Peter J Thomas has been a member of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra since 2008. Originally from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where he was born into a family of musicians, Mr. Thomas started cello at age five at the American Suzuki Talent Education Center and received degrees at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the Cleveland Institute of Music. His primary teachers were Lawrence Leviton, Tanya Remenikova, Joseph Johnson, and Stephen Geber. Prior to joining the MSO, Mr. Thomas performed in the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Canton Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and the New World Symphony. Mr. Thomas has performed around the country as a soloist, chamber musician, and with the award winning classical cross-over indie-rock band, I’m Not A Pilot. INAP’s discography can be heard on television, movies, and radio stations all over the world and streaming online at Pandora, Spotify, and Rdio. Voted Best Rock Band 2010, 2011, and 2013 in Milwaukee’s Shepherd Express Weekly, Best Rock Band 2011 at WYMS 88.9fm Radio Milwaukee Music Awards (Song of the Year 2014 nomination), and nominated for a plethora of awards including Band of the Year 2012 at the Wisconsin Area Music Awards, I’m Not A Pilot has extensively toured the Midwest performing as a four-piece band (and also in collaboration with youth orchestras) at colleges, high schools, performing art centers, music clubs, music festivals, and house concerts. Peter has also presented clinics and workshops across the country through his innovative use of the electric cello and has recorded, arranged, and edited music for Hal Leonard Music. As a teacher, Mr. Thomas maintains a private cello studio of extremely gifted musicians and serves on the faculty of the American Suzuki Institute in the summer. He has taught masterclasses at the UW-Stevens Point, Lawrence University, Washington College, and at numerous high schools across the state of Wisconsin. His students have won numerous competitions and full tuition scholarships in music programs across the country. Mr. Thomas also serves on the board of the Wisconsin Cello Society and Crescendo – the social group for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Peter enjoys the life of being a multi-genre performer/teacher and strives to spread awareness of the arts in the community through his many outlets. Peter performs on an 1813 Thomas Kennedy cello.