Orland Thomas might be the one standing at the podium with a baton, but the conductor of the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra prefers that the audience's attention be on the talented middle- and high school musicians making music with him.

Nevertheless, the longtime music educator was thrust into the spotlight recently when the Alabama Music Educators Association inducted him into the organization's inaugural class of the Alabama Music Educators Association's Hall of Fame.  The induction took place in Tuscaloosa.

"Orland Thomas was nominated by his colleagues for his lifelong contribution to music education," says Pat Stegall, president-elect of the association.

Among Thomas' achievements are his excellence in teaching, his contribution to music education, exemplary service, professional resume and academic integrity.

"We've known for a long time how fortunate we are to have a musician as exceptional and dedicated as Orland Thomas working with the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra," says Sarah Wright, director of education for the MSO.   "It's wonderful to see Orland receiving the recognition he deserves."

Joining Thomas in the Hall of Fame was another member of the MSO family, music educator Lacey Powell, who served on the Board of Directors of Symphony Concerts of Mobile, which preceded the reconstituted Mobile Symphony Orchestra.

"The theme underscoring our music education programs is ‘Changing Lives Through Music,'" says Stephen D. Hedrick, executive director of Mobile Symphony, "and no two men have changed more lives for the better than Maestro Thomas and Dr. Powell."

"We extend our heartfelt thanks and a nice, long round of ‘bravos' to both men for all they've done for our children and community."