Thomas to assist Bob Jones Band
A veteran of the Million Dollar Band is the new assistant band director at Bob Jones High School.
Leigh Thomas is assistant band director at Bob Jones High School.
Bob Jones is Leigh Thomas’ first public school assignment. However, her graduate work involved conducting University of Alabama campus bands and teaching music courses and private lessons.
Winfield is her hometown. Thomas graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from UA in 2010. In August, she will receive a master’s degree in music education from UA.
Percussion is her primary instrument, but Thomas has studied euphonium and clarinet. In the Million Dollar Band, she played percussion and was drum major. She also played drums in the UA Wind Ensemble. She played euphonium and clarinet in UA campus and concert bands.
“I decided to become a music educator because of three years as section leader in my high school marching band,” Thomas said. Her inclination was cinched when her band director asked her to serve as percussion instructor after graduation. “I wanted to inspire people to love music as much as I do.”
Her most memorable student was an elementary education major at UA without any music experience. The student enrolled in Thomas’ music fundamentals class for future elementary teachers to play basic keyboard and sing.
“Throughout the summer, she progressed very quickly and became one of my best students,” Thomas said. After her playing test, the student asked, “After this class, are we going to be able to play real music? Like, will I be able to buy music and play it, because I really enjoy this.” The experience “reaffirmed why I entered the profession — to give that same opportunity to as many students as possible.”
Thomas will assist director Doyle Thornton with marching band and rehearse the drumline both semesters. She will direct the Bob Jones Indoor Drumline that will compete in Southeastern Color Guard Circuit and World Guard International competitions, conduct the concert band and teach an arts survey class.
Bob Jones Band camp will start in the next few days for the 2012 competition and halftime shows. Thomas will be grilling the drummers for a standout season.
