Guest Conductor

Kathy Thompson retired in May of 2023 after 49 years as a band director, most recently at Seven Rivers Christian School. She taught previously for 39 years in the public schools of Sumter, Citrus and Hernando Counties. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of South Florida. 

Her bands consistently received Superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association Marching and Concert Assessments. She was teacher of the year in 1998 and 2012. She is also an active clinician in the area, having conducted numerous All-County and All-District Honor Bands. In 2006, Mrs. Thompson was selected to be the clinician for the 7th-8th grade All-State Band. In 2021, she was honored to be interviewed as part of the Florida Bandmasters Association Legacy Mentoring Project. 

In addition to being principal clarinetist with the Weeki Wachee Winds, Mrs. Thompson is the conductor of Nature Coast Community Band, based in Citrus County. In addition to playing the clarinet and conducting, Mrs. Thompson loves gardening, biking, reading traveling and taking long walks with her dogs