Volunteering and Outreach

Neurosalon is a project committed to embracing the belief that creativity is within everyone and everyone’s reach. We create art to demonstrate the benefits of creativity through its ability to increase plasticity in the brain. Intending to bridge the gap between scientific language and the layman’s public through our art. We aspire to teach all to embrace their creative selves through understanding the benefits of creativity. Our goal is to create an aesthetic experience that inspires people to tap into their uniquely creative selves. 

Thomas was the resident composer and videographer for NeuroSalon and composed works for several NeuroSalon exhibitions in the Lehigh Valley, attracting thousands of visitors.

Link to written Lehigh article

First Presbyterian Church of Allentown is a diverse body of faith committed to living God’s love in the way of Jesus Christ. We do this through worship, study, service, and relationships for the common good of our community and the world.

In 2023, Thomas was elected to serve on session (church board of directors) as a ruling elder. During his tenure as elder, Thomas organized faith formation activities and developed curriculum for preschool, bible studies, and youth groups. He created policies that supported historically underserved groups and intergenerational outreach. He served on the council for youth development and faith formation. Thomas's tenure ended in June, 2024.

No Repeats is a student-led music mentor program for teens who are incarcerated, led by advanced high school musicians with a desire to share their love of music. No Repeats envisions that the musical exposure and experience will have positive effects on these incarcerated teens and will help increase their self-esteem and self-confidence and decrease their chance of returning to the criminal justice system. Simultaneously, the musicians develop communication and leadership skills and gain an understanding of the lives of teens in the criminal justice system.

Thomas was a guest instructor in the No Repeats project for several years and mentored several teens in their journey to master the cello.

The Allentown Symphony Orchestra and Bach Choir of Bethlehem have collaborated to engage teens across the Lehigh Valley about the importance and relevance of culture through a series of Zoom sessions, culminating with the recent live concert of the world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

WDIY presents: Culture Conversations with host Sophie Elijovich, who speaks with local teens and young artists about the impact and influence of different cultural activities such as dance, music or art in their lives.

An interview with Thomas broadcast during the All Things Considered hour on the local NPR station.

The play-a-thon is the main fundraiser for the Lehigh Valley Music Teachers Association, which provides scholarships to college music majors, covers costs for music camps and student trips, and supports awards and continuing education for teachers. The event is in memory of Hannah Young, a trumpeter in the Allentown Band who was known for her support of music education.

Thomas has been volunteering to raise funding with the Hannah Young Play-a-thon initiative since the age of four and participated annually up until his high school graduation.