T. J. Anderson facts for kids

Thomas Jefferson "T.J." Anderson, Jr. (born August 17, 1928) is an American composer, conductor, orchestrator, and educator. He has created over 80 musical works. These include operas, symphonies, and pieces for choirs and bands.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Thomas Jefferson Anderson, Jr. was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. From a young age, he showed a talent for music. He grew up to become a very important figure in American music.

Education and Learning

Anderson started his college studies at West Virginia State University. He then went to Pennsylvania State University. There, he earned his bachelor's degree in music. In 1951, he also received his master's degree in music education from the same school.

He continued his studies at the University of Iowa. In 1958, he earned a Ph.D. in music composition. Later, he became a professor at Tufts University. He taught music there from 1972 until he retired in 1990.

His Musical Career

Anderson taught music at several universities. From 1958 to 1963, he was a music professor at Langston University in Oklahoma. He even became the head of the music department there.

After that, he taught at Tennessee State University from 1963 to 1969. During this time, he was chosen for a special role. He became the composer in residence for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This meant he worked closely with the orchestra for three years, from 1968 to 1971.

Famous Works and Orchestrations

While working with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Anderson did something very important. He arranged Scott Joplin's opera, Treemonisha. Joplin had written this opera in 1911. Thanks to Anderson's work, Treemonisha was performed fully on stage for the first time in 1972.

Anderson also wrote his own operas. His first opera was called Soldier Boy. It was based on a story by his friend, Leon Forrest. Another important work was Walker. This piece was about David Walker, who fought against slavery.

In 2002, a group called the Cantata Singers and Ensemble asked Anderson to create a large musical work. This piece was an oratorio called Slavery Documents 2. It was based on historical writings about slavery.

Anderson's teaching career also took him around the world. He taught at schools in France, Brazil, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany.

Awards and Special Honors

Thomas Jefferson Anderson, Jr. has received many awards. In 1983, he was given an honorary Doctor of Music degree. This was from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts.

Later, in 2005, he received another honorary Doctor of Music degree. This one was from Bates College in Maine. In 2007, his former university, Tufts University, also gave him an honorary Doctor of Music degree. These awards show how much his work is respected.

His Family

Thomas J. Anderson, Jr. has three children. Their names are Janet, Anita, and Thomas J. Anderson, III. His son, Thomas J. Anderson, III, is also known as "T.J." He is a poet and a professor at Hollins University. He is married to Pauline Kaldas, who is also a poet and professor.

Community Involvement

Anderson is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association. From 1986 to 1991, he helped create a hymnal. A hymnal is a book of hymns or songs used in religious services. The book he helped create was called Singing the Living Tradition. It was published in 1993. He is part of a Unitarian Universalist church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.