Bob Jones High School
Band
History
Bob Jones High School opened its doors in 1974--this year
we celebrate 25 years! Named in honor U.S. Senator Bob Jones and the many ways he
helped the Madison area grow, BJHS has been recognized as a local, state and national Blue
Ribbon School of Excellence. The Bob Jones Band has its share of honors and excellence as
well.
When our director, Doyle Thornton, came to Bob Jones in 1989,
the school hadn't yet begun its enormous growth spurt. The band program was small and it
took a lot of work to bring it up to its current level of performance and community
recognition.
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As Madison grew, Bob Jones grew, and our band grew as well......but perhaps at
a more rapid pace than one might expect. Word of our championships, performances and
excitement spread and our ranks swelled. The Patriot Band has performed by request and
invitation at competitions, grand openings, concerts, unveilings, military presentations,
commercial ventures and more.
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It's hard to know where to start listing the accomplishments the Bob Jones band has racked up......a national championship at the Orlando Festival of Music, command performances for city dignitaries, consistently accumulating superior ratings at all contests, full college scholarships for band members...they've done it all. In 1999 the Alabama State Senate signed a resolution congratulating Bob Jones Band for being one of the very few high school bands to achieve straight superior ratings at state music festival competition and commending it for its long history of community involvement and service.
Maybe the best measure of a band's success is to look at the relationship between the director and the students. Mr. Thornton and his students share a warmth, friendship and strong respect that makes performing a joy to watch. Whether it's clowning around at a football game, strutting with military precision at a marching festival or performing with dignity for a State concert competion the Patriot band and Mr. Thornton are a winning combination.
This year we welcome Stewart Thorson as assistant director at Bob Jones. Mr. Thorson brings a wealth of experience and we're glad to have him with us!
Doyle Thornton & Stewart Thorson |
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Proud Moments for the Patriot Band |
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First Place and Grand Champion trophies from the Orlando Festival of Music |
The Hoover Invitational Music |
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State Concert Competition in Tuscaloosa |
The Wal-Mart Grand Opening Gala |
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THE BOB JONES PATRIOT BAND HALL OF
FAME
Past years' photos
1998-99
1997-98
1996-97
1995-96*
(* the infamous "Blackbird" photo from
the US Space and Rocket Center)
Mr. Thornton's first teaching job:
That's why he loves BJHS so much!
