John A. Thomson


Selected Programs

Selected Repertoire

Selected Writings

Selected Interviews

Clinic Presentation

My Mentors

Audio Clips

Podcasts

John A. Thomson- Conductor

Bibliography

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

BOOKS/TEXTS

Stith, Gary. The Conductor's Companion: 100 Rehearsal Techniques, Imaginative Ideas, Quotes and Facts, (Delray Beach, Florida: Meredith Music Publications, 2017). Essay entitled "Selecting Repertoire" p. 105.

Peterson, Elizabeth. The Music Teacher’s Later Years: Reflections with Wisdom, (Delray Beach, Florida: Meredith Music Publications, 2016).  (Extended interview with numerous contributed quotations)

Whaley, Garwood. The Music Director’s Cookbook: Creative Recipes for a Successful Program, (Galesville, MD: Meredith Music Publications, 2005). Chapter entitled “The Wonderful Complexities of Quality Repertoire” pp. 111-112.

Thomson, John. Selective Music Lists For Bands, edited by Richard Strange. (Nashville, TN: National Band Association, 1997), Contributor.

Casey, Joseph. Teaching Techniques and Insights for Instrumental Music Educators, (Chicago: GIA Publications, 1991). (Numerous contributed quotations)

JOURNAL ARTICLES

Thomson, John. "Composing Without Fear: An Interview with James Stephenson", The Instrumentalist, Vol.77, No. 4 (February/March, 2023), pp. 5-9.

Thomson, John. "Honoring the Past, Building the Future: A conversation with Don Stinson", The Instrumentalist, Vol. 76, No. 2 (October/November, 2021), pp. 6-12

Thomson, John. "The Path to Excellence: An Interview with Alex Kaminsky", The Instrumentalist, Vol. 74, No. 7 (March, 2020), pp. 6-10, 47.

Thomson, John. “Passionate Creativity: An Interview with Stephen Shewan”, The Instrumentalist, Vol. 74, No. 4 (November, 2019), pp. 7-10, 30.

Thomson, John. “Big Results in Small Schools: An Interview with Mike Eagan and Cindy Swan-Eagan”, The Instrumentalist, Vol. 74, No 1 (August, 2019), pp. 6-10, 29.

Thomson, John. “A Pair of Celebrations in Wheaton, Illinois”, The Instrumentalist, Vol. 73, No. 10 (May, 2019), pp. 24-26.

Thomson, John. An Interview with Colonel Jason K. Fettig, The Instrumentalist, Vol 73, No. 9 (April, 2019), pp. 8-12, 30-31. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. "An Interview with Stephen Williamson, Principal Clarinet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra", The Instrumentalist, Vol. 72, No. 7 (February, 2018), pp. 8-12, 47.

Thomson, John. "An Interview with Alfred L. Watkins", The Instrumentalist, Vol 72, No. 5 (December, 2017), pp. 16-21, 46. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. "Everyone Has a Story: An Interview with James Seda", The Instrumentalist, Vol 72, No. 3 (August, 2017), pp. 10-14, 46. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. “Everything I Value Comes from Music, An Interview with Len Lavelle, The Instrumentalist, Vol. 71, No. 6 (January, 2017), pp. 6-11, 30.  (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. “In Search of the Perfect Rehearsal”, The Instrumentalist, Vol.71, No. 2 (September, 2016), pp. 16-18, 39.

Thomson, John. "Using Rehearsal Time Well", The Instrumentalist, Volume 70, No. 3 (October, 2015), pp.18-22, 110.

Thomson, John. Some Great Music for Middle School Bands, The Instrumentalist, Volume 68, No. 7 (February, 2014), pp. 18-21, 45-46.

Thomson, John. “An Interview with Robert Rumbelow”, The Instrumentalist, Volume 67, No. 6 (January, 2013), pp. 10-14, 47. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. “Planting Seeds for Lasting Success: An Interview with Chip DeStefano”, The Instrumentalist, Volume 67, No. 1 (August, 2012), pp. 14-18, 46.

Thomson, John. “Running a Music Camp: An Interview with Fritz Stansell”, The Instrumentalist, Volume 66, No. 8 (March, 2012), pp. 11-14, 85.

Thomson, John. "Consistency Is Key With Middle School Bands: An interview with Douglas Akey", The Instrumentalist, Volume 66, No. 6 (January, 2012), pp. 14-17, 42-43. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. "What We Learn Along the Way", The Instrumentalist, Volume 64, No. 9 (April, 2010), pp. 26-30, 54-55

Thomson, John. "Beyond the Beat: An Interview with Stephen Squires," The Instrumentalist, Vol. 63, No. 6 (January, 2009), pp.18-21, 50. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. “The Ripple Effect of Good Decisions: An Interview with Terry Austin,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 62, No. 11 (June, 2008), pp. 17-20, 54.

Thomson, John. “A Mime Teaches Conductors to Move: A Conversation with Bud Beyer,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 61, No. 10 (May, 2007), pp. 18-22.

Thomson, John. “Blend and Balance: An Interview with Dennis Zeisler,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 61, No. 1 (August, 2006), pp. 18-22.

Thomson, John. “Students Are Everything: An Interview with Roy Holder,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 60, No. 9 (April, 2006), pp. 20-23, 52. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. “Adapt and Survive With Any Schedule: An Interview with Brian Anderson,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 60, No. 6 (January, 2006), pp.18-21, 58.

Thomson, John. “A Conversation with Quincy Hilliard,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 60, No. 2 (September, 2005), pp. 14-18. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. “A Creative Approach With Middle School Bands: An Interview with Director Cheryl Floyd,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 59, No. 10 (May, 2005), pp. 12-15. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. “Music from the Heart: An Interview with Sam Hazo,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 59, No. 8 (March, 2005), pp. 12-16. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. “Bob Lark’s Creative Approach to Teaching Jazz Ensembles,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 59, No. 4 (November, 2004), pp. 14-19. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. “A Veteran Director Now Helps New and Prospective Teachers: An Interview with David Gregory,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 57, No. 9 (April, 2003), pp. 12-16, 75. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John, “Andrew Boysen Explores A Tribute to a Fallen Student: A Performance Analysis of I Am,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 57, No. 8 (March, 2003), pp. 20-24, 94.

Thomson, John. “Both Band and Orchestra Programs Thrive When Directors Collaborate: An Interview with Frank Lestina and Don Shupe,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 56, No. 5 (December, 2001), pp. 14-18.

Thomson, John and Baumer, Matthew. “Exploring Vesuvius with Frank Ticheli,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 55, No. 11 (June, 2001), pp. 22-26.

Thomson, John and Baumer, Matthew. “Robert Jager’s Perspective on Colonial Airs and Dances,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 55, No. 9 (April, 2001), pp. 12-17.

Thomson, John and Baumer, Matthew. “Chorale and Shaker Dance from the Composer’s Perspective: John Zdechlik in Conversation,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 55, No. 5 (December, 2000), pp. 11-15.

Thomson, John. “Developing Musicians, Step by Step and Piece by Piece: An Interview with Robert Garofalo,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 53, No. 10 (May, 1999), pp. 21-27.

Thomson, John. “The Repertoire is the Curriculum,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 53, No. 4 (November, 1998), pp. 10-13. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John and Lenzini, Catherine. “Music Worthy of Mozart: An Interview with Robert W. Smith,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 52, No. 5 (December, 1997), pp. 20-23.

Thomson, John and Lenzini, Catherine. “Middle School is Where I Belong: An Interview with Nancy Plantinga,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 50, No. 9 (April, 1996), pp. 10-14.

Thomson, John. “Teaching with Goals, Not Answers: An Interview with John Whitwell,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 50, No. 5 (December, 1995), pp. 10-15. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. "Of Conducting and Composing: An Interview with Timothy Mahr," The Instrumentalist, Vol. 49, No. 8 (March, 1995), pp. 10–15. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. "Of Conducting and Composing: An Interview with Timothy Mahr," Musicom, Vol. 29, No. 4, Winter, 1997, pp. 15–18. [Reprint in the band journal of the Alberta (Canada) Band Association of Thomson's article cited above]

Thomson, John. “Beyond Mechanical Conducting: An Interview with Craig Kirchhoff,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 48, No. 11 (June, 1994), pp. 10-15, 61. (Cover feature)

Thomson, John. “Omit Needless Words: An Interview with Donald Schleicher,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 47, No. 7 (February, 1993), pp. 17-21.

Thomson, John. “Keeping Students Interested: An Interview with Michael Kaufman,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 46, No. 9 (April, 1992), pp. 10-13, 55.

Thomson, John. “Balanced Programs and Tarnished Trophies: An Interview with James Croft,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 46, No. 7 (February, 1992), pp. 10-13.

Thomson, John. “Contests, Communities, and Conducting: An Interview with Ross Kellan,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 45, No. 11 (June, 1991), pp. 14-18.

Thomson, John. “Selecting A Summer Music Camp,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 44, No. 8 (November, 1990), pp. 67-68.

Thomson, John and Warrick, James. “Is Band Academically Indispensable?: An Interview with Frank Bencriscutto,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 42, No. 4 (November, 1987), pp. 32-37.

Thomson, John and Warrick, James. “Claude T. Smith on Composing, Conducting, and the Art of Teaching,” The Instrumentalist, Vol. 41, No. 6 (January, 1987), pp. 36-47.

Thomson, John. “Oboe Master Class with Thomas Fay,” Accent Magazine, Vol. 4, No. 5 (May/June, 1979), pp. 6-7, 28-29.

Thomson, John. “Clarinet Master Class with Robert Marcellus,” Accent Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 3 (January/February, 1978), pp. 5, 24, 31.

Thomson, John. “Horn Master Class with Forrest Standley,” Accent Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 2 (November/December, 1977), pp. 7, 24-25.