Thomas P. Sheets, Jr.

Thomas Sheets was born on March 25, 1952 in Pasadena, California to Paul Sheets and Marguerite Janbazian. Thomas graduated from San Clemente High School in Orange County, CA, and then attended Saddleback Junior College for a year. He received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Chapman College in Orange, CA, and was told by William Hall at that time that he just might be the 'best tenor who ever came out of Chapman!' Thomas did his student teaching under Dennis Houser, with whom he recently reconnected when he accepted the position of Choirmaster at St. Luke's parish here in Prescott. Thomas put himself through his Bachelor of Music degree, as well as his Master of Music Degree (Cal State Fullerton) and his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Choral Music (USC). Thomas had a passion for large choral/orchestral works, and also for church music, and the pursuit of excellence in both of these genres was how he chose to spend his time, energy and talent throughout his adult life. After 13 years under the mentorship of William Hall, serving as Hall's Associate Conductor (Master Chorale of Orange County and William Hall Chorale), Thomas was offered the position of Conductor of the University Musical Society Choral Union in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1993. He served in that capacity for ten years and built the chorale into an ensemble that essentially replaced the Detroit Symphony Chorus. During that time, he had the opportunity to prepare and conduct many large choral works, including annual performances of Handel's Messiah, as well as the rarely performed Berlioz Requiem, the Brahms Requiem, and many other sacred oratorios. Along the way, Thomas also taught college classes, coached voice and conducting, and nurtured many musicians, sharing his expertise and knowledge generously. He was an inspiration to many in his pursuit of excellence. In August of 2013, Thomas accepted the call to become Choirmaster at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. However, his musical activities were not confined to the walls of the church, but rather rapidly became the entire musical community of Prescott. He was invited to become the Assistant Conductor of the Prescott Chamber Orchestra and a board member as well, where he began the process of reinvigorating the organization. In addition, he was invited to be part of the scholarship committee of the Yavapai Symphony Association. He also served as the Assistant Conductor of the Yavapai College Master Chorale, to work again with his Master Teacher from his student teaching days, Dennis Houser. Thomas had a keen mind; a sharp wit; a love of poetry, crossword puzzles, motorcycles, rock music, and sushi. He had a tender heart and loved God deeply. He expressed that love best through music. Thomas was married from 1998-2004 to Valerie Yova, a fellow musician with whom he remained dear friends throughout the past ten years. He leaves behind his mother Marguerite, his sisters Deborah and Harriett, brothers-in-law Michael and John, nieces Lindsay and Megan, and nephews Mason (and his wife Caroline) and Grant, and a large extended family. He will be dearly missed. May he rest with the saints in a place of light and verdure, where there is everlasting life in the presence of his Savior.