Role

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Composer

Genre

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Chamber

 

André Thomas is a renowned composer, conductor, and educator in the field of classical music. Born on October 11, 1952, in the city of Tallahassee, Florida, Thomas grew up in a musical family. His mother was a church pianist, and his father was a singer in the church choir. Thomas began his musical journey at an early age, learning to play the piano and singing in the church choir. Thomas attended Florida A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. He later went on to earn a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Throughout his career, Thomas has held numerous positions in the field of music education. He has served as the Director of Choral Activities at Florida State University, where he is currently a Professor of Choral Music Education. He has also served as the Artistic Director of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and the Conductor of the Tallahassee Community Chorus. As a composer, Thomas has written numerous works for choir, orchestra, and solo voice. His compositions have been performed by some of the most prestigious ensembles in the world, including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. One of Thomas's most famous works is his choral composition "I Dream a World." The piece is based on a poem by Langston Hughes and was commissioned by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in 1999. The work has since been performed by numerous choirs and orchestras around the world and has become a staple in the choral repertoire. Another notable work by Thomas is his choral composition "The Storm is Passing Over." The piece is a gospel-style arrangement of a traditional spiritual and has become a popular selection for church choirs and gospel ensembles. In addition to his work as a composer, Thomas is also a highly respected conductor. He has conducted numerous choral and orchestral ensembles, including the Florida State University Singers, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and the All-State Choirs of several states. Thomas has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2018, he was inducted into the Florida Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. He has also been awarded the Robert Shaw Choral Award from the American Choral Directors Association and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Florida A&M University. In addition to his work in the field of music, Thomas is also a dedicated educator. He has mentored countless students throughout his career and has been a strong advocate for music education in schools. He has also served as a guest conductor and clinician for numerous choral festivals and workshops around the world. In conclusion, André Thomas is a highly respected composer, conductor, and educator in the field of classical music. His compositions have become staples in the choral repertoire, and his work as a conductor has inspired countless musicians. Thomas's dedication to music education has had a profound impact on the lives of his students and the broader music community.

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