Soprano Indra Thomas Does Elementary School Outreach

Indra Thomas encouraging school
students (Photo: Daniel Bell/RNT)

"Acclaimed international opera singer and Shorter graduate Indra Thomas will share her vocal talents at the Rome Symphony Orchestra’s season-opening concert Saturday night, but she stopped by Southeast Elementary on Thursday to share her story with the students. Thomas grew up in Atlanta the daughter of a minister and a mother who sang in the choir, as well as at home, in the car and just about everywhere else. Thomas would sing along with her mom and cited her Thursday as the biggest inspiration for her career. 'That sparked something in me,' she said. Once she reached elementary school, Thomas joined the choir, and in high school she received special coaching from her choir teacher. That teacher led her to Shorter, where Thomas dove full force into all aspects of music and began to develop her love of classical music. After she finished at Shorter, Thomas went to work at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. There she focused almost exclusively on opera, found an agent, and the rest is history. Thomas encouraged kids to pursue music, even if just for pleasure, because it can provide an outlet from the stress of school. She also told them if they are interested in that sort of career, they should work hard and never give up. 'If you find something you love to do,' she said, 'I’d say go for it. If you have a dream, go for it.'" [Source]