Thomas H. Waggoner

Thomas H. Waggoner is the Director of Fine Arts Programs for the Texas Education Agency. His responsibilities at TEA include the administration of all curricular and instructional aspects of the state's public school art, dance, music, and theatre programs, grades K-12. Mr. Waggoner oversees the Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts, which was established by TEA to support fine arts education in Texas schools. He assists the TEA Textbook Administration with the fine arts textbook adoption process and has been designated as the Guidance and Admission Assembly Delegate to the College Board representing TEA. Mr. Waggoner is also a founding member of the newly-established national association, State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education (SEADAE).

Prior to his appointment at TEA, Mr. Waggoner served as Administrative Supervisor of Fine Arts for the Austin Independent School District (1991-2000). He served as Director of Bands at The University of Mississippi in Oxford (1987-1991) and Associate Director of Bands at Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University) in San Marcos (1981-1987). During his tenures at both universities, Mr. Waggoner taught undergraduate and graduate music education-related courses. The university concert and marching bands under his direction were invited to perform at numerous music conferences and exhibitions. While Director of Bands at The University of Mississippi, the UM Wind Ensemble performed at the annual Mississippi Bandmasters Association Convention in Biloxi and was selected to perform at the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Convention in South Carolina. In 1990, the UM Wind Ensemble also performed on a European concert tour throughout England and Ireland.

Mr. Waggoner received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and completed post-graduate studies in Educational Administration at Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University), receiving his Mid-Management Certification. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies in 1972, he was appointed as Director of Bands at William B. Travis High School in Austin ISD where his concert, marching, and jazz bands consistently earned regional and statewide recognitions at University Interscholastic League and festival events.

Mr. Waggoner has conducted All-State, All-Region, and Honor Bands in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas and frequently serves as guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and speaker throughout the United States.

Mr. Waggoner was the recipient of the 2005 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Texas Music Educators Association and the 2004 Founders Award from the Texas Educational Theatre Association, Inc. He often writes articles that are published in regional and national journals and is affiliated with many professional arts organizations, including the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) Executive Council, Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA), Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (TAHPERD), Texas Educational Theatre Association (TETA) Board of Directors, Austin Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity.