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Story by: St. Louis American staff

The University City Municipal Commission on Arts & Letters has named Grammy-nominated musician Christopher J. Thomas as the Returning Artist for 2024-25

Each year, a University City High School (UCHS) graduate who has achieved acclaim in the arts is invited back to the school, and Thomas is a 1988 alum of the high school.

The Commission will host a public reception in Thomas’ honor at the UCHS library, 7401 Balson Ave., at 7 p.m. Monday, December 2, at 7 p.m. 

Thomas’ education began in the Step-by-Step preschool program, continued through McKnight Elementary School for kindergarten through fifth grade, Brittany Woods Middle School for sixth through eighth grades, and he graduated from University City High School.

He calls U. City “a melting pot” of inspiration,” and speaks fondly of his teachers, including Linda Pregrave, John Brophy and Carol Ray.

“I had all my credits to graduate by the end of my junior year of high school,” Thomas said.

My senior year was a remarkable experience with classmates (and fellow musicians) such as Jeremy Davenport, Peter Martin and David Berger.” 

 Thomas’ bass studies began with Henry Lowe, principal bassist of the St. Louis Symphony and continued under Richard Davis at the University of Wisconsin and Ellis Marsalis at the University of New Orleans. By age 18, he was touring with jazz pianist Marcus Roberts, marking the start of a celebrated career of performing and recording with artists including Wynton Marsalis and Harry Connick Jr.