Norwich University has named First Sergeant Douglas Thornton, who retired from his law practice in 2019, as the new Corps of Cadet’s provisional battalion assistant commandant and director of bands and specialty units.
Thornton served with the 40th Army Band, Vermont Army National Guard, on and off since 1982, rising through the ranks to become a senior noncommissioned officer, training troops as musicians and soldiers. He retired from the guard after more than 38 years of service in the 40th Army Band and 133rd Engineers, Maine Army National Guard. He practiced law for 32 years.
“It is exciting but also humbling to lead a musical organization with such a long tradition and to step into the shoes of the extraordinary musicians who have led the Norwich University Band over the last 200 years,” said Thornton.
Norwich’s Regimental Band is the oldest collegiate band in the country. Today, it is a full instrumentation band — woodwinds, brass and percussion — and continues to perform in support of the Corps of Cadets at all formations, reviews and special parades.
The Regimental Band has performed for the inauguration of several United States presidents, including John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Barack Obama as well as for parades and concerts throughout Vermont and New England.