The Willowridge High School community and entire Fort Bend school district lost a teacher and leader in Ronald Thornton who passed away Dec. 4. A long-time music educator, Thornton was serving in his 21st year as band director for Willowridge.
Ronald Thornton
Through his leadership and commitment to excellence, the Willowridge Band program has enjoyed a reputation as one of the premier show bands in the region, and performed in numerous prestigious events during Thornton’s tenure.
“Mr. Thornton was a legend in his own time—known for his outstanding character, his commitment to directing a band program of the highest quality, and his talent for bringing out the best in the students whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed by our entire school district,” said Timothy Jenney, FBISD superintendent.
Joe Coleman, Willowridge principal, said Thornton was a positive and powerful force in the lives of so many young people over the years.
“Ronald Thornton has influenced thousands of students during his tenure as head band director,” said Coleman. “He instilled discipline, honor, pride, class and character in all of his students and programs. He will be thoroughly missed by the students, faculty and the entire Willowridge community.”
Along with Thornton’s many accomplishments through the years, Coleman said that the band performance at a recent football game between Willowridge and Hightower will be something no one who was there will forget.
“In addition to the current band students, he had about 200 alumni band students who performed as well, and it was just an amazing performance and tribute to the loyalty that his students felt for him,” said Coleman.
The Mighty Eagle Band, under the direction of Thornton, has received numerous local, state and national recognitions, and performed in several prestigious parades including the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Orange Bowl Parade, the Honolulu Hawaii Festival Parade, the HEB Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Texas Southern Homecoming Parade, the Fort Bend County Fair Parade and Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show parade.
Additionally the band has participated in numerous special events including MLK Battle of the Bands Competitions, Houston Oiler’s/Texans halftime shows, Houston Rocket’s halftime shows, and a host of other community activities.
Thornton received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Texas Southern University and a Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of Houston. He has been a member of several professional societies and associations and was a past president of the Texas Black Music Educators Association. He received many awards during his career including selection as one of 10 recipients of the Outstanding High School Teachers sponsored by the Texas Exes and the College of Education at the University of Texas.
The school will hold a candlelight vigil for Thornton at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 on the band practice field at Willowridge High School.
Obviously a well respected member of the WHS and music community. Hopefully these programs can continue to grow after the recent cuts.
He was a dear friend and such an amazing Christian man. I count it a joy to have known him all these years. He gave his all to anyone he touched. It is a real loss for all of us, our prayers are with his family, friends and students. We always wanted to have a Symphony Orchestra at WHS, I still hope it happens some day.
Carolyn Vandiver
Austin HS Orchestra Director
Mr. T was like a father to anyone who was fortunate enough to walk through the doors of the Band Hall at Willowridge. He truly made all of us strive to continue to be considered the “Best Band in The Land.” He was the type of man who could gain the respect of any and every child with whom he came in contact. For 3 years, I was an Elite Majorette under Mr. Thornton’s direction and I can honestly say that the Mighty Eagle Band was more than an extra-curricular activity…we were family. He was loved by many and his legacy will continue through those of us touched by his greatness. RIP Mr. T
I don’t know if Thornton continued to host the Summer Jazz Workshop, but I attended back in ’95 (or ’96) and it was amazing. They called in a number of jazz musicians from around the US to teach theory, scales, solo styles, professionalism, jazz history and then took the students out to perform around Houston. It was my first introduction to gigging.
It sure would be nice if the district would honor Thorntons memory by rethinking the cuts to the performing arts budget around the district. They took quite a bit out of the band budgets just a few weeks ago.
Mr. Thornton was a class act. I did not know him well, but well enough that when I was applying for college admissions, Mr. Thornton was nice enough to offer a letter of recommendation on my behalf. He really seemed to care about the students.
He will be missed.