Friday afternoon Thom shared news with his percussion tech class about a new part-time role he’s taking-on with the Minuteman Band. An email was circulated to UMMB membership.
“After a great deal of thought and careful consideration the time has come for me to scale back my activities and the time spent with the Minuteman Marching Band and other associated duties.
I’m not going away but revising my role and the amount of time spent in a hands-on capacity. With the passing of time other priorities have emerged in my life that deserve attention. However, my affiliation with the Minuteman Band will remain strong.
The plan is to remain active with equipment related issues, the supervision of such, and to ensure that care and maintenance remain a priority. I intent to use my years of experience and professional contacts to mentor the graduate percussion Teaching Assistants and help lend them a gateway into the professional side of the music industry. This is one of the strengths of the UMass program that has been built over many years of time and effort, separates us from other institutions, and elevates the experience we have to offer all of our students. And yes, the MPS at UMASS will continue on!
I hope my presence will help continue to attract people to this campus and assist in positioning our program as one of the elite in the nation. Perhaps with new opportunities we can all learn something different.
There will be a replacement hired to handle the daily aspects of the marching band percussion section and associated duties that will be part of this position. The plan is for this transition to take effect beginning this summer.
I remain hopeful that my continued contributions will help to strengthen the UMMB program in some more unique ways while continuing to offer possibilities for others.
I’m excited for the next phase of UMass and Thom Hannum and want to offer a heartfelt THANK YOU to the many students, staff, colleagues, family and friends who have made the first 40 years of this relationship the most important aspect of my professional endeavors. “
— Thom
You have done so very much … you deserve to do what makes your heart sing
Congratulations Thom on a career well done! I am so very glad I had the opportunity to study, grow, and learn with you. Namaste.
G.o.a.t.
Best wishes Thom as you move into the various phases of life and challenge. It was great seeing you at TMEA as well. Proud to be an alum of the Isenberg School of management as well, as my connection to UMASS and its opportunities for excellence that the campus brings to the students.
This guy is a drum icon in my opinion. The Umass drum section was second to none and I loved watching them . I talked with Tom at Rafters often. As a drummer i used to pick his brain but as.a basketball ref he used to ask me about rules. Very cool dude .
Congratulations Thom! I know you’ll continue to inspire and educate no matter which position you hold.
Congratulations, Thom, and THANK YOU!!! Cushies!!
The best. Royalty and an advocate for all of us. The best.
Love you, my man…you know that! May your legacy continue to thrive, blossom and pave the way for the next generation of performers and teachers!
Will never forget my time in the line 30 + years ago. Thanks and congrats Thom !
Thom, congratulations on your legacy and impact, and for touching so many lives and really making a difference. You are the gold standard. Wish you the best in your next chapter!
Thom you will always be one of the most influential mentors I have ever had in my life. I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart!
Love,
Wilbur
I think it is a smart move— we all agonized over Thom not being selected as the Band Director- but that proved out to be a good move (I think- and I believe Thom also agreed) There is always politics involved- but why not be in a position where your “skill set” in Thom’s case Technical ability, people skills and drive for perfection, will be utilized most effectively.
Congratulations Thom! What an amazing legacy. Your teaching inspired me 30yrs ago and it has influenced my career ever since. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter!
Thom – My interactions with you and the UMass Marching Percussion are some of my fondest memories of my college days and have helped me in my career as a music educator more than I could have ever imagined. Wishing you the very best in this next chapter. I am sure you will continue to leave an indelible mark on whatever you do. Hope our paths cross again soon.
Thom – My interactions with you and the UMass Marching Percussion are some of my fondest memories of my college days and have helped me in my career as a music educator more than I could have ever imagined. Wishing you the very best in this next chapter. I am sure you will continue to leave an indelible mark on whatever you do. Hope our paths cross again soon.