Adam W. Thomas is honored and excited to join the staff of the School of Music. He holds a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Bachelor of Music Education, all from the University of Louisville. Adam is currently the Assistant Conductor of the Louisville Civic Orchestra, as well as a member of the Board of the Chamber Music Society of Louisville.
Adam recently completed three years as a staff member of the Louisville Orchestra, first as the Assistant to the Music Director and then as Director of Operations. He was proud to have been part of the team during the recording of the Grammy-winning album, The American Project, as well as the once-in-a-lifetime performance at Mammoth Cave. He was also honored to assist such guests as Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thiele, and Kelli O’Hara, and to have worked alongside two of his musical heroes, Teddy Abrams and Bob Bernhardt.
A clarinetist and percussionist, Adam has been a member of Chamber Winds Louisville since 2009, including multiple performances at the KMEA Conference and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. He performed in several countries across Europe on three tours as a Kentucky Ambassadors of Music staff member. With the University of Louisville Wind Symphony, he performed concerts in Killarney, Ireland and twice in New York City’s Carnegie Hall. He returned to Carnegie Hall a third time to perform with the University of Louisville Singing Cardsmen. Adam has guest conducted the Kentucky Chamber Orchestra and the University of Louisville Symphony Orchestra.
A native of Henderson, Kentucky, Adam was the Director of Bands at Henderson County High School for four years. Under his direction, Henderson’s concert ensembles received consistent distinguished ratings. He conducted the Wind Ensemble in two performances at the 2016 National Memorial Day Concert Series in Washington, D.C. During his time at Henderson, he served two years as the Kentucky Music Educators Association District 2 Band Chair and had an article published in the Bluegrass Music News.
Adam would also like to thank his parents, Susan and Steve Thomas, as well as Jake Chabot, Joni the dog, and all their family and friends, for so many years of continuous support and encouragement.