Thomas Pierre
No Child on the Sidelines:
Teaching the Child in Front of You
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
Old Dominion University- Diehn School of Music
Workshop Description:
Every child deserves to be seen, heard, valued, and engaged in the music classroom. Through singing, speech, movement, play, and creative music-making, participants will explore how meaningful musical experiences can create spaces where all learners can participate, contribute, and experience success.
This interactive session invites teachers to reflect on what it means to truly teach the child in front of us
while fostering connection, community, and belonging. Come ready to learn, create, move, and
experience music through the eyes of a child.
Clinician Bio:
Thomas Pierre is a National Board-Certified Music Teacher and recipient of the 2026 AOSA Grassroots
Impact Award, a national honor presented by the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA) recognizing individuals who provide exemplary leadership, service, and impact in advancing music and movement education and supporting the organization’s mission at the local and regional levels, a certified Orff educator, and an approved Movement Teacher Educator for the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA). He is the Immediate Past President of the Middle Atlantic Chapter of AOSA and has served on AOSA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Subcommittee and Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee. Thomas is the 2020 CMA National Music Teachers of Excellence Award recipient, a Maryland Music Educators Outstanding Music Teacher, and a quarterfinalist for the 2025 Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum. He has also earned the Certificate of Study from the Kennedy Center’s Changing Education Through the Arts program.
A native of the Bronx, New York, Thomas attended the renowned Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (featured in the film Fame). He often reflects on how, as a bewildered, uninterested, and misdirected 12-year-old growing up in the housing projects, a remarkable teacher formally introduced him to music, a moment that inspired his lifelong dedication to music study and introducing young people to all genres of music.
Thomas has furthered his study in music and movement internationally, including the International Music Village in Finland (2026 & 2023), Spain (2025), Croatia (2024), and Estonia (2019); the Summer Dance Institute for Teachers at the Creative Dance Center in Seattle, Washington, with Anne Green Gilbert; the International Summer Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria; and the Music, Dance, and Orff-Schulwerk International Master Class in Ghana, West Africa (2018 & 2016). He has also taught in the Orff España Summer Course in Madrid, Spain. Thomas has taught vocal, general, and choral music at all grade levels, with his school choruses and Orff ensembles earning superior ratings at county and state festivals.
In Thomas’ local school district, he serves as a School-Based Mentor Teacher and his school’s professional development administrator. In these roles, he leads monthly professional development for both novice and veteran teachers, mentors district music educators, and provides support for National Board candidates at local and national levels. This work reflects his commitment to expanding opportunities through arts education and empowering educators at every stage of their careers.
Thomas teaches and leads workshops throughout the United States and internationally, providing professional development that supports children and adults while promoting equity, creativity, and culturally responsive practice.