Dr. Thom Ritter George
Professor Emeritus of Music Past Director of Idaho State-Civic Symphony
- B.Mus. 1964, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
- M.Mus. 1968, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
- D.M.A. 1970, Catholic University of America
Joined ISU Faculty in 1983. Retired in 2007.
Dr. George conducted the Idaho State Civic Symphony in more than 190 programs featuring a wide repertoire and many internationally recognized soloists. He was a frequent performer at the White House during his years as composer/arranger for the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. Upon completing his doctoral degree, he was appointed music director and conductor of the Quincy, Illinois, Symphony Orchestra until 1983, when he accepted the position at ISU.
Dr. George has composed more than 350 works. Many of his works are recorded and many have won prestigious awards, including the Edward B. Benjamin Prize, the Howard Hanson Award, and the Seventh Sigvald Thompson Award. He is also a recipient of annual awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) since 1965. His compositions are published by Boosey and Hawkes, Southern Music Company, and Tuba-Euphonium Press, among others.
Recently completed scores include Orpheus, a large choral-orchestral score that received its premiere in April 2005, Psalm 121 for choir, and a Trio for flute, bassoon, and piano which was featured at the 2002 International Double Reed Society's conference in Banff, Alberta, Canada.
Dr. George is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, ASCAP, National Band Assocation, American String Teachers Association, and the American Symphony Orchestra League. He is listed in many references including Who's Who in America, the World Who's Who of Musicians, and Bernard Garaude's Dictionary of Conductors. Dr. George received the Excellence in the Arts Award from Idaho Gov. Phil Batt in 1998, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Pocatello Mayor Roger Chase in 2005.