The Marching Cats has a roster of 152 students, said Thomas, with more than 170 students involved in the band program.

In addition to leading the Marching Cats to three grand championships, Thomas works with the wind symphony, jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble and concert band at the school.

The percussion ensemble, concert band and wind symphony are classes Thomas teaches throughout a school day. The jazz ensemble usually practices before school, while marching band practices happen after school.

The wind symphony has earned superior ratings, and three students within the band program have been named to the All State band — the most to come from a single school south of Macon, he said.

“The last three years have been very productive,” Thomas said.

The keys to successful students and a successful program are discipline, motivation and passion, Thomas said.

Teaching students self-discipline is vitally important.

Motivation and passion are inspired in students by seeing the dedication the teacher has to work toward a certain goal with them, he said.

Seeing a teacher’s motivation opens the door to learning, Thomas said.

When a student succeeds at a task set out for them, Thomas counts it as a great reward for a job well done, he said.

“Even though sometimes you have to chisel away at the rough spots,” Thomas said.

To see the triumph in their faces when they have done something good is proof that they can do it, he said.

“That’s the most enjoyable thing and the most tiring thing about my job,” Thomas said.

Thomas teaches classes and handles all the administrative aspects of working with the band and other music programs.

“There are no typical days,” Thomas said.