J. Russell Thomas is the third conductor of the Irondequoit Concert Band, now in its 30th year. He took over the position in 1998 from David Schantz when David was elected Town Supervisor of Irondequoit.

Russ grew up in Amityville on Long Island. He attended SUNY College at Fredonia earning a Bachelor's degree in Music Education in 1963. As a trumpet player at Fredonia, Russ was selected to study at the Royal Conservatory and Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. He received his Master's degree in Education in 1968 from Fredonia and in 1986 earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport.

Russ spent his entire 34 years in the East Irondequoit school district teaching music. He taught at all levels (elementary, middle and high school) spending the majority of his career at the elementary level. Under Russ' leadership, the Eastridge High School marching band won its first state championship in 1985 and again in 1992. He was very active in the New York State Field Band Conference and held the positions of President (2 years) and Financial Secretary (6 years). He retired from teaching in 1997 only to be "re-hired" two years later to teach part time due to the large volume of instrumental music students.

A memorable highlight of Russ' career was being named "Outstanding Music Educator" by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in 1996.

Russ started repairing musical instruments in 1968. Over the years, the business has evolved into Thomas Music Inc. and services a number of area school districts as well as a large customer base.

Russ is very active in the community. He has been a volunteer fireman with the Point Pleasant Fire Department since 1967 and was the Advisor to the Explorer Post for 17 years. He was also awarded Firefighter of the Year and Association Member of the Year. Russ has been President of the Arts Council of Irondequoit since 1998. He is very active in his church having been choir director and served several elected positions.

The Irondequoit Concert Band feels extremely fortunate to have someone of Russ' caliber as conductor of the band.