This clinic will focus on the common threads of musicianship throughout all levels of instrumental teaching, from the beginning music class to the high school or college ensemble. Teachers will develop basic goals and assessment tools for student and ensemble development within their program’s curriculum and performance repertoire.
David Thornton
- Biographical Information
David Thornton joined the faculty of the Michigan State University College of Music (MSU) in the fall of 2015 as Assistant Director of Bands. In 2017 he was appointed as the Associate Director of Bands and the Director of the Spartan Marching Band (SMB). In this role, Thornton is the conductor of the MSU Symphony Band and teaches courses in instrumental conducting, and marching band methods. As the director of the SMB, Dr. Thornton is the principal drill writer and show designer for the 300-member Spartan Marching Band. In addition to his role with the SMB, Dr. Thornton also oversees the Spartan Brass athletic band program that performs at all basketball, volleyball, and hockey events.
Holly Thornton is Director of Bands at MacDonald Middle School in the East Lansing school district. The MacDonald Band Program includes 6th Grade Beginning Band, 7th and 8th Grade Bands, and a before-school Jazz Band. Prior to teaching at MMS, Mrs. Thornton taught 5th-6th Grade Band in the neighboring Okemos School district in Michigan and 6th-8th grade band and orchestra in Tallahassee, Florida and Orlando, Florida. Mrs. Thornton holds bachelor degrees in music education and horn performance from Florida State University, and a Masters degree in music education from Michigan State University.