JOHN THOMAS IS PLOTTING A NEW COURSE

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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 appearances with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and composing his own music, he has refined and expanded his horizons as a performer and educator- a model of the 21st Century musician.

As a classical performer, he has premiered new solo and chamber works both in the US and abroad. He actively performs the standard repertoire of the saxophone, as well new works by young composers and his own electro-acoustic compositions. He brings the verve and daring of a jazz improviser to the classical stage, while maintaining a rigorous dedication to the technical and interpretive demands of the classical discipline.
 

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. Known for his deep lush tone and intensely swinging style, Thomas delights fans of the jazz tenor saxophone. His jazz quartet deftly blends respect for the jazz tradition with a view towards modernism and innovation.

In the Baltimore/DC area, Thomas enjoys an eclectic and busy performing career. From pop groups, funk bands and R+B artists to symphonies, chamber groups, and improvisational collectives, his unique voice on the saxophone is in constant demand. He has performed at venues including Meryerhoff Symphony Hall, Wolf Trap, the Strathmore, Twins Jazz, and Bethesda Blues and Jazz as well as numerous small clubs, concert series, and house concerts. He has maintained a long-running Thursday night residency at Hotel Indigo Baltimore since fall of 2018 with his jazz trio. 

Mr. Thomas has performed and lectured 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 the Baltimore School for the Arts, Peabody Conservatory, and Towson Univiersity. He currently maintains a select private online studio of young students and adult learners.

He holds a double Masters of Music in Jazz Studies and Saxophone Performance and  studied with renowned classical soloist Gary Louie at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.

John Thomas is available for recitals, concerts, club dates, clinics, and masterclasses.

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