A Musical Legacy
Academia
ANDRÉ J. THOMAS is a Visiting Professor of Conducting and Interim Conductor of the Yale Camerata. Thomas is an Emeritus Professor of Music at Florida State University. He previously served as a faculty member at the University of Texas, Austin.
Dr. Thomas received his degrees from Friends University (B.A.), Northwestern University (M. M.), and the University of Illinois (D.M.A). He is in demand as a choral adjudicator, clinician, and director of Honor/All-State Choirs throughout North America, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and Africa.
“Guiding students through their Doctoral study.”
— André Thomas
Florida State University Graduation - 2017
Guest Conducting
Dr. Thomas has conducted choirs at the state, division, and national conventions of the Music Educators National Conference (NAfME) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). His international conducting credits are extensive. They include conductor/clinician for the International Federation of Choral Musicians' summer residency of the World Youth Choir in the The Republic of China and the Philippines. He was also the conductor of the World Youth Choir's winter residency in Europe and a premier performance by an American choir (Florida State University Singers) in Vietnam.
He has been the guest conductor of such distinguished orchestras and choirs as the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in England, guest Conductor for the Berlin Radio Choir and the North German Radio Choir in Germany, the Netherlands Radio Choir, The Bulgarian Radio Choir and Orchestra, the Charlotte Symphony, Tallahassee Symphony, China's People's Liberation Orchestra and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. From 1988-2019, he also served as Artistic Director of the Tallahassee Community Chorus.
“First time conducting in Germany. So excited.”
— André Thomas
Rundfunkor Berlin - 2002
“World Youth Choir Summer residency Taiwan and the Phillipines.”
— André Thomas
Newsweek Magazine Cover - 1998
Honors
Various musical organizations have recognized Thomas. In 2011, the African Diaspora Sacred Music honored Dr. Thomas as a Living Legend. Also in 2011, Thomas' dedication to and accomplishments in the choral arts was recognized by his peers in Chorus America when the organization presented Dr. Thomas with its Distinguished Service Award. In March of 2017, ACDA presented Thomas with its highest honor the Robert Shaw Award, and in November of 2017, NCCO (National Collegiate Choral Organization presented Thomas with its Lifetime Achievement Award. In January 2019, he was inducted into the Florida Music Educators’ Hall of Fame. In 2022 he was presented with the Award of Excellence from the Southern Region of ACDA.
“My teaching philosophy immortalized in stained glass.”
— André Thomas
Dr. André Thomas’ Stained Glass Window in Dodd Hall, Florida State University - 2017
Teaching Awards
Thomas's teaching is designed to challenge the students to achieve their maximum potential. This is accomplished through creating a positive learning environment that is structured toward success. In his particular area, students have to take risks, but they learn to take those risks in a safe atmosphere with tasks that are achievable given appropriate application and effort. Because people have different learning styles and varied experiences, he makes it a priority to accommodate individuality. Although extensive feedback is crucial, he has found that one of his primary goals is to teach for student independence. These goals are met by providing opportunities for students to practice and improve their skills. The hope is for students to gain an appreciation and a love of the subject matter as they become more knowledgeable and skilled.
From guest professorships at universities, clinic sessions for professional organizations, and teaching at Florida State University, Dr. Andre Thomas continues to implement his teaching philosophies all over the world.
Dr. Thomas has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards reflecting his expertise as a master teacher. Listed below are a few examples of his accomplishments:
The Florida State University Endowed Chair, Owen F. Sellers Named Professorship (2000)
The Florida State University Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award (2000)
The Florida Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association Wayne Hugoboom Distinguished Service Award (1995)
Florida State University Office of Student Activities and Organizations Seminole Award (1994)
Florida State University Teaching Award (1993)
“Music has always been my tool to reach people”
— Dr. André Thomas
August 15, 1952 – Present