Thomas Henry Waggoner left a long legacy of service when he passed away on August 6, 2019. He will be remembered as a loving father, a devoted church member, a faithful friend, and a leader in Fine Arts Education in Texas and beyond.

Thomas Waggoner was born on November 2, 1948 in Dallas, Texas.  His love of music began at University Park Elementary School in fourth grade when he was introduced to his primary instrument, the trombone (even though his arms were too short to reach seventh position until a few years later). He played in the orchestra and was Drum Major of the Highlander Marching Band at Highland Park High School, where he graduated in 1966.

Tom earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of Music in Conducting Performance Degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. He then completed post-graduate studies in Educational Administration at Texas State University, receiving his Mid-Management Certification. He served as Drum Major in the Longhorn Band from 1969 to 1971, and he was in the International Guard Band from 1966 to 1972.

He was Director of Bands at William B. Travis High School in Austin ISD from 1972 to 1981, where his bands consistently earned regional and statewide recognition. He also conducted All-State, All-Region, and Honor Bands in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas and frequently served as guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and speaker throughout the United States.

Tom went on to serve as Associate Director of Bands at Texas State University (1981-1987) and Director of Bands at The University of Mississippi (1987-1991).

He is also a founding member of the national association State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education.

Tom served as Administrative Supervisor of Fine Arts for Austin ISD from 1991 to 2000. He went on to serve as Director of Fine Arts Education for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) from 2000 to 2011, where he administered all curricular and instructional aspects of the state’s public school art, dance, music, and theatre programs.

Following his tenure at TEA, Tom worked for UT Austin as Program Director of Fine Arts Education in the College of Fine Arts and served as Field Supervisor of Student Teaching for the Butler School of Music.

In 1993, he founded the Austin Youth Orchestra and served as coordinator of that highly successful organization for more than 20 years.

Tom was a devoted member of Northwest Hills United Methodist Church in Austin, where he attended services regularly and was a member of the choir, serving as interim choir director on several occasions. He also enjoyed playing with the handbell choir.

Of all his accomplishments, the one with the widest impact was the creator and President of the Board of the Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts (CEDFA). He created the Fine Arts Cadre of teachers that made up CEDFA in the late 1990s. He steered the organization to develop and present meaningful professional development for thousands of Texas Fine Arts educators at all levels and disciplines, impacting countless art, dance, music, and theatre students. Under his leadership, CEDFA continued to grow and thrive. At the group’s annual Summit, Tom was known for his passion and his wit. His leadership style held everyone to a high standard while maintaining a calm presence. Tom served as the CEDFA Board of Directors President from 1998 until his death.

Tom was the recipient of the 2004 Founders Award from the Texas Educational Theatre Association, Inc., the 2005 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Texas Music Educators Association, the 2005 Lifetime Administrator Achievement Award from the Texas Bandmasters Association, the 2010-2011 Outstanding Music Educator Award from the National Federation of State High School Associations, the 2011-2012 Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Dance Educators Association, and the 2013 “Shining Star” Award from the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Tom wrote numerous articles for regional and national journals and was affiliated with many professional arts organizations, including the Texas Art Education Association, Texas Dance Educators Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, Texas Educational Theatre Association, Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity (to which he was named to the Hall of Fame), and Mu Omicron Honorary Orchestra Fraternity.

Tom will be remembered for many things, including his dry sense of humor, his love of Starbucks, and his dapper apparel. He eyes shone with pride when he spoke of his time at Highland Park, his days as a Longhorn, and his students’ accomplishments – but above all else, he was proud of his children.

His impact in improving and promoting Fine Arts education in Texas cannot be overstated.

Tom is survived by his children, Mary Kate Waggoner Stewart (daughter) and her husband, Tyler, Zachary Thomas Waggoner (son) and his fiancée Stephanie; niece Lori Dickson, nephews Chris and Jimmy Dickson and their spouses; and great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Betty Kate and Henry Callaway Waggoner, his sister Diane Dickson, and two infant siblings.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 10th at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude toward the staff and residents at Atria and Northwest Hills United Methodist Church for their loving care of Tom.The family generously requests that donations be made to CEDFA to further our work in fine arts education. If you would like to make a donation to the Thomas H. Waggoner Memorial Fund, you may mail a check to CEDFA, 9233 Partridge Circle, Austin, TX, 78758, or use a credit card to make a donation using this link.

“To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late”.

Click here to donate to the Tom Waggoner Memorial Fund.