Dr. Thomas Willmann is a music educator, conductor, instrumentalist and composer/arranger. He earned his Ph.D. in 2022 from Florida State University in Music Education with an emphasis in instrumental conducting. He has been a music educator for primary and secondary levels for fourteen years in Colorado and Indiana. On a performance scholarship, he earned his Bachelor's degree in music education with a focus on instrumental music from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2016 he earned his Master's of Music Education with an instrumental conducting cognate from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Dr. Willmann taught K-12, band, choir and general music for fourteen years at private, charter and public schools. To further his education and experience, he frequents conducting symposiums at the University of Colorado Greeley (seven years) and the University of Toronto. The experiences have included instruction from guest clinicians Colonel Michael Colburn, Colonel Lowell Graham, Craig Kirchhoff, Ray Cramer, Julie Giroux, Richard Saucedo, Alfred Watkins, Bruce Pearson, Loras Schissel, Richard Blatti, Dick Mayne, Anthony Maiello, Jeff Reynolds, Gillian MacKay and Wendy McCallum.

Dr. Willmann has been playing the trombone, his primary instrument, for over 30 years. He has performed in the United States, Austria and St. Petersberg, Russia. He was the principal trombone for the Little London Winds in Colorado Springs for three years and performed with the Colorado State University (CSU) Symphony Orchestra and with Soli Deo Gloria (Colorado). He is a freelance performer playing classical and contemporary music. Thomas is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Florida Music Education Association (FMEA), Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA), Florida Bandmaster's Association (FBA), International Society of Music Educators (ISME) and College Band Director's National Association (CBDNA). He is also a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Lambda and Phi Kappa Psi.

He currently has compositions for concert band, flex-band, small ensembles/chamber and instrumental solos.

Dr. Willmann enjoys a wide variety of activities such as cycling, snowboarding, rock climbing, tennis, running (sometimes), wildlife photography and camping.

When looking up a dedicated and passionate conductor, Dr. Thomas Willmann is at the top of that list. Not only does his dedication and passion show while in front of students, but so does his love for making music on a daily basis. Dr. Willmann has already made himself a part of the community in the short time he has been with us by bringing the Boys and Girls Club to campus to observe the Wind Ensemble and visiting William James Middle School. He also knows how to have a little fun as he makes sure to always wear his lucky blue and gold shoes as he conducts the Ram Band at our home TXWES football games. Welcome to the music "RAMily" Dr. Thomas Willmann!

We got to sit down with Dr. Willmann to learn a little more about what brought him to Texas Wesleyan University.

What led you to apply to Texas Wesleyan University?

I was drawn to Texas Wesleyan University because of the size of the classes, the professional opportunities and the amazing experience with the students and staff during a visit.

What is it that you enjoy about working at Texas Wesleyan?

The most enjoyable part about working in the music department at Texas Wesleyan is the atmosphere, sense of community and incredible staff.

What do you love about your job as a music professor?

A professor of music is easily the best job, it consists of making amazing music with wonderfully talented people, sharing the gift of music with the community and guiding young professionals toward their passion.