THOMAS (Tommy) STRAWSER, originally from the small town of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, enjoys a full and diverse career as a performing artist in both the music and theatre communities here in Arizona. Tommy has served as a soloist and choir section leader at Pinnacle since 2020. And joined Pinnacle’s staff first as part-time Director of Youth & Children’s Music, and then in June 2023 as Music Associate.

His professional choral experience includes The Philadelphia Singers during the organization’s tenure with the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Manhattan Chorale, a choral residency at St. Alban’s Cathedral in England, Art Renaissance Initiative, Arizona Bach Festival, the Grammy-Nominated True Concord Voices & Orchestra, and the Grammy-Award Winning Phoenix Chorale including their album Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil which received the 58th Grammy’s “Best Choral Performance” award. 

Tommy is currently in his 10th season at Childsplay Theatre as both a company actor and music director for local and national tours. Tommy also serves as Music Director for Detour Company Theatre, an organization that provides theatre training and performance training for adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. He acts with other Valley organizations including Arizona Opera, Arizona Broadway Theatre, The Phoenix Theatre Company, and Showtune Productions.

Previously, Tommy was employed by Paradise Valley UMC as Assistant Music Director where he led the youth and children’s music program including both choral and handbell ensembles. His education experience also includes eight years as a teaching artist for Childsplay, leading many of their musical theatre classes and conservatory programs.