Dr. Shane Thomas

Dr. Shane Thomas is the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music in the W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts at McNeese State University where he conducts the Chamber Singers and Concert Chorale. He teaches courses in vocal music education, choral methods, choral literature, music appreciation, and choral ensembles.

Thomas recently served as the Director of the University of Cincinnati Cabaret Singers for three years and as the assistant conductor for the CCM Chamber Choir, the CCM Chorale, and the CCM Chamber Singers at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. In addition, he served as the Instructor of Record for the Intro. to Conducting course and was the Graduate Assistant for Undergraduate Choral Methods and Materials, Graduate Techniques of Choral Conducting, and mentored undergraduate music education students. 

Prior to his tenure in Cincinnati, Thomas was the Director of Choral Activities at Martin County High School in Stuart, FL for five years. Choirs under his direction were repeatedly named “Choir of Distinction” by the Florida Vocal Association and were accepted to perform at state and regional ACDA conferences. He served as the FLACDA Secretary for five years and in Florida Vocal Association District Leadership for three years. Thomas taught private voice to students who have gone on to win professional awards and entry into undergraduate and graduate music programs across the United States. 

Thomas has maintained an active career as a clinician, tenor chorister, and professional soloist. He can be found on the rosters of professional choral ensembles such as the inaugural Spoleto Festival USA Vocal Fellows, Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble, principal tenor of The Union of Cincinnati, Coro Volante, BWV: Cleveland’s Bach Choir, the Bach Ensemble of St. Thomas, the May Festival Chorus, and the Old St. Mary’s Schola Cantorum. He was most recently seen as Parpignol in Puccini’s La boheme at the 2022 Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, SC. 

Thomas received a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Master of Music in Choral Conducting with distinction from Westminster Choir College, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Stetson University. He holds professional memberships in ACDA, NCCO, NAfME, Chorus America, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.