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University City, MO – The University City Municipal Commission on Arts & Letters has named Grammy-nominated musician Christopher J. Thomas, Returning Artist for 2024-25. Annually, the program invites a University City High School (UCHS) graduate who has achieved acclaim in the arts. Thomas (UCHS Class of 1988), is this year’s celebrated artist.
Thomas’ tour of schools in The School District of University City started in October 2024 with visits to elementary schools. He will return to visit Brittany Woods Middle School on Nov. 8 and UCHS on Nov. 22. The Commission will host a public reception in Thomas’ honor at the UCHS library (7401 Balson Ave.) Monday, December 2, at 7 p.m. (Prior registration can be made at www.ucityschools.org/RA2024).
Thomas’ foundational education was entirely within the walls of U. City Schools. He 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 graduated from University City High School. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep passion for music, starting with violin in fourth grade, then moving to the cello, and finally dedicating himself to the double bass by age 13. His formal music journey expanded further with piano lessons at West Side Missionary Baptist Church.
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 like Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., Joshua Redman, Everlast, Macy Gray, Nora Jones and Melody Gardot. Since 1997, Thomas has co-led his own group, “The Soul of John Black,” which has toured widely across the United States.
Growing up in University City, Thomas found the community to be a"melting pot" of inspiration and he speaks fondly of his teachers, including Linda Pregrave, John Brophy and Carol Ray who, collectively, made a lasting impact on him. “I had all my credits to graduate by the end of my junior year of high school,” Thomas said. “I began to try other mediums of art that I always wanted to try - like advanced art, drawing and acting! My senior year was a remarkable experience with classmates (and fellow musicians) such as Jeremy Davenport, Peter Martin and David Berger.”
He later returned home to explore his creative side further as a student at the St. Louis prestigious cooking school, L'Ecole Culinaire. No matter what inspires you, Thomas encourages students to approach the arts humbly, viewing their work as forms of self expression. “Art is supposed to be your personal point of view, an extension and or reflection of your personality. Don’t look for others to validate your expression. Don’t look for the awards and fame. True art can be found by everyone, in some shape or form. Always remember your community, this is the backbone that strengthens your art.”
About the Returning Artist Series: Since 1994, the Commission’s Returning Artist program has recognized artistically renowned University City High School (UCHS) graduates by inviting them to return to their alma mater to share their work with students. The program encourages students to investigate careers in the arts and enriches the District’s arts programs in schools. Past Returning Artists have included some of the world’s most renowned names in creative and visual arts. For more information, please contact The Commission at ucityartsandletters@gmail.com.