The Wylie East High School Wind Symphony from Wylie, Texas, performed “A Mother of a Revolution!” by Omar Thomas as part of their musical program at the 2023 Music for All National Festival. This piece was commissioned by the Desert Winds Freedom Band to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.
Says Thomas, “This piece is a celebration of the bravery of those, and in particular Marsha ‘Pay It No Mind’ Johnson, who were the instigators of the famous Stonewall uprising of June 28, 1969 – one of the pivotal events of the LGBTQ liberation movement of the 20th century – which is commemorated annually during the worldwide Gay Pride celebrations.”
A Yamaha Master Educator and currently Assistant Professor of Composition and Jazz Studies at The University of Texas at Austin, Omar’s music has been performed in concert halls the world over. He has been commissioned to create works in both jazz and classical styles.
Described as “elegant, beautiful, sophisticated, intense, and crystal clear in emotional intent,” the music of Omar Thomas continues to move listeners everywhere it is performed.
Omar was named the 2014 Lavender Rhino Award recipient by The History Project, acknowledging his work as an up-and-coming activist in the Boston LGBTQ community. Says Grammy Award-winning drummer, composer, and producer Terri Lyne Carrington: “Omar Thomas will prove to be one of the more important composer/arrangers of his time.”
With the composer’s permission, we invite you to enjoy this performance of “A Mother of a Revolution!” by Omar Thomas, performed by the Wylie East High School Wind Symphony.
Read more about composer Omar Thomas.
Video shared with the permission of the composer. Recording by BOX5 Media.
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