. His time here allowed him to work with artists such as Kyle Matthews, Big Tent Revival, Clay Cross, Russ Lee, and numerous others.
Following college, Jonathan attended graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro pursuing a master’s degree in music. While in school, he briefly worked as an audio and video sales associate for Circuit City learning many lessons in customer service, sales, and insight into home audio and video products. Jonathan taught General Music and Band for four years before returning to the Audio Visual Profession in 2006.
Jonathan continued to enjoy performing throughout graduate school and in the years since. He has performed with the Greensboro Symphony, the Community Theater of Greensboro, the Asheville Symphony, the Land of the Sky Band, and numerous Jazz, Rock, and Christian bands. He has also continued his love of education achieving degrees in Business Management, Accounting, and Legal Studies.
In the summer of 2011, Jonathan joined his father in the family business full-time as the company’s Business Manager. He shares his father’s passion for customer service, providing outstanding care to each client’s event or project need. He brings a fresh and creative approach to the high standards of excellence that have been the cornerstone of WARD PRODUCTIONS for over 35 years.