Rich Mullins, Chris Rice, Ginny Owens, Sarah Masen, Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, Brad Yoder, Caedman's Call, Jewel, Michelle Branch, Sarah McLachlan
Marielle was born into a musically talented but financially struggling family. Her parents were determined to make a living with their passion for writing and playing music. In the late 70's, Bill and Judy Thomas built a studio almost entirely on their own, as an addition to the back of their home in the rural outskirts of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Marielle spent her first years of her life amidst a whirlwind of musical pandemonium, as her parents played in bands together all over the area. They founded the bands Suzanne & Co. and Runway, and most notably Bill was in the band Q, helping write the billboard hit "Dancin' Man". They were also wrote several national jingles for companies such as Ladybug Clothing, Rainbow Sweepers, and Entertainment U.S.A.
In 1984, Bill was taken from the family in a tragic car accident. Devastated but determined to survive, Judy continued on by forming the band Modern France, crafting a concept album, and filming a music video to the track "In My House", which was nominated at the Cannes Music Festival in France. Unable to leave her family to pursue possible opportunities and offers, Judy eventually sought other work to provide for her family. Working two and sometimes three jobs, Judy fought to to give her children a stable foundation to grow from, and also found time for homeschooling, and teaching them about the ways of God.
Marielle showed interest in singing and performing from an early age. From standing on her sandbox in the backyard as a toddler and relentlessly belting out songs to everyone who would listen, to learning the basics in piano and guitar from her mother as a child, it wasn't until the beginning of high school that Marielle committed herself to pursuing a career in music, and also to a life surrendered to Christ.
Around the time when she had just enrolled in a local Christian high school, Marielle vividly remembers the Saturday night in September when she heard about the death of Rich Mullins on a local radio show. She was vaguely familiar with Rich as one of the artists she sometimes listened to in her music rotation, but after hearing a little more about who he was, she began to delve more deeply into learning about his life and work. It was then that she felt God's calling into music and ministry, and also to working with the Native American people. Since 2006, she has spent a week in the summers voluteering at the Legacy Ministries camp on reservations in North Dakota, Colorado, and in the inner city of Wichita, Kansas.
After graduating from Wilson Christian Academy, Marielle spent a few years at different colleges, searching for the right fit and the right major. In 2007, Marielle earned a B.A. in Music for Piano and Flute from Chatham University, and also became involved with the Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community in the south side of Pittsburgh, where she assists in leading worship and connecting with the community.
Outside of her office job and giving piano and flute lessons, Marielle is still working towards a career in music. She performs her songs in church services, coffeehouses, open mic nights, family parties, and anywhere else she finds an interested audience, in the hopes that this will someday be her means to support her ministry through music.
"I see my music as not only a way to praise God with those in my immediate community, but also as a way to connect with those in the world who are struggling to find hope and identity. Creation and participation in art and music touch the soul in ways nothing else can - they show us that we are not only created in the image of God, but were given His spark of creativity to give back to Him. I believe music is a way we are given glimpses into God's glory, and it is then that we can truly be alive."
"Welcome Home" Copyright 2007 Marielle Thomas From Borders Bookstore performance May 2009
"More to Life" Copyright 2002 Marielle Thomas From Borders Bookstore performance May 2009
"Without You" Copyright 2001 Marielle Thomas From Borders Bookstore performance May 2009
Hey, thanks so much for the add! There are a lot of exciting things happening here at The Waking! We have some new blogs up right now, including: A look at Hawk Nelson's newest release, "Live Life Loud", a drawing of Stevie Ray Vaughan done by one of our staff writers, as well as a look back at CCM artists from the past such as Sarah Masen, Cindy Morgan, & Earthsuit. So check 'em out and leave some feeback if you feel so inclined! :)
Good morning!!! Thanks for you page, I was looking for some strength for the day, wanted to hear about my Lord; "...so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Thank God for you Marielle and the encouragment your offerig. Very cool!
yes Berklee was a very good school and I miss it very much. Do you get a chance to perform in NJ/NYC? Please let me know if you ever need a singer. Sheri
Hey thanks for the friendship! My song 'Take Me Away' actually has been played on the radio... kinda weird but super awesome lol so I tried to listen to your songs but it wasn't working... my computer is being lame right now. I'll check out your tunes next time I'm on :)
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