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.