James K. Copenhaver assumed the position of Director of Bands at the University of South Carolina in 1976 and is a Professor of Music on the USC School of Music faculty.  Mr. Copenhaver earned BA and MMEd degrees at Morehead State University and completed two additional years of graduate study at Florida State University.  Prior to his appointment at the University of South Carolina, he taught at Holmes High School in Covington (KY), Morehead State University and Clemson University.  At USC, Mr. Copenhaver is responsible for administering the total band program. He conducts the University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band and teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in wind instrument techniques.  Under his guidance, the University of South Carolina band program has established a national reputation for excellence. 

Mr. Copenhaver is highly active as a clinician having served as a guest conductor, lecturer and adjudicator throughout the United States and  in Canada, Mexico and Europe.  Leading educational institutions have recognized him for his accomplishments in the areas of instrumental performance and music education.  In recognition for his talents and service, he has received the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association, the Distinguished Service to Music Medal for Instrumental Music Education from Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, and both the Outstanding Bandmaster Award and Outstanding Contributor to Bands Award from the South Carolina Chapter of Phi Beta Mu National Bandmaster Fraternity.  Mr. Copenhaver is an active member in several professional organizations within the band field, including the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.  He is a Past-President of both the National Band Association and the Southern Division of the College Band Director National Association.  Mr. Copenhaver is the founder and co-conductor of the Palmetto Concert Band, an adult professional concert band; this ensemble presented the Grand Finale Concert at the 1999 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.  

He was band director from 1951-1962 at Brookland Cayce High School in Lexington County School District Two.  He was also Director of Bands at the Gilbert Schools in Lexington County School District One from 1962 - 1970.  Tom was named Director of Bands at Campbell University from 1970-1972.   Dr. Thornley also was an instructor at South Carolina State University.
Dr. Thornley was also the Band Director and Music Department Chair at Bridgewater College until his retirement in 1997.

Dr. Thornley’s bands won the SCBDA State Marching Band Championships six times 1955, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1961.  His band won the National Cherry Blossom Grand Championships in Marching and Grade Six Concert Performance three times 1959,1960,1961.  His band represented South Carolina in Presidents John F. Kennedy’s inaugural parade in 1961.  His band also performed at the NFL Washington Redskins Game in 1960.  Dr. Thornley’s bands performed at many South Carolina Collegiate Football games including USC, Newberry, The Citadel, Wofford and the Shrine Bowl.  Dr. Thornely also performed with SC All-State Band at the National Convention in Miami, FL.  Dr. Thornley also has written and arranged music and drill for the South Carolina State Marching 101 and many high school bands in SC. 

Dr. Thornley’s professional affiliations include Music Educators National Conference, South Carolina Music Educators Association, and the South Carolina Band Directors Association.  Dr. Thornley was elected vice president of SCBDA and was chairman of the committee that established the Rules and Regulations for the first Marching Band Festival/Championships.