About OUR FOUNDER

Dylan gave his first performance at a senior facility at just eight years old. He was inspired by the joy and connection his music brought, and by the way his viola could evoke cherished memories and happiness for the elderly.

In 2021, before attending Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) for high school, he founded The Thomas Trio, recruiting his younger siblings, Charlie and Emma, to join him. Since then, the Trio has completed 70+ performances across seven states, as well as Ireland, sharing live viola performances with elderly residents in nursing homes, hospice centers, and retirement communities. They often invite other student musicians to join them for special performances.

Both Dylan and Charlie were four-year members of the New Jersey Youth Symphony Orchestra and Dylan was also a member of the Amadeus Academy of Music Advanced String Orchestra. They perform at CBA in the Jazz Ensemble (Dylan is first-chair viola), Pit Orchestra, and Music Ministry, contributing hundreds of hours of performances each year. In recognition of his excellence in music, academics, and service, Dylan was also inducted into Christian Brothers Academy’s Tri-M Music Honor Society.

The siblings perform weekly at the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass at St. Catharine–St. Margaret Parish in Spring Lake as part of The Salem Street Band. Dylan and Charlie have played consistently for the past seven years, performing over 400 times for the parish community.

In 2024, Dylan received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian youth honor awarded by the U.S. Congress, in recognition of his community service, personal development, and physical fitness — much of which came from leading The Thomas Trio. He is also an Eagle Scout, exemplifying leadership, dedication, and service.

Through opportunities with platforms like AARP’s Create the Good, The Thomas Trio continues to expand its reach, sharing music, laughter, and meaningful connection with elderly audiences in New Jersey and beyond.

The Thomas Trio has played their instruments from a very young age and have always found joy in playing for others.  

 Slightly larger than a violin, it has a lower and deeper sound. Since the 18th century, it has been the middle or alto voice of the violin family, between the violin (which is tuned a perfect fifth above) and the cello (which is tuned an octave below).  The Italians often used the term viola da braccio meaning literally: 'of the arm'. "Brazzo" was another Italian word for the viola, which the Germans adopted as Bratsche. The French had their own names: cinquiesme was a small viola, haute contre was a large viola, and taile was a tenor. Today, the French use the term alto, a reference to its range. 

The viola often plays the "inner voices" in string quartets and symphonic writing, and it is more likely than the first violin to play accompaniment parts. The viola occasionally plays a major, soloistic role in orchestral music.