Dr. Mark P. Thomas
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 twenty-five years. Under his leadership the chorus has
achieved both national and international success. Along with his duties for
the Choral Society, Dr. Thomas is also one of the founders of the Anthracite
Philharmonic where he serves as Artistic Director and Conductor. He is a
member of the Board of Directors of the Schuylkill County Council for the
Arts and continues to serve as Supervisor of Music for the Upper Perkiomen
School District.
Thomas has been a guest artist and conductor for many organizations
including the Prague Radio Symphony, the New York Pops, and the Schuylkill
Symphony Orchestra. He has made multiple tours throughout Europe and North
America which has included performances at the Dvorak and Mozart Music
Festivals held throughout central Europe. Other performances have included
Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, and the Riverside Cathedral in New York,
Orchestra Hall in Chicago, the State Opera House and the Cathedral of Sts.
Mary and Paul in Prague, and the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Vienna. Thomas
has also served as a guest conductor with the Ocean Grove Choral Festival
Choir and at Reading's Musicfest. Last July he toured in Russia, Finland,
and Estonia with members of the State Orchestra of St. Petersburg, Russia
and members of the Eastern Pennsylvania Choral Society.
Dr. Thomas has appeared nationally on NPR and PBS as well as local appearances
on Comcast Tonight and Comcast Newsmakers. He has also served as
a music consultant for Maryland Educational Television. Thomas and his
choirs have 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. He has received recognition
from former President William Clinton on behalf of a music
program he designed honoring our World War II veterans. He has received
recognition from the United States House of Representatives, the Pennsylvania House and Senate,
the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners, and the Austrian and German Governments. Thomas
recently was named by Philadelphia Magazine as "Best Choral Director" in the
Philadelphia region. He has also been recognized by the St. David's Society
as a "Citizen of the Year" recipient and was the first musician inducted
into the Upper Perkiomen Valley Academic Hall of Fame.