Ebonee Thomas is the Second Flute and Piccolo for The Dallas Opera, and has previously served as Principal Flute of the Knoxville Symphony, Principal Flute of the Florida Grand Opera, and Second Flute of the Houston Symphony. She spends her summers as a flutist with the Central City Opera in Colorado, and has been guest principal with symphonies and operas across the country. A passionate pedagogue, Thomas served as a member of the board of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestras and is on the National Advisory Board of the Memphis Youth Symphony Program. She is also currently the Piccolo Committee Chair for the National Flute Association.
Tell us about the classes you’ll be teaching this year.
I teach private flute lessons, a studio class, and coach chamber music!
What attracted you to the Butler School of Music and The University of Texas at Austin?
The reputation of not only the Butler School of Music, but The University of Texas at Austin as a whole! I have always admired the ambition of the faculty here. Everyone is on top of their game. That is such an important aspect in academia because it inspires and motivates the students to act accordingly!
How did your professional pathway lead to your focus?
I have always been passionate about teaching, but the pandemic accelerated my teaching career full force. I had predominately been an orchestral performer and taught on the side because I loved it. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I could ever become a full-time professor at one of the nation’s top music schools.
What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?
I am basically a vampire. I thrive at night. I sleep very few hours every night and get my best work and practice done between the hours of 11pm and 3am.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching/researching/working?
I am a very curious person. I enjoy learning how different people view the world. I love foreign languages, traveling, reading, math, puzzles, learning about other cultures. I am a foodie, but I do not enjoy cooking. I am also a cardio junkie. I am obsessed with OrangeTheory Fitness!