William Thomas
Professor of Music, Voice
Director, Furman Chamber Choir
Director, Music in Italy Program
Daniel Music Building, Room 112
864.294.2088
bill.thomas@furman.edu
Education
D.M., Florida State University
M.M., Southeastern Baptist Seminary
B.M., Mars Hill College
William Thomas served as Chair of Furman's Music Department for nearly two decades, and currently teaches studio voice, vocal pedagogy, directs the department's study away program, Music in Italy, and regularly conducts major works for choir and orchestra. A member of the Furman faculty since 1987, his career is marked by constant activity as a solo and ensemble singer, conductor and clinician, nearly forty years of college teaching and administration, and a number of significant church music positions. His work with the Furman Chamber Choir includes the highly anticipated annual presentation of a Festival of Lessons and Carols in Furman's Daniel Chapel. Dr. Thomas worked closely with the late Robert Shaw studying, performing and recording in the United States and abroad. His association with Mr. Shaw led to his being named Director of the 1998 Robert Shaw Choral Institute, held on the Furman campus, and to his work as assistant editor of Robert Blocker's A Robert Shaw Reader, Yale University Press, 2004. When he is away from campus he may be found working in his garden or trout fishing in the streams of western North Carolina – often with his grandson, Will.
Training
Dorothy Roberts, voice
Robert Rich, conducting
Mars Hill College
Robert Burton, conducting
Jack Coldiron, voice
Frank Stovall, voice
Southwestern Seminary
Walter James, voice
Yvonne Cianella, voice
Florida State University
Robert Shaw, Conductor
Atlanta, GA
I believe the greatest joy in teaching, as in life, is to pass along awareness and insights gained from experience, inspiration gained from passion, preparation and hard work, and encouragement that provides the impetus for exploring and reaching potential. The greatest honor I am nearly constantly rewarded by is seeing my former students excel in their musical, personal and professional lives. Conductors, professional solo performers, church musicians, teachers, business people, ministers, care givers, and laborers all validate and give purpose to my efforts of mentoring, challenging and encouraging.
MUS-065 Chamber Choir
MUS-340 Church Music Ministries
MUS-450 Vocal Pedagogy
MUS-511 Applied Voice
Director, Music in Italy study-away program
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