Zach Thomas

Mr. Thomas is the Director of Instrumental Music at Ledyard High School, where he directs the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, The Ledyard Colonel Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, and Chamber Ensembles. He also teaches music production, guitar, keyboard, music theory and music appreciation courses at LHS. The Ledyard Colonel Marching Band was the 2020 CT State and New England Region USBands Champion. 

Mr. Thomas is the Music Director and Conductor of The Original Waterford Community Band. He was the Director of Instrumental Music (grades 4-12) for the North Stonington Public Schools for five years, where his program earned Platinum distinction in competition. 

Mr. Thomas has served as the Woodwind Instructor for the Norwalk High School Marching Band. During his tenure, the woodwind section was awarded "Best Woodwinds" and the band was awarded "Best Music" in the CT Musical Arts Conference National Class Championships every year. The band won multiple National Class state championships during his time there.

He has an eclectic taste for all music. He lived in NYC and worked as a studio and touring musician for several hip hop artists, including Curren$y, Stalley, and Ski Beatz (best known as Jay-Z's producer). He has performed as a member of regional pop/rock/country bands and worked extensively in musical theater pit orchestras.

Mr. Thomas earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University, where he was president of the National Association for Music Education university chapter. He also holds a Master of Music Degree with a focus in teaching artistry from Bowling Green State University. He is a Grammy-nominated music educator.