THOMASVILLE — The end of another school year also composes the final notes in one movement of a Thomas County Central High School musical educator’s opus.

Bands director Michael Thomas is retiring after more than four decades in music education.

“At 67, I find it’s much harder to keep up with the pace of a supercharged band program,” Thomas said. “Don’t get me wrong; I still love the students and creating music. These days it’s a little harder to hear definitively or see all the visuals. The demand on your time is much greater. Most band directors give huge amounts of their family time without question, just as I have done. I really feel it’s time to make a change; there is a tugging at my soul.”

Though only the last four of these years were at TCCHS, he’s grateful for the opportunity to end his career on such a high note.

“Thomas County Schools offers such an incredible educational experience to every student and teacher,” he said. “The sheer talent of the students, playing performances on extremely high levels, the support given TCC Bands by our system and the band boosters, working with such a dedicated music staff, faculty and administration, performances within GMEA and National Standards events … all of these things make this position in this system stand out.”

Thomas’ love of teaching began in high school when he coached his peers, which led to his being an instructor on several band staffs. After graduating from Troy University, Thomas was immediately hired as the assistant band director for Troy City Schools in Troy, Alabama. He quickly advanced to the director position and remained at Charles Henderson High School until retirement from the State of Alabama. While teaching in Alabama, he also served in the 151st Army National Guard Band in Montgomery. He began as a percussionist and rose to the position of enlisted band leader.

“As a player, I have always loved the percussion family of instruments,” Thomas said. “The percussion family is the most diverse group of instruments. However, music takes all five instrumental families plus vocal to offer a true creative palette. I worked all my career toward understanding and playing on all instruments. If you are going to teach, then the more you can relate, the better the chance to help others develop.”

After moving to Georgia, Thomas spent 12 years as band director at Cairo High School before coming to TCCHS. One of his primary goals at TCCHS was to be a stable influence in keeping ensembles together and playing on a higher musical standard.

“As a director, you set goals, teach the skills to support, and place it all in the hands of the students,” he said.

Thomas feels he met this goal in his four years with the program. 

“Our bands have competed in the Festival Disney International twice and earned ‘Superior’ in marching, concert and jazz, best in class awards plus soloist awards and visual awards, too,” he said. “Our TCCHS Gold and Blue bands have prepared and performed for festival every year with ‘Superior’ results. Our ‘Best of the Nest’ marching band has been over the top in the GMEA District 2 Marching Festival every year. TCC’s ability to place musicians in the district honor and region honor bands has been fantastic. I credit the many fine students and, of course, the staff.”

Another goal was to help build up the county band program’s numbers.

“We are seeing many players coming forward from our Thomas County Middle School Bands now that promise to do just that,” Thomas said. “The classes at TCMS, under the direction of staff directors William Majors and Ryan Booth, are not only gaining numbers but they perform with quality.”

Favorite musical or memorable moments during his tenure at TCCHS are too numerous to name them all. Many are inside jokes known only to the people who experienced these occasions with him. But a few include “Dream On,” TCCHS does Disco, band camp heat (memorable only), students who hung tough, great band parents, administrators and coworkers, Bach Chorales, fantastic judges’ comments, parade marching in Epcot, the student musicians and lots of scales. Some of his trademark sayings include “One more time please” and “Turn to the performers on your right and left and tell them ‘Thanks’ for making music with you.”

“Most teachers will tell you that seeing a young student blossom as they acquire knowledge is what it’s all about; I agree,” Thomas said. “My take on this multiplies in that I’ve had tons of opportunities to see this with large performing groups where every performer was challenged and built the skills to contribute to the task at hand.”

His four decades in music education has meant he’s seen many advancements in the program, too.

“After over four decades in the field I could write a book,” Thomas said. “Most people would never fathom all the work and detail that goes into a fine band program. It’s all about people. It’s definitely a process.”

A significant change Thomas has witnessed is the demand for bands, which is evident in an increased engagements calendar. Band camp — and school — begins earlier, football marching season runs longer, the number of parades, concerts and festivals have grown exponentially, there are multiple competitions, and various community and school events.

“Coupling all those events to limited rehearsal schedule and skills development plus maintaining quality is demanding,” he said. “It’s great that the bands are in demand, but a balance of the leaning schedule is essential.”

If there is one lasting lesson Thomas hopes he leaves with his students, it’s to realize a sense of caring, love and appreciation for everyone around them.

“We are all different, but as a band, we bring so much to each other in a focused commitment,” he said. “Band holds at its core so many life lessons. We have proven that band students go on to be better mothers and fathers, employees, supporters, Christians and people of strength. Music is our common bond now, but wait until you see these students 20 years from now. I hope every student leaves with many life lessons and an awareness of the positive roles they can play throughout their lives.”

Student Kaleb Ward, 17, most enjoys Thomas’ cheerfulness and efforts to encourage cheer and kindness between band members. And the educator has taught Ward a vital life lesson.

“Mr. Thomas has impacted me by teaching me how to deal with challenges and doubt to get the job done and done well,” he said. “Mr. Thomas taught me to persevere through and tackle challenges I didn’t think I could handle. This helps me expand my skills and confidence in various musical contexts.”

Aneesia Lofton, 17, calls Thomas the best band director she’s ever had. Lofton is sad Thomas won’t be her director in her senior year but knows he leaves his mark upon the TCCHS Bands program and its students.

“I do know that great musicians and people like Mr. Thomas leave a legacy,” she said. “I would describe his impact on me as an inspirational and motivational one. I have enjoyed the strength he has put into our band. If you have seen his work with this band over the years, my statement is self-explanatory. One tip I’ll never forget is always present yourself as a great player, and with hard work supporting it, you will become great. This has helped me become a better musician because I used to be shy and didn’t play out as much. Once I learned that tip from him, I have improved and become more confident in playing.”

Making music is something Thomas enjoys outside of his day job as well. For example, he writes music when creativity flows and loves to record music. Also, he’s involved in the contemporary praise band in his church, First Baptist of Cairo.

“I felt God’s tug to get involved; however, the band didn’t need a drum set player,” he said. “I pushed myself to begin learning lead guitar. Please understand, I’m no shredder. I concentrate on making the music worshipful and musical. I have to say I love playing and worshiping with all the folks in our FBC Praise Band.”

Though Thomas will no longer be an instructor, he still anticipates involvement with the band program. 

“TCC is poised to take a huge upswing in the instrumental Fine Arts over the next coming years,” he said. “I hope to see this all unfold; however, it may be that my role is that of a ‘band dad’ rather than the director of bands as the last of my children enters TCCHS and the ‘Best of the Nest.’”

And he plans to take full advantage of the free time retirement brings him.

“Everyone tells me I will love and appreciate retirement,” he said. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my great, supportive family, and I hope to continue support for my church in further worship. I have several vehicles I want to restore, a greenhouse that wants attention, two small dogs that want to walk, many friends whom I want to go see, a yard that can keep me busy indefinitely, a daughter who wants music lessons from Dad … I’ve never had a lack of things I wanted to do, just a lack of time to do them. I am excited to find what God has planned.”