Gathering in Song: A Tribute to Tom Stokes (Recording)

Images from the performance...

Our day of rehearsal of "Sing Your Way Home"

Today's article in the Ticker...

Gathering in Song: A Reunion & Tribute to Tom Stokes

Where it began...

Tom Stokes began his early music career with the support of none other than the Traverse City Music Boosters.  That full scholarship led him to study at Interlochen Center for the Arts Summer Camp.  In 1967, Tom Stokes was selected as the Michigan Youth Arts Festival top Soloist.  Tom went on to receive his Music Education degree from Depauw University and his Master's Degree in Choral Conducting from Indiana University.  

Tom found himself returning to the Traverse City area in 1972 and while working with ICA as a dorm assistant, began working part-time for TCAPS in elementary general music based at Central Grade School.  In 1976, Tom transitioned to full-time with TCAPS working at the Junior High in the choral program.  While working for TCAPS, Tom developed/composed a series of sight singing materials sold nationally.  During those years, Tom became the K-12 Music Coordinator and assisted in establishing the Men of Note and maintaining this extracurricular ensemble still singing today!  In 1994, Tom was selected as the MSVMA (Michigan School Vocal Music Association) Teacher of the Year in Choral Music.  Tom went on to teach a couple more years in Walled Lake before retiring.  Tom did return to sub for TCAPS on and off for 10 years, as well as working a long term substitute for middle school and high school in Kinglsey until they were able to hire a full time choir director.  Tom finished out his teaching years with the T.E.A.C.H. Home School choir program working there from 2015-2022.  

On the side, Tom filled in much of his time by working as a vocal music director for the Old Town Playhouse for numerous musicals, also providing vocal coaching as well as working as pit orchestra conductor.  Tom had also enjoyed several trips to Ghana in West Africa, rummaging and researching music in their larger universities for new music.   As of January 2022, Tom is retired and looking to continue with music in his life, whenever possible. 

How it came together...

In the spring of 2022, a group of former Men of Note members came together via social media and talked about the possiblity of holding a reunion of the 30th anniversary of the original Men of Note group's graduation (1993).  This idea was mulled over and was brought up in a conversation at Music Boosters meeting.  It was an idea that the Music Boosters were thrilled at pursuing.  With further discussions, it was decided that Music Boosters would host a concert to pay tribute to Tom Stokes, a director with TCAPS, former K-12 Music Coordinator and founder of Men of Note of TC Central H.S. and what would also later influence the need for a counterpart ensemble on the west side, Westmen of TC West H.S.. A scholarship named after Tom Stokes will be created with the proceeds from this concert.   This concert will bring the current Traverse City Central Men of Note, Traverse City West Westmen, East and West Middle School Tenor/Bass ensembles, TEACH home school program's D'guys and former members of these ensembles to perform once again!  This will be a night to remember. 

How to connect with the collaborative efforts...

Music Boosters is working to gather information for upcoming communications regarding this collaborative effort to honor Tom Stokes and come together to perform.  Even if you are unable to be present for the concert we would love for you to fill out the form and perhaps share your story and the impact Tom has made on you!

Other ways to stay in touch and share...

There are a variety of ways that you can share your stories as well as the impact of Tom on your life.  While we encourage those that are able to attend the concert and participate if comfortable, we understand that this is not possible for everyone.  We would love for you to submit your story of the impact Tom had through written story, pictures collected during your time in the group or a short video clip.  We also welcome your comments of support and well wishes!  You can share them in the following ways: 

E-Mail: website@traversecitymusicboosters.com

Our facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/stokestribute

Images, Articles and stories from the past...

Images above provided by Tess (Bates) Williams

Words shared from former students, colleagues & friends...

Original graduating class of Men of Note (1993)-of this-5 founding members

From left to right (back): Jeremy Hogue (93), Jeff Hogg (95), James Watz (93), Jason Kott (93), John Lenzini (93), Ben Falconer (93)

From Left to Right (front): Neil Pickard (95), Tom Hoxsie (95)~image taken in 1993