Background
Thurston, Richard Elliott was born on March 27, 1933 in Wewoka, Oklahoma, United States. Son of Watson Lee and Mary Ila (Williamson) Thurston.
Thurston, Richard Elliott was born on March 27, 1933 in Wewoka, Oklahoma, United States. Son of Watson Lee and Mary Ila (Williamson) Thurston.
Bachelor of Music, University of Michigan, 1955; Master of Music, University of Michigan, 1955; Doctor of Philosophy, University Texas, 1971.
Commander, conductor, Pacific Air Forces Band, Honolulu, 1964-1967; commander, conductor, Tactical Air Command Band, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, 1967-1969; commander, conductor, United States Air Force Academy Band, Colorado Springs, 1969-1975; commander, conductor, United States Armed Forces Bicentennial Band, Fort Meade, Maryland., 1975-1976; chief bands and music, United States Air Force, Washington, 1977-1980; professor music, director bands, Yale University, New Haven, 1980-1982; dean fine arts, Oklahoma City U., 1982-1985; editor publications division, Southern Music Company, San Antonio, 1986-1993.
Member American Bandmasters Association (secretary-treasurer since 1988), National Band Association (board directors 1976-1978), Phi Mu Alpha, Phi Beta Mu, Pi Kappa Lambda.
Married Iris Mardell Nelson, October 17, 1959. Children: Torin, Tamara, Tad.