Darrin Thornton is an assistant professor of music at Penn State where he teaches music education foundations, methods and techniques courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels; advises freshmen and sophomore music education students; and serves on masters and doctoral thesis committees. His research focuses on pre-service teacher preparation, educational access and outreach in music and music education, learning in ensemble settings, and lifelong music engagement. Thornton remains active as a performing percussionist, conductor, church musician, adjudicator, clinician, guest lecturer, and consultant, while serving as a volunteer assistant with the Penn State Marching Blue Band.