Directors

Thomas Macias began his teaching career in 2016 and joined the RTMS team in 2023. Prior to Thornton, Mr. Macias taught at Creekside Intermediate in Clear Creek ISD and Deepwater Junior High in Deer Park ISD.

During his time at Ronald Thornton Middle School, the band has experienced tremendous success, including consistent UIL superior ratings and advancing to the Area round of the Texas Honor Band Competition, placing 6th overall.

While at Creekside, his bands have earned consistent Superior Ratings at UIL Concert and Sight Reading contests.  In 2022, Mr. Macias’ students were selected as a Music Showcase Ensemble at the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Annual Clinic and Convention - an honor recognizing them as one of the finest in the state. 

In 2021-2022, Mr. Macias was selected as the Creekside Intermediate Teacher of the Year. 

Mr. Macias is a 2016 magna cum laude Graduate from the University of Houston (Go Coogs!) where he studied Trombone and Music Education. In 2021, he earned his Masters Degree in Band Studies from Sam Houston State University. 

During the summers, Mr. Macias enjoys working at several band camps - such as the University of Houston Cougar Band Camp and Texas Low Brass Academy. 

Andrea Sanchez began teaching in 2014 and is excited to be joining the RTMS Band Team!

Prior to working at Ronald Thornton Middle School, Ms. Sanchez was the Assistant Director of Bands at Kahla Middle School in Cy-Fair ISD.  Under her direction, the Kahla Middle School Symphonic grew tremendously, earning several throughout her tenure.  Prior to teaching in Cy-Fair, Ms. Sanchez was the head band director at Alvin High School and taught middle school and high school at Lamar CISD. While at Lamar Consolidated High School, her band was awarded the esteemed Mark of Excellence award presented by The Foundation for Music Education.

Ms. Sanchez is a 2014 magna cum laude graduate of the University of Houston (Go Coogs!) where she was a member of many ensembles including serving as the drum major for the Spirit of Houston Marching Band. Ms. Sanchez went on to complete her Master's of Music Education degree from Texas Tech (Wreck 'em!). As a flute player, Ms. Sanchez also performs with the Sugar Land Winds - one of the premier community bands in the United States!

Her professional affiliations include the Texas Bandmasters Association, Sigma Alpha Iota, Cantare Houston (Board President), and the Texas Music Educators Association, where she presented and co-published an article.

In her free time, Ms. Sanchez enjoys going to all Houston sporting events, playing video games, and spending time with her dog, Argo!

Scott Aldridge is thrilled to begin his second year as Percussion Director at Almeta Crawford High School and Ronald Thornton Middle School.

A Houston native, Mr. Aldridge grew up in Missouri City and attended Elkins High School.  He then went on to pursue a Music Education degree at the University of Houston, studying with Blake Wilkins and Alec Warren. Scott performed with many groups while at UH, including the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, and Jazz Orchestra. He was also a teaching assistant for the Spirit of Houston Marching Band.

Mr. Aldridge also performed for two summers with Drum Corps International as a member of the Seattle Cascades front ensemble and a tenor drummer for the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Mr. Aldridge then furthered his studies obtaining his Masters Degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with San Francisco Symphony section percussionist Trey Wyatt and retired principal percussionist Jack van Geem.

Once he graduated, Scott began to play with the premier groups in town, including the San Francisco Symphony (performing under Michael Tilson Thomas) and the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players.

Scott is very excited to be back home and honored to be a founding part of the Crawford HS Band while continuing the legacy of excellence at Thornton MS.