Tom was adept at a variety of musical styles in both chamber and orchestral music. He had been performing as principal clarinetist with the New Haven, Waterbury and New Britain Symphonies and performed regularly as a member of Harmonia V Woodwind Quintet. His performance was complemented by his teaching. In addition to his role at Connecticut College, he was a professor of clarinet at Central Connecticut State University.
Throughout his career, he has been featured as soloist with many Connecticut orchestras and bands performing the works of Luigi Bassi, Benjamin Britten, Aaron Copland, Claude Debussy, Michael Daugherty, Mozart, Carl Nielson, Gioachino Rossini, and Carl Maria von Weber; and he also premiered his own transcription of Jorge Calandrelli's Concerto for Jazz Clarinet with the Coast Guard Band at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. He was a member of the United States Coast Guard Band before retiring after 24 years.
Tom, a resident of Columbia, Conn., earned his undergraduate degree from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester and his master of music performance in orchestral conducting and doctorate in musical arts from the University of Connecticut. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and two children.
Information about a memorial service will be shared with the community when it is available.