Thomas Joiner
Professor of Violin; Director of Orchestral Activities; Conductor, Furman Symphony Orchestra
- Email: thomas.joiner@furman.edu
- Phone: 864.294.2219
- Office: Daniel Music Building, Room 117
Thomas Joiner has worked as a conductor, violinist, chamber player, and educator across the globe. At Furman, he conducts the Furman Symphony Orchestra in orchestral, operatic, and oratorio performances each year. He also serves as the music director and conductor of the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra (N.C.).
For more than three decades, Joiner served as a member of the artist-faculty of the Brevard Music Center (N.C.), holding the William J. Pendergrast, Sr. Artist Chair. He also served as a concertmaster of the Brevard Music Festival Orchestra. In 2009, Joiner and his wife, violist Anna Barbrey Joiner, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Brevard Music Center.
A native of Rock Hill, S.C., Joiner has performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the Louisville Orchestra. He previously taught at the University of Georgia School of Music, and served as the South Carolina president of the American String Teachers Association and was a member of the national board of directors of the Conductors Guild. As an artistic ambassador for the United States Information Agency, Joiner presented 17 violin recitals with pianist Douglas Weeks during a five-week tour of western Africa and the Middle East. He spent a sabbatical in France studying with eminent maestro John Nelson.
Honors
- Distinguished Alumni Award, Brevard Music Center (2009)
- President, South Carolina president of the American String Teachers Association
Education
- D.M., Florida State University
- M.M., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
- B.M., Furman University
Training Under:
- Gerardo Ribiero, Florida State University
- Guido Lamell, University of Louisville
- Elaine Richey, Independent study
Philosophy
The musical opportunities and challenges available at Furman provide the foundation for a professional career in music. I enjoy a unique blend of performing and teaching solo, chamber, and orchestral repertory. The supportive atmosphere of dedicated colleagues combined with the stimulating challenge of working with motivated, intelligent students in a nurturing environment sums up the Furman experience, all located in one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable.
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