Joshua Thomas

Dr. Joshua Thomas is an active concert saxophonist who is able to perform in a variety of musical settings, from the concert hall to the bandstand. As a member of the Coast Guard Band since 2000, he has performed around the world as a featured soloist, chamber musician, ensemble member, and at nationally important ceremonies.

Away from the military, Dr. Thomas fosters a strong interest in commissioning and performing music of our time by working with composers on new works and performing recitals across the country. He has performed at numerous conferences, including regional and international meetings of the North American Saxophone Alliance, the Navy Band Saxophone Symposium, the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the College Band Directors National Association (New England region), and the Northwestern University New Music conference. Performances of note include a saxophone quartet tour of Taiwan, solo appearances with wind ensembles at University of Georgia, IUPUI Ft. Wayne, Western Connecticut State, and the Hartt School of Music, and serving as soloist on three Coast Guard Band national and international tours.

As a teacher, Dr. Thomas enjoys personalizing each of his students’ experiences and helping them reach a higher level of musicianship, whether they want music to be a lifelong experience or a rewarding part of their collegiate studies. Dr. Thomas is on the faculty at Eastern Connecticut State University and Connecticut College, where he teaches saxophone lessons to both music majors and non-majors, chamber music, and assists in woodwind methods. He has previously held positions teaching saxophone at Central Connecticut State University and the Hartt School of Music.

Dr. Thomas holds degrees from Michigan State University, Louisiana State University, Connecticut College, and the Hartt School of Music. He is also a Conn/Selmer Performing Artist and currently serves as the membership director for the North American Saxophone Alliance.