Omar Thomas: A Musical Force for Representation and Change

Omar Thomas, an ambitious and revolutionary composer, uses his musical talents to tell the often overlooked stories of humanity. Gifted in crafting styles that resonate emotionally, Thomas has become a recognized force in contemporary composition.

His journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born to Guyanese parents on February 27, 1982. By fourth grade, he was already acquainted with the trombone, and by eighth grade, he had embarked on his composing career—setting the stage for his eventual prominence in the 21st-century music world. Throughout his school years, Thomas actively participated in his high school's marching band and choir, building his musical foundation.

Thomas pursued formal music education at James Madison University, earning his degree in music education in 2005. He then moved to Boston for his master's in jazz composition at the New England Conservatory of Music in 2006, a place where he found inspiration in jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.

At the age of 23, Thomas began his professional teaching career at the Berklee College of Music as an assistant professor of harmony. His academic journey continued with a teaching role at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. Today, Thomas is a master educator with Yamaha and teaches composition and jazz studies at the University of Texas.

Throughout his evolving career, Thomas has received significant recognition, including the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award in 2008 and being named the "Jazz Artist of the Year" at the Boston Music Awards in 2012. A landmark moment was when he received the 2019 William D. Revelli Award from the National Band Association for his composition 'Come Sunday,' marking him the first Black composer to win the award in its 42-year history.

Thomas has nearly 20 compositions to his name, many of which explore themes of Black American culture, the LGBTQ movement, and the narratives of historical figures. His works 'Come Sunday,' 'Of Our New Day Begun,' and 'A Mother of a Revolution!' are among his most renowned.

'Come Sunday' serves as an homage to Black church music, with soulful melodies and gospel vibes. Through two movements—'Testimony' and 'Shout!'—Thomas conveys a rich tapestry of emotional and musical depth that illustrates the essence of Black worship services.

'Of Our New Day Begun' was created to remember the victims of the 2015 Charleston church shooting. Thomas masterfully balances reverence and resistance in this piece, drawing upon themes of struggle, resilience, and the quest for racial equality.

In 'A Mother of a Revolution!', Thomas celebrates the life of LGBTQ icon Marsha P. Johnson. The composition mirrors the tumultuous yet courageous life of Johnson, with music that builds from quiet tension to a united, powerful march.

Omar Thomas's career is a testament to his vision of using music to transcend barriers and celebrate diverse narratives. His compositions are not just pieces of music but potent statements in the ongoing dialogue about identity, culture, and community inclusion.

ambitious, influential, revolutionary