Thomas Chen is Director of Orchestras at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana, and Associate Conductor with the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra’s Symphony Orchestra. Under his direction, the Carmel High School Symphony Orchestra has earned regular appearances at the Indiana State School Music Association State High School Concert Finals, produced a recording of Dvorak Symphony No. 9, and performed at The Midwest Clinic in December 2019. Chen previously held the position of Assistant Director at Dobie High School in Houston, Texas, where he helped lead five orchestras to earn Superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sight Reading.
Chen earned his Bachelor of Music Education from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he studied viola with Dr. Nicole Brockmann. While completing his studies, he earned opportunities to perform in masterclasses with the American String Quartet and Joan Tower. He was also selected as a winner of the DePauw University Band Conducting Competition.
While in Houston, Chen performed as substitute principal violist in the Pasadena Philharmonic Orchestra and Clear Lake Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he performed free chamber ensemble community concerts as a member of the Clear Lake Chamber Ensemble.
Chen is a proud member of the American String Teachers Association and National Association for Music Education. He currently serves as Orchestra Division Chair with the Indiana Music Education Association.