About:

David Thornton joined the faculty of the Michigan State University College of Music 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 addition to his role with the SMB, Dr. Thornton also conducts the University Symphony Band and Spartan Brass, and teaches courses in instrumental conducting and marching band methods.  Dr. Thornton earned his doctoral and master’s degrees in Wind Conducting from Michigan State University and his bachelor’s degrees in Clarinet Performance and Music Education from Florida State University. Prior to coming to MSU, Thornton taught in the state of Florida where he was the assistant director of bands at Eau Gallie High School (Melbourne) and most recently the director of bands at Leon High School (Tallahassee).

He has professional affiliations with the College Band Directors National Association, Michigan Music Educators Association, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, Phi Mu Alpha, and Kappa Kappa Psi.

Spartan Marching Band Website