David Thomas, 1991

11

2023 Induction Speech

“Being selected for induction into the Heights High Hall of Fame means a great deal to me on both a personal and symbolic level. It’s a recognition of the hard work, commitment, and guidance that have contributed to my academic and extracurricular journey. This honor serves as a constant reminder of the values I’ve cultivated during my time at the school and motivates me to continue striving for excellence. Moreover, it reinforces my responsibility to inspire others and give back to the community that has supported me.”

“High school is a journey of growth and self-discovery. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. With self-belief, hard work, and a positive attitude, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your dreams.”

David Thomas was born into a family immersed in the world of music. With both parents being music teachers, he was exposed to the beauty of melodies and the power of sound from an early age. His father’s role as the director of the Heights Singers had a profound impact on young David’s life, setting the stage for his future in the audio engineering and production industry. As a teenager, David’s fascination with sound systems and his drive to achieve the best possible audio experience led him to work with professional sound equipment at Heights. He quickly gained proficiency in operating the equipment, and his skills caught the attention of Mr. Jim Bane, director of the Band, who recognized David’s talent and paid him for his services during Jazz Nite.

At the remarkable age of 19, David’s journey took an extraordinary turn as he embarked on a career with Eighth Day Sound in Cleveland, Ohio. Fueled by his ambition, David established his own company as an independent audio engineer and production manager in 2001. His skills and professionalism caught the attention of prestigious events such as the Bonnaroo Music Festival, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, solidifying his position as a respected figure in the industry. Despite his rapid rise to success, David remains grounded, attributing his achievements to the strong work ethic instilled by his parents. He believes in the importance of hard work and a positive attitude, values that have propelled him forward throughout his career.

In 2012, David joined d&b audiotechnik, a renowned professional loudspeaker manufacturer. As an advanced system specialist, he played a crucial role in supporting major tours featuring world-renowned artists like Beyonce, Imagine Dragons, & Panic at the Disco. Beyond his technical prowess, David took immense joy in sharing his knowledge and experiences, embracing the role of an educator in the industry.

 One of the defining moments of David’s life came when he was a young fan attending a stadium concert. Seeking guidance from the show’s sound engineer, he was met with dismissal. Vowing never to repeat that experience, David made a promise to be approachable and supportive to aspiring audio engineers and enthusiasts.

Today, David Thomas’s legacy is not only defined by his technical expertise but also by his commitment to nurturing and mentoring others while enjoying time with his wife and 2 kids. His passion for the industry and dedication to hard work serve as an inspiration to all who have had the privilege to work with him. David hopes to be remembered as a person who not only shared his knowledge but also taught others the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in their work, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the world of sound and music. 

Education

Associates Degree from Full Sail, Center for Recording Arts

Current Occupation

Advanced System Specialist, Audio Engineer

Achievements
  • At the age of 19 years started working with Eighth Day Sound – One of the top rental companies in the world providing sound systems for touring artists and large scale special events
  • While with Eighth Day Sound David toured all over the world with artists such as: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Smokey Robinson, and Prince to name a few
  • Started his own company offering audio engineering services, technical management and production management for large concert touring, corporate events and large music festivals, such as Christian recording artists Amy Grant, Stephen Curtis Chapman, CeCe WInans, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, and The Bonnaroo Music Festival
  • Regional manager with d&b audiotechnik – a premium loudspeaker manufacturer that is used in some of the most well known concert halls and performing arts centers as well as the largest touring acts in the world.
  • Worked with d&b’s flagship loudspeaker series training companies that have purchased the products as well as help touring acts kick off their tour with artists like- Panic at the Disco, Little Big Town, & Beyonce to name a few.
  • Developed educational content with d&b to help new, and existing end users work with audio systems more efficiently to achieve consistent results with online webinar trainings and in-person workshops.