Music teacher Billy Thatcher said he is proud to be part of the V.M.T staff.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to work at VMT. Everyone, from students to teachers and administrators, are very wonderful people,” he said.

Thatcher was a student teacher last fall, and joined the faculty in January.

Besides his own responsibilities, Thatcher helps out other music classes too.

“As of now, I am in charge of the VMT International Guitar Ensemble. However, I also help out “Conjunto Extremo” as well as “Conjunto Magneto.” In the afternoons, I also enjoy helping out the VMT Mariachi. I mostly help out the armonia (guitarron, guitar, vihuela, and harp) section,” he said.

Thatcher works hard to teach students who are willing to study music with him.

“I try to motivate students by letting them play songs that they as well as other audiences like to listen to. Right now, we play songs from South America, North America, and Europe. Some students have also done their own original songs that are performed as well. Anyways, students will also learn music theory as well as techniques to improve their guitar skills,” he said.

Thatcher would like for his students to improve reading skills.

“As of now, I would like for my students to improve on reading more music (solo pieces) which will enable the student to compete and know where they stand and what they need to work on. Also, for the students to learn more songs as an ensemble,” he said.

Faculty and students are lucky, Thatcher said.

“I think both the teachers are very lucky to have the type of students we have here in VMT, and students to have such knowledgeable teachers that enable the student to really succeed,” he said.

Thatcher’s musical background is a big asset, he said.

“It helps me tremendously because I can relate to the students and let them know what they should or shouldn’t do and explain the reasons why,” he said.

Thatcher first got interested in music when he was in the seventh grade, according to a previous story in The Magnet Tribune, and is still learning. His favorite instrument is the guitar.

“I love to play the guitar because I can create so many sounds, and it’s never ending,” Thatcher said last fall.

Thatcher was born in Laredo but went Zapata High School and was in a mariachi band, competed and got an award for best armonia rhythm (rhythm section).

Five years from now Thatcher wants to see himself still at the magnet school.

“I want to see myself here at VMT, but then with hopefully a master’s degree in music. This should help me become a better teacher to my students,” he said.