Dr. Kelly Gene Thomas
Dr. Thomas served as Professor of Euphonium and Tuba
at the University of Arizona from 2001- 2014. Following
his tenure at UA, Kelly and his family moved to
Tennessee where he served as the tuba/euphonium
professor at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville).
Throughout his career, Kelly was known for his unfailing
dedication to his family, his students and his art.
A native of Flagstaff, Arizona, he began his studies with R. Winston Morris at
Tennessee Technological University. There he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in
music education. He also holds a Master of Music degree in music education from
Arizona State University where he studied with Sam Pilafian. Kelly completed a
Doctor of Musical arts degree at Arizona State University in 2006.
Professor Thomas participated in the famed Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble (TTTE),
under the direction of R. Winston Morris, while at TTU. He appeared as a soloist as
well as an ensemble member on numerous recordings with the TTTE, and in 1995 and
2007 he performed at Carnegie Hall as a soloist and ensemble member. Dr. Thomas
collaborated with noted artists including Gunther Schuller, Adam Gorb, James Grant,
Greg Danner, and David Maslanka.
Professor Thomas was a widely sought after soloist and clinician, having performed at
the International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA) Conferences all over the
world, as well as the United States Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Conference in
Washington D.C. In 2003 and 2007 he hosted the ITEA Regional Conference in
Tucson, AZ on the campus of the University of Arizona and in 2010 hosted the
International Conference of ITEA with over 600 participants. In 2005, Kelly
conducted the University of Arizona Brass Choir and performed at the International
Trumpet Guild Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.
Kelly was a founding member and tubist for the Original Wildcat Jass Band, a
traditional New Orleans and Chicago jazz band. This touring ensemble has been
featured throughout the southwest and Mexico as well as New Mexico, California,
and Colorado.
Kelly also founded an exciting new chamber ensemble Eufonix. This unique quartet
released their debut recording in 2010 and their second recording Brink! in 2012.
Wednesday, October 28 7:30 p.m.
Crowder Hall
The University of Arizona
Octubafest Concert II
For Kelly Thomas
Carrickfergus (“there was a Nobleman”) .................... trad. Irish Folksong
arr. For Kelly by D. Katzen
October 28, 2015
Crowder Hall
7:30 p.m .
Hewlett (“As Strong As Iron”)................................. trad. English Folksong
arr. For Thomas Family by D. Katzen
Daniel Katzen, horn
PROGRAM
March “Seventeen Come Sunday” ............................. R. Vaughan Williams
(1678-1741)
Quartet for Tubas ............................................................. Frank Lynn Payne
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Vivo
“Nimrod” from Enigma Variations........................................ Edward Elgar
(1678-1741)
Michael Cook, David Dayoub, Matt Viesca, euphonium
Ben Johnson, tuba
The Circus Bee ........................................................................ Henry Fillmore
(1678-1741)
University of Arizona Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble & Guests
Euphonium: David Dayoub, Eli Friedman, Todd Martin, Victor Mendoza,
Matt Stout, Luke Symington, Matt Viesca, Roberto Zubieta
Tuba: Dan Brown, Michael Cook, Timothy Harrell, Will Houchin,
Ben Johnson, Mark Nelson, Jarrett Youngquist
Carmen Fantasy ................................................... Georges Bizet (1838-1869)
arr. Luc Vertommen
Matt Viesca, euphonium
Josh Tan, piano
Six Pack ......................................................................James Meador (b. 1974)
I. Blowing off Steam
II. Discotheque
III. Melancholy
IV. Angry
V. Inebriated
VI. Invincible
Ben Johnson, tuba