Hugh Thomas (choral conductor)
Encyclopedia
Joseph Hugh Thomas was an American choral conductor, pianist and educator, perhaps best remembered for his role as conductor of the renowned Concert Choir of Birmingham-Southern College
(BSC), a highly respected liberal arts college located in Birmingham, Alabama. He served for many years as chairman of the Department of Music at BSC. His work has been honored numerous times by professional organizations such as the American Choral Directors Association
.
. The name of the ensemble was changed in 1977 to the Birmingham Concert Chorale. The list of past conductors of the 38+ year old group include notable directors such as Hugh Thomas, Thomas Gibbs, Timothy Banks, and David Smith. The Chorale has long been associated with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra
, and is formally designated as “The official chorus of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.” The Chorale’s mission includes the continuance of its rich choral tradition.
, former instructor of music technology at UAB and director of the UAB Jazz Ensemble, currently Director of Student Jazz Programs at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
.
Birmingham-Southern College
Birmingham–Southern College is a 4-year, private liberal arts college located three miles northwest of downtown Birmingham. Founded in 1856, it is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Approximately 1400 students from 30 states and 23 foreign countries attend the college...
(BSC), a highly respected liberal arts college located in Birmingham, Alabama. He served for many years as chairman of the Department of Music at BSC. His work has been honored numerous times by professional organizations such as the American Choral Directors Association
American Choral Directors Association
The American Choral Directors Association , headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a non-profit organization with the stated purpose of promoting excellence in the field of choral music...
.
A Tradition of Excellence
As stated on the website of Birmingham-Southern Department of Music, "The Concert Choir’s history began with late BSC music professors Raymond Anderson and Hugh Thomas. Each brought his musicianship and dedication to the Concert Choir and established the foundation of quality the college strives to continue today." (See http://www.bsc.edu/academics/music/choir.htm) That tradition of excellence is carried on today by Dr. Lester Siegel, the current conductor of the Concert Choir, who holds the Joseph Hugh Thomas endowed professorship at Birmingham-Southern.The Birmingham Concert Chorale
In 1966, the Birmingham Concert Chorale was founded as the Birmingham Civic Chorus, under the direction of Bruce Tolbert of the University of MontevalloUniversity of Montevallo
The University of Montevallo is a four-year public university located in Montevallo, Alabama, USA. Founded in 1896, it is Alabama's only public liberal arts college and a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Programs are offered through the Michael E...
. The name of the ensemble was changed in 1977 to the Birmingham Concert Chorale. The list of past conductors of the 38+ year old group include notable directors such as Hugh Thomas, Thomas Gibbs, Timothy Banks, and David Smith. The Chorale has long been associated with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
- 1921-1955: Beginnings :The Alabama Symphony Orchestra can trace its beginnings to 1921, when on Friday, April 29, fifty-two volunteer musicians joined to perform at the Birmingham Music Festival at the Old Jefferson Theater...
, and is formally designated as “The official chorus of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.” The Chorale’s mission includes the continuance of its rich choral tradition.
Notable Students
A list of notable students of Hugh Thomas includes (among many others): Dr. Angela Batey, Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of Tennessee; Dr. Donald Oglesby, Director of the University of Miami Collegium Musicum and the Chamber Singers; Mark Ridings, director of the Birmingham Concert Chorale; and Ray ReachRay Reach
Raymond Everett Reach, Jr. is an American pianist, vocalist and educator residing in Birmingham, Alabama, now serving as Director of Student Jazz Programs for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, director of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars and President and CEO of Ray Reach Music and Magic City...
, former instructor of music technology at UAB and director of the UAB Jazz Ensemble, currently Director of Student Jazz Programs at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame was founded in 1978, and opened a museum on September 18, 1993, with a mission "to foster, encourage, educate, and cultivate a general appreciation of the medium of jazz music as a legitimate, original and distinctive art form indigenous to America...
.
External links
- BSC Concert Choir at Birmingham-Southern College website
- Choral Activities page at the University of Tennessee website
- Bio of Donald Oglesby at the Univ. of Miami website
- Birmingham Concert Chorale website