Dr. Mark P. Thomas is one of the founders of the Anthracite Philharmonic where he serves as Artistic Director and Conductor. He is most recognized in the Schuylkill County area as the music director and conductor of the Schuylkill Choral Society, a position he has served in since 1986. Thomas has been recognized in both the United States and Europe for his passion, creativity, dedication, and leadership in the performing arts. The Pottsville Republican has recognized Thomas as "…a person who has made a difference to our county" According to the Prague Post … Thomas is a passionate conductor who understands the intricacies and importance of both a chorus and orchestra.
 
Thomas has been a guest artist and conductor for many organizations including the Prague Radio Symphony, the New York Pops, the State Orchestra of St. Petersburg, Russia, the Moscow Opera Company, and the Schuylkill Symphony Orchestra. He has made multiple tours throughout Europe and North America which has included performances at the Dvorak and Mozart Music Festivals held throughout Central Europe. Other performances have included Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, and the Riverside Cathedral in New York, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, the State Opera House and the Cathedral of Sts. Mary and Paul in Prague, and the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Vienna. In 2013 he will be appearing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Thomas has also served as a guest conductor with the Ocean Grove Choral Festival Choir and orchestra and at Reading's Musicfest. Dr. Thomas has appeared nationally on PBS and NPR as well as local appearances on Comcast Tonight and Comcast Newsmakers. He has also served as a music consultant for Maryland Educational Television, adjunct professor of music at Penn State University, and Supervisor of Music for the Upper Perkiomen School District.
 
Dr. Thomas is listed in Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Education, and Who's Who among American Teachers. He has received recognition from former President William Clinton on behalf of a music program he designed honoring our World War II veterans. He has also received recognition from the United States House of Representatives, the Pennsylvania House and Senate, the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners, and the Austrian and German Governments. Thomas was named by Philadelphia Magazine as "Best Music Director" in the Philadelphia region. He has also been recognized by the St. David's Society as a "Citizen of the Year" recipient and was the first musician inducted into the Upper Perkiomen Valley Academic Hall of Fame.