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Mr. Thomas was appointed tuba/euphonium instructor and director of pep bands at the University of Arizona in 2001. 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 is currently completing a Doctor of Musical arts degree at Arizona State University .
Professor Thomas participated in the famed Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble (TTTE), under the direction of R. Winston Morris , while at TTU. Kelly has appeared as a soloist as well as an ensemble member on the following recording's affiliated with the TTTE: Euphoniums Unlimited (Mark Records 2004), The Kings of Brass (Mark Records 2001), Tubalogy 601 (Mark Records 2000), and Unleash the Beast (Mark Records 1995). In 1995 Kelly performed at Carnegie Hall as a soloist and ensemble member with the TTTE.
Professor Thomas has also performed at the International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA) Conferences in Las Vegas , Arkansas , Tucson , and Regina , Canada . In 2003, he hosted the ITEA Regional Conference in Tucson , AZ on the campus of the University of Arizona . In 2005, Kelly conducted the University of Arizona Brass Choir and performed at the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Bangkok , Thailand .
Kelly is 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 Tucson as well as New Mexico and Colorado . They released their debut recording entitled Introducing?he Original Wildcat Jass Band in 2004 .
Kelly has also worked with numerous valley high schools as a brass instructor and clinician. Thomas is scheduled to perform at the Music Educators National Midwest Conference in 2006. He is also scheduled to perform at Carnegie Hall again in 2007. He is a Clinician/Artist for Boosey & Hawkes.
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