Schuylkill Choral Society

1440 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA  17901

570-628-3388                www.schcommunitychorus.org

Dr. Mark P. Thomas - Choral Director

Dr. Mark P. Thomas has been recognized in both the United States and Europe for his passion, creativity, dedication, and leadership in the performing arts. His commitment to Schuylkill County has enabled the Schuylkill Choral Society to be recognized both in the United States and abroad. The Pottsville Republican has recognized Thomas as “…a person who has made a difference to our county….he continues year after year to push the Schuylkill Choral Society to greater heights” According to the Prague Post…"Thomas is a passionate conductor who understands the intricacies and importance of both a chorus and orchestra. "

Dr. Thomas has served as the music director and conductor of the Schuylkill Choral Society for over two decades. Under his leadership the chorus has achieved both national and international success. Along with his duties for the Choral Society, Dr. Thomas also serves as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Schuylkill Symphony Orchestra, Music Director and Conductor of the Penn State University Choir, and Supervisor of Music for the Upper Perkiomen School District.

Thomas has served as a guest conductor for many organizations including multiple tours throughout Europe and North America. In recent years he has conducted at Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, and the Riverside Cathedral in New York, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, The State Opera House and the Cathedral of St. Mary and Paul in Prague, and at the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Vienna.  He collaborated with the late Skitch Henderson, Rob Fisher, and the New York Pops for their 2005 tribute to the Dorsey brothers. In 2006 he guest conducted with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra at the Dvorak and Mozart Festivals held throughout central Europe. Dr. Thomas has also served as a guest conductor with the Ocean Grove Choral Festival Choir, the Bel Canto Choir, and at Reading’s Musicfest. He has accepted an invitation to guest conduct with the State Orchestra of St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2009. Dr. Thomas has appeared nationally on both NPR and PBS. He served as a music consultant for Maryland Educational Television and was a featured guest on Desert Island Disc on WITF in Harrisburg. Thomas and his choirs have also become featured performers of the National Anthem for the Philadelphia Sports Community, including regular performances for the Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers.  

Dr. Thomas is listed in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Education, and Who’s Who among American Teachers. In 1995 he received recognition from President William Clinton on behalf of a music program he designed honoring America’s veterans on the 50^th anniversary of the end of World War II. Parts of this program were used in the national celebration held in Washington D.C. Dr. Thomas has also received recognition from the Pennsylvania House and Senate, the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners, and the Austrian and German Governments. In 2000 he was named Citizen of the Year by the St. David’s Society and in 1997 became the first musician inducted into the Upper Perkiomen Academic Hall of Fame.