Congratulations to Mr. Thom Hannum, Associate Director of the Minuteman Marching Band, and the Director of the Marimba Bandand Marimba Ensemble program at the University of Massachusett, who is the 2016 recipient of the George N. Parks Leadership in Music Education award. Mr. Hannum received the award during the opening finals ceremonies at the 2016 Grand National Championships, presented by Yamaha on November 12.
Developed by NAfME, the National Association for Music Education and Music for All, the award is named for George N. Parks (1953–2010), director of the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band at the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1977 until his death, and honors an exemplary music educator who embodies the characteristics and leadership that Mr. Parks personified.
Learn more about the George N. Parks Leadership in Education Award
Thom Hannum has long been regarded as one of the nation’s foremost percussion arrangers, instructors, and clinicians having presented numerous seminars and workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Thom teaches at the University of Massachusetts where he serves as the Associate Director of the Minuteman Marching Band, and the Director of the Marimba Band and Marimba Ensemble program. In 2009, Mr. Hannum was recognized by the university, receiving the prestigious Distinguished Teaching Award.
He is a product consultant and clinician for the Avedis Zildjian Cymbal Company and Vic Firth Sticks & Mallets where he has developed several Signature Series drumsticks and keyboard mallets. Thom is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society where he serves on the Marching Percussion Committee.
Mr. Hannum is currently on the design team and the percussion director for the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. He is also known for his work with the DCI World Champion Cadets of Bergen County and Star of Indiana, and is a member of the design team for the Tony and Emmy Award Winning show “Blast!” In the summer of 2001, Mr. Hannum was selected for induction into the DCI Hall of Fame, and in 2008, was inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame. Mr. Hannum is also a member of The Cadets and the Crossmen Hall of Fame.
Prior recipients:
2015 Patrick M. Erwin
Director of Bands at Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, GA
2014 Cynthia Napierkowski
Director of Bands at Salem High School in Salem, MA
2013 Dr. Barry Shepherd
Superintendent of Cabarrus County Schools, NC
2012 Daniel Kirk
Blue Valley West, KS
2011 Dr. Peter Boonshaft
Hofstra University
