John Thomas performs music for saxophones and electronics

Friday, December 4
7:30 PM
 
$15 general/$10 students & retirees/Military always free

Protean artist John Thomas spans the chasm between the concert and jazz saxophone worlds.  Equally adept at the arts of improvisation and interpretation, he insistently explores the bounds of genre and idiom. From his beginnings as a jazz saxophonist to appearing with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and composing his own electroacoustic music, he has refined and expanded his horizons as a performer and educator - a model of the 21st Century musician. 

The evening's program includes works by three Baltimore composers (MacGregor Boyle, Alexandra Gardner, and Mr. Thomas's own semi-improvisatory work) as well as Colorado composer James M. David and Oberlin's Peter Swendsen. Also featured will be the music of special guest composer J.S. Bach, for those interested in something a bit out of the ordinary.

Meet the Artist

As a classical performer, John Thomas has premiered new solo and chamber works both in the US and abroad. He actively performs the standard repertoire of the saxophone, as well as new works by young composers and electro-acoustic compositions. 
 
As a jazz musician, Mr. Thomas has appeared with such artists as Bob Mintzer, Kevin Mahogany, Slide Hampton, and Michael Formanek. Pop music engagements include appearances with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Glen Miller Orchestra, Ben Vereen, and Little Anthony and the Imperials.
 
In the Baltimore area, Mr. Thomas is a busy freelance performer and has performed at venues including Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Wolf Trap, the Strathmore, and Bethesda Blues and Jazz.
 
Mr. Thomas has performed at North American Saxophone Alliance national and regional conferences, the U.S. Navy Band Saxophone Symposium, and the World Saxophone Congress at Mahidol University in Thailand.
 
Mr. Thomas is an experienced and effective educator, having previously held teaching positions at East Carolina University, the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado Christian University. Before relocating to Baltimore, he was the Director of Jazz Studies at Casper College and is currently the Director of Jazz Ensembles at the Baltimore School of the Arts while maintaining an active private saxophone studio.
 
He holds a double Masters of Music in Jazz Studies and Saxophone Performance from East Carolina University. Currently, Mr. Thomas is pursuing a doctoral degree in classical saxophone performance at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.
 
John Thomas is a Vandoren Regional Artist and is available for recitals, concerts, clinics, and masterclasses.