Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Scott Thomas.
Hi Michael Scott, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Michael Scott Thomas
Award-Winning Percussionist, Artistic Director, and Founder of the Old City Drum Corps
Michael Scott Thomas is an award-winning percussionist and artisan with over four decades of experience in music and the performing arts. Beginning his drumming career at age eight, Thomas went on to receive the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award during his high school years — a recognition of outstanding musicianship and leadership.
Originally from upstate New York, Thomas grew up near the historic West Point area, where he trained under legendary “Hell Cat” drummers Harold Green, John S. Pratt, and Nick Attanasio. His formal education in both jazz and classical percussion includes studies at Berklee College of Music (Boston, 1979) and Long Island University’s C.W. Post Performing Arts Center (1981).
Thomas’s professional journey spans touring, performance, and instruction. As a performer, he spent five years touring with the rockabilly band Squeaky Clean, which opened for Brian Setzer and became semi-finalists on Star Search in 1985. His dedication to the art of drumming earned him multiple New York City Drum Corps Championships (1989, 1991, and 1992).
In addition to performing, Thomas has served with a variety of distinguished ensembles, including:
Cornwall Continentals Fife & Drum Corps (1978–1979)
Floral Park Marching Band – New York State Champions (1984–1992)
Alexandria Royal Fife, Drum & Trumpet Corps (1995–1997)
Fairfax County Sheriff’s Pipe & Drum Coalition (1999–2001)
Washington Redskins Marching Band & Drum Line (2005–2010)
During his time in Washington, D.C., Thomas studied and performed under Lt. George Carroll, who has since passed, was a world-renowned drummer and U.S. Army veteran who founded the original Saint Augustine Drum Shop and the first “Night Watch Parade.”
Today, as Artistic Director and C.F.O. of the Old City Drum Corps, Thomas carries forward Lt. Carroll’s legacy — re-establishing the tradition of East Florida’s historic fife and drum music in the heart of St. Augustine.
Beyond performance, Michael remains an active educator and avid Sailor living on his 32’ yacht teaching Rudimental drumming classical, and world percussion, as well as facilitating drum circles for both children and adults. Through his artistry and leadership, he continues to perform in a quartet called SIDE3 performing top dance and Rock Tunes along with inspiring a new generation of musicians while honoring America’s time-honored Rudimental drumming traditions.
Thomas just recently traveled to Scotland (Aug 2025) where the world Renowned Edinburgh Castle Royal Military Tattoo takes place every August, he was honored to have Old City Drum Corps represented by Cristian Rodriguez who was the Corps drum sgt in 2024, Rodriguez now performs with the United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Thomas is looking forward to Old City Drum Corps traveling to Switzerland in 2027 representing Saint Augustine for the upcoming Swiss World Muster.
Old City Drum Corps is always recruiting talented musicians who are passionate about traditional 18th century fife & drum Musik. As a 501.c3 the Corps is supported solely by grants and donations most recently awarded the Tommy Bledsoe SOTA grant to continue their mission.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
After placing Old City Drum Corps on a two-year sabbatical to care for his elderly parents, Thomas said goodbye to both in 2024 Through loss, reflection, and dedication to family, he remained committed to the vision of community, rhythm, and cultural connection. Today, he continues working to establish the drum corps in St. Augustine and abroad, recruiting musicians and color guard carrying forward a legacy of 18th century fife and drum music, education, and global unity through percussion.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The Corps is an exciting new addition to the important historic and cultural activities that our nation’s oldest city has to offer. We live in a community that has a rich and storied history which draws people from around the country and the world. We look forward to providing a historically accurate musical backdrop to these activities that is currently missing. In the future we intend to travel to other historic cities and festivals as ambassadors of St. Augustine. The Corps mission is not only to entertain but to educate about the importance martial music in military history
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me, networking and mentorship have always started with authenticity. Being yourself and having confidence in your vision goes a long way. As CEO of Old City Drum Corps, I’ve learned that people respond to passion, consistency, and genuine commitment more than anything else. Relationships are built over time by showing up, doing the work, and staying true to your mission.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to rush the process. Whether you’re building an organization, creating a performance, or developing a brand, the product is only ready when it’s truly ready — and you’ll know when that moment comes. Setting realistic expectations, maintaining high standards, and being willing to put in the work behind the scenes are what create long-term respect and opportunities. The right mentors and connections often appear naturally when people see dedication, vision, and authenticity in what you’re building.
Pricing:
- All of Old city drum corps members are highly skilled
- Our pricing depends on the size of the ensemble as we have solo drummers, trumpet players, fife players and it all depends on how many musicians are involved in the performance.. it could be 2 or 8 …. Travel & lodging is also part of the performance quote. Each event is carefully planned and choreographed to that specific event.
- Each musician is paid a small stipend for their work with the Corps
- As a non profit Old City Drum Corps relies solely on donations , funding and grants from our community.
