He started his Penn State administrative career in 2002 then later joined the School of Music faculty in 2010. Currently, Thornton serves as assistant director of the Penn State Marching Blue Band while teaching music education foundations, methods and techniques courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, advising freshmen and sophomore music education students, and serving on masters and doctoral thesis committees. His research focuses on pre-service teacher training, 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.