Richard Thomas
Director of Bands
Richard Thomas is the Director of Bands for Red Oak HS
and the Red Oak ISD. Mr. Thomas is a proud alumnus of Richland
High School in the Birdville ISD where he was a horn player,
drum major, and student of Jim Van Zandt, Jim Sharples,
Eddie Lynge, and Byron Gray (and of Fred Allen's in junior
high). He earned his Bachelor of Music Education Degree
from Baylor University, where he studied conducting with
Michael Haithcock and Jay Gilbert. Additionally, he has
a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Lamar
University. Prior to his tenure in Red Oak, Mr. Thomas directed
bands in the Klein, Birdville, Arlington, and Keller school
districts. His high school and junior high bands have received
consistent Superior ratings at UIL contests, and have also
been recognized at several band festivals as “Best
in Class” and “Overall Grand Champion.”
He has served as a Concert/Sightreading adjudicator in several
UIL contests around the state of Texas, and has judged marching
contests in Texas, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
He has also served as camp clinician/conductor for summer
band camps at Baylor University and Sam Houston State University.
As a performer, Mr. Thomas has performed with the Texas
Wind Symphony, the Wichita Falls Symphony, Symphony North
of Houston, and the Houston Symphonic Band. Mr. Thomas also
served for two seasons as the Music Director/Conductor of
The Northeast Orchestra.
Mr. Thomas is married to Sarah, an elementary music teacher
in the Mansfield ISD, and a former member of the LD Bell
Band and the Midwestern State University Band. Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas are the proud parents of fraternal twin daughters,
Rachel and Rebekah, who are currently in the 5th grade and
already thinking about what band instrument they would like
to play next year in beginner band!
Mr. Thomas has had a widely-varied life and career. He
has done work in the antique business, worked as a mortgage
loan officer, and served as a full-time Music/Worship Pastor.
He enjoys spending time with his family, playing his horn
(when he gets the chance!), playing golf, and reading. |
Phillip Cadenhead
Assistant Director of Bands
Mr. Cadenhead is originally from Crestview High School, in Florida. He has an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, a master's degree from the University of North Texas, and a winning smile. His previous teaching positions have been at Mesquite High School and Barnett Junior High School.
He is married to Lindsay, who is the band director at Red
Oak Junior High - and a former student of Mr. Thomas' from
Bowie High School! Phillip and Lindsay are the proud parents
of a 5-year old son, Alex, and a 2 -year old son, Ashton. |
