Thomas Stokes
Tom Stokes began his early music career with the support of none other than the Traverse City Music Boosters. That full scholarship led him to study at Interlochen Center for the Arts Summer Camp. In 1967, Tom Stokes was selected as the Michigan Youth Arts Festival top Soloist. Tom went on to receive his Music Education degree from Depauw University and his Master's Degree in Choral Conducting from Indiana University.
Tom found himself returning to the Traverse City area in 1972 and while working with ICA as a dorm assistant, began working part-time for TCAPS in elementary general music based at Central Grade School. In 1976, Tom transitioned to full-time with TCAPS working at the Junior High in the choral program. While working for TCAPS, Tom developed/composed a series of sight singing materials sold nationally. During those years, Tom became the K-12 Music Coordinator and assisted in establishing the Men of Note and maintaining this extracurricular ensemble still singing today! In 1994, Tom was selected as the MSVMA (Michigan School Vocal Music Association) Teacher of the Year in Choral Music. Tom went on to teach a couple more years in Walled Lake before retiring. Tom did return to sub for TCAPS on and off for 10 years, as well as working a long term substitute for middle school and high school in Kinglsey until they were able to hire a full time choir director. Tom finished out his teaching years with the T.E.A.C.H. Home School choir program working there from 2015-2022.
On the side, Tom filled in much of his time by working as a vocal music director for the Old Town Playhouse for numerous musicals, also providing vocal coaching as well as working as pit orchestra conductor. Tom had also enjoyed several trips to Ghana in West Africa, rummaging and researching music in their larger universities for new music. As of January 2022, Tom is retired and looking to continue with music in his life, whenever possible.