Dr. Joshua Thomas is an active concert saxophonist who is able to perform in a variety of musical settings, from the concert hall to the bandstand. As a member of the Coast Guard Band since 2000, he has performed around the world as a featured soloist, chamber musician, ensemble member, and at important national ceremonies. Away from the military, Dr. Thomas fosters a strong interest in commissioning and performing new music by consistently working with composers on new works and performing recitals across the country. He has performed at numerous conferences, including regional and international meetings of the North American Saxophone Alliance, the Navy Band Saxophone Symposium, the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the College Band Directors National Association (New England region), and the Northwestern University New Music conference. Performances of note include a saxophone quartet tour of Taiwan, solo appearances with wind ensembles at University of Georgia, IUPUI Ft. Wayne, Western Connecticut State, and the Hartt School of Music, and serving as soloist on three Coast Guard Band national and international tours.
As a teacher, Dr. Thomas enjoys personalizing each of his students experiences and helping them reach a higher level of musicianship, whether they want music to be a lifelong experience or a rewarding part of their collegiate studies. He has taught private students ranging from fourth grade through undergraduate music majors and is happy to work with saxophonist of any level in all musical styles. Dr. Thomas is on the faculty at Eastern Connecticut State University and Connecticut College, where he teaches saxophone lessons to both music majors and non-majors, chamber music, and assists in woodwind methods. He has previously held positions teaching saxophone at Central Connecticut State University and the Hartt School of Music.
Dr. Thomas earned a Bachelor of music education from Michigan State University, a Masters of Music in performance from Louisiana State University, a Masters of Arts in music theory from Connecticut College, and a Doctorate of Music in performance from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music.
Dr. Thomas is always interested in collaborating with educators, students, or performers on new performing or teaching opportunities.