December 05, 2025
For William Thomas
Donors launch visiting artist fund in tribute to inspirational PA music mentorTo those fortunate enough to have known him, William Thomas was larger than life. A beacon of energy, innovation, and creativity, the late music department chair and director of performance transformed Andover’s music curriculum from his arrival in 1975 into the acclaimed program it is today.
Now, thanks to a small group of dedicated donors, Thomas’s impact and spirit will be enshrined in a new initiative designed to carry forward the beloved teacher’s vision. The William Thomas Visiting Artist Fund will bring musicians, composers, performers, singers, and scholars to campus to engage with the entire community through master classes, workshops, lectures, and performances. The endeavor advances Thomas’s mission to highlight the presence and importance of diverse artists—and show students what they might aspire to in their own musical futures.
William was all about opportunity and creating avenues for people to really thrive in music and help them remember, even 10 or more years down the road, that music was a positive force in their lives. He was magnetic. And he would be very, very happy indeed about this visiting artist fund.
”
Faculty Emerita Susan Stott P’88, Trustee Emerita Barbara Timken ’66, and Trustee Emerita Elizabeth Parker Powell ’56, P’84, ’90, GP’19, created the fund and encourage others who knew and cherished Thomas to join them with gifts of any size.
“When I was a trustee of this school,” remembers Timken, “I was lucky and proud to have watched William in action—pioneering the music requirement, conducting with vigor, taking kids on tour all over the globe, and reaching beyond Andover Hill to bring music to underrepresented communities. William personified the best of PA.”
Stott agrees. “He was a true role model, particularly for students of color. We hope the visiting artists illustrate the same passion and exuberance that William shared with all of us during his 33-year tenure at the school. We’re delighted PA has established this fund in his name.”
George H. Billings ’68 Music Department Chair Abbey H. Siegfried anticipates welcoming the first guest artist to Andover this school year and believes the effect on students will be incredible.
“Any time we can introduce a world-class artist to classrooms, to rehearsals, to Q&As, and to have our students learn from them, it’s hugely influential,” says Siegfried. “Building this fund into the culture of our program—especially against the backdrop of our beautiful Falls Music Center—is a major addition to what is already a remarkable music education here at Andover.”
To participate in this effort, please contact Acting Secretary of the Academy Nicole Cherubini.
Other Stories
PA's alumni magazine acknowledged for excellence in design and writing