Marquis Who's Who Millennium Magazine

187 A Marquis Who's Who Magazine P atricia Thornton Hayes has spent over four decades in the field of music education. Ms. Hayes’ passion for music and the desire to share that passion with others have contributed her successful career. To prepare for her professional journey, she received a Bachelor of Arts from the West Virginia University Institute of Technology in 1956 and furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University in 1970. Her knowledge and enthusiasm have garnered her several director of music positions at elementary and high schools in Virginia and West Virginia. She has also been a music and special education teacher, as well as a music specialist for a diagnostic center in Portsmouth, which she retired from in 2005. Ms. Hayes also had the opportunity to be a judge for the Doris Sahr Memorial Piano Competitions and directed music programs, festivals and theater productions in Hampton Roads, Va. In addition to her career as a music educator, Ms. Hayes has also had her hand in composing many songs over the course of her career and directed several shows held within her community. Although she is now retired, she remains active through her affiliations with civic organizations and continued volunteer service with the Beazley Foundation, Inc. Her dedication to music education goes beyond the classroom, as she is a member of the Virginia Education Association, the American String Teachers Association, Virginia PTA, and the Virginia Retired Teachers Association. She has received many awards for her contributions to the field, including an award from The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls as well as Outstanding Music Works awards from the Portsmouth City School Board. Ms. Hayes has maintained longevity in her career due to her passion for music and desire to educate aspiring performing artists. Patricia Thornton Hayes Music Educator, Director (Retired) Campostella Elementary School Chesapeake, VA