Dr. Thoms’ choirs have performed at major halls such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
Directing Great choral experiences
“Throughout my life I have had world class choral experiences from singing in Pittsburgh Youth Chorus to the St. Olaf Choir to singing in professional choral ensembles across the US. These singing experiences and my education at St. Olaf College and Michigan State University have provided me a significant level of experience, which I have used to teach and direct choral ensembles in high-quality performances. I have trained multiple ensembles for unique opportunities to perform in festival choirs on important stages like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
In 2017, I served as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Hymn Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City. My passion and goal as a conductor is to bring the highest level of performance and performance opportunities to the singers I direct.”
Dr. Thoms has led choirs on over 15 tours, conducting concerts in 49 state across the US.
Bringing music to the world
“As a student at St. Olaf College, I had the opportunity to travel the US and Europe performing music for over 250,000 people over 5 years. As a professional choral singer, I have travelled across the US, singing with some of the best ensembles in the country. These experience have driven me though out my career to bring music to people where they live.
While teaching at Concordia College New York from 2007-2020, I directed the college ensembles in nearly 400 performances across 49 US states, Canada, and Germany. Striving to bring music to people and communities who don’t normally experience high-quality choral music.”
Dr. Thoms has conducted choirs of all ages from pre-school to adult community choirs.
Teaching Everyone to Sing
“When I was a student at St. Olaf, I was challenged by my Music Education professor to ‘never tell anyone they cannot sing, because a person’s voice is deeply connected to who they are’. This has stayed with me throughout my entire career as a choral director. I have always believed that anyone can be taught to sing as a member of a choir, because a choir is not just about a voice but about about developing community. I have worked to lead ensembles with empathy, while challenging singers to sing at the highest levels they can.
I love working with singers no matter their experience level and believe that community and collegiality, are as important as great singing.”
Dr. Thoms loves doing workshops and conducting festival choirs with singers of all ages. Please contact him if you are interested.
Click on the pictures below to hear some recent performances conducted by Dr. Thoms
“Cherubic Hymn” by Jason Thoms Reformed Church of Bronxville - Chancel Choi
“Unclouded Day” arr. Shawn Kirchner Reformed Church of Bronxville - Chamber Choir
“In My Father’s House” by Philip Stopford Bismarck State College - Concert Choir
Select Choral Conducting Resume
2020- Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Bismarck State College in Bismarck, ND
2007-2020 Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music and Humanities at Concordia College New York in Bronxville, NY
2005-2007 Director of Music and Worship Arts at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, AR
2004-2005 Director of Choral Ensembles and Instructor of Music Education at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS
1999-2001 Choir Director at Hoover High School in Glendale, CA
1997-1999 Assistant Director and Interim Director of Music at Trinity United Methodist Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL