Thomas, Blanche K., 1885-1977

African-American music teacher and composer, Blanche K. Thomas was the founder of the Thomas Music Study Club. Thomas graduated from the Juilliard School of Music (1928) and studied choral conducting at the Westminster Choir School. In 1932 she organized a mixed ensemble of youth to study and perform the music of African-American composers. Annual recitals were presented at a variety of New York venues including Carnegie Hall and the New York World's Fair. Originally called the Thomas Negro Composers Study Group, the organization became affiliated with the National Association of Negro Musicians in 1940 and continued under the name of the Thomas Music Study Group. Thomas also served as the director of church school music at New York's St. Philip's Church and was supervisor of church school music at St. James Presbyterian Church.

From the description of Blanche K. Thomas papers, 1905-1979, 1934-1979 (bulk) (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 144652174