Tom Harrington
To be elected to the Board of Directors of the Texas Bandmasters Association came as a big surprise to me and I accept the position as a great honor. There are many very successful band directors in the State of Texas. There are many reasons the band programs in Texas are so strong and I like to think our association can share in that success. For fifty-nine years, TBA has been there for the band directors of our state to assist in training and support. I am truly excited to have the chance to be a part of TBA and serve the membership of our organization.
I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to thank the people in my life who have supported me professionally and personally. First always are my parents Bob and Fran Harrington. Of course, my wife Shelley and two sons, Robert and Adam who put up with my frequent absence from home.
I was very fortunate to have had a rare and wonderful experience playing in bands directed by Mr. Fred Schroeder, my first band director at Bammel Middle School, Mr. Richard Crain and Mr. Philip Geiger who were my band directors at Spring, and Westfield High Schools and of course, Mr. Eddie Green at The University of Houston. My private teachers were Mr. Trent Cooper at Westfield, and Mr. James Austin my teacher at the University of Houston. They were also a big influence in my life.
I also need to thank Mr. Mark Chapman who hired me for my first job at Twin Creeks Middle School in Spring ISD, and Mr. Bill Quillen, Mr. Denis Kidwell and Ms. Tye Anne Payne for giving me a chance in the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. Many thanks to all my friends and colleagues whom I call weekly with questions about band. I’m sure I will be asking more favors soon!
