Who is Thomas Jude?
A Musical Journey from Delbarton to the Stage and Beyond
Hey thanks for stopping by to check out my little corner of the internet. My name is Thomas, and I'm a music teacher, musician, and proud West Virginian from the small town of Delbarton.
Early Beginnings
I picked up the trumpet for the first time at Burch Middle School back in 2002. While the public school system sparked my initial passion for music, my guitar skills began taking shape at home and in church, thanks to my uncles and friends who taught and inspired me along the way.
Education and Training
My love for music eventually led me to Glenville State University, where I earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Education and Music Performance, with a focus on the trumpet. I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Lloyd Bone and Mr. Harry Rich, who both played instrumental roles (no pun intended!) in helping me refine my technique and musicianship.
Teaching and Beyond
After graduation, I returned to my roots in the public school system, teaching as a Band Director and Music Teacher for Mingo County Schools for nine years. During that time, I gained invaluable experience guiding young musicians and playing in community ensembles.
More recently, I stepped into a new role as the Museum and Communications Manager at the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum. Though it’s a bit of a change from teaching, I still find ways to stay connected to music and my community.
Me at the third annual Highwall Music Festival in 2024
Current Projects
My musical endeavors have taken exciting turns over the years. I’m currently playing bass with the Brayden Williamson Band, and I stay active in the local music scene whenever I can.
However, my main focus is my own group, the Thomas Jude Band. The lineup includes:
Me on rhythm/lead guitar, vocals, and the occasional trumpet; plus whatever rotating lineup of a rhythm section I can come up with.
I write and perform songs that explore life, love, and anything else on my mind. My style sits somewhere under the broad “Americana” umbrella, but don’t be surprised to hear funk, bluegrass, or something in between at one of my performances.
Let’s Collaborate
I’m always on the lookout for new opportunities—whether that’s booking a gig, laying down some trumpet or bass for another project, or collaborating on songwriting. I have a full recording setup and can work remotely or travel as needed.
If you’re interested in teaming up for a project—or if you just want to talk music—feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you!