Meet Thao Pham | Violinist/violist and Music Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thao Pham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thao, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Agreeing to start a brand-new community orchestra in the city of Mansfield, Texas has got to be the decision that changed my life for the better, even though I didn’t know it at the time. Starting something out of nothing taught me how to do A LOT of research, reach out to people for help, and most importantly, reflect on my own skillsets. When I was appointed concertmaster of the Mansfield Philharmonic, I realized that my playing ability at the time was not where it should be to obtain that title. I started taking private lessons with Ivo Ivanov, a violinist from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. He helped me prepare an audition for SMU to join their music school. I got accepted with a near full-ride and continued my studies there with Chad Hoopes on violin and Pierre Lapointe on viola. My primary objective during my time at SMU was to be the best musician I can be to bring success to the Mansfield Philharmonic.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Mansfield Philharmonic prides itself in being called one of the most diverse orchestras in the nation. We have an article published by D Magazine and won “Best Suburban Orchestra” in the Best of Big D 2023. Our artistic director and conductor, Eldred Marshall, and I were on television and had a segment on NBC’s Texas Today. Our diversity is what really sets our orchestra apart from others. Not only are we diverse by our ethnic backgrounds, but we have members from all walks of life. We have doctors, lawyers, CPAs, engineers, music educators, and even high school students who join us weekly to make music together. Music is powerful in the sense that it can connect and communicate without words. I believe that’s why I have such a strong love for everyone in the Mansfield Philharmonic. The overwhelming emotions of happiness and joy are felt when we make beautiful music together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My specialty aside from music is definitely food and drinks. I mean, I would hope so. I have a whole degree in food! Uchiba in Uptown Dallas is my all-time favorite restaurant. I’ve never had anything from there that was even less than amazing. Their food, cocktails, and service are 10/10. Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen in Dallas is one of my favorite places for pho and great Vietnamese coffee. India Grill in Arlington has one of the best Indian food in the area. Ari Korean BBQ in Carrollton never misses when it comes to fresh meat quality and service. 4 Kahunas in Arlington is great for fun and fiery (literally) drinks. These are just the handful that I can think of off the top of my head, but DFW has so many wonderful food and drink establishments, and I’m so lucky to have grown up here.

In terms of activities, Electric Starship Arcade in Haltom City is really fun if you love to game. Escape rooms are great with a group of friends, especially if you have a scaredy-cat in your friend group. The Dallas World Aquarium is a fantastic place to go if you love animals. They have much more than just aquatic animals. Of course, spending the evening experiencing a concert with the Mansfield Philharmonic will have you leaving feeling wonderful!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thomas Connely, conductor of the Northeast Orchestra, was the one who introduced me to community orchestras and convinced me that I was good enough to pursue a career in music. I was working on my culinary arts degree when I met him. Marvin Wilkins got me out of the kitchen and helped me start teaching private lessons. Scott Ferrell and his team at First Methodist Mansfield generously hosted our newly-formed orchestra at their church. I have to give the biggest shoutout to Fletcher Rudd for being there with me since the very beginning of my transition into a music career. He gave me so much encouragement and strength to continue with music, especially when I felt like an inadequate musician and teacher. I am so glad that we co-founded the Mansfield Philharmonic together. If this organization didn’t exist, I honestly don’t know where I would be right now, so I have to thank everyone from my Mansfield Philharmonic family too! Thank you to our maestro Eldred Marshall for trusting me to be his right-hand woman all these years. Thank you to Felix Torres from the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra for allowing me to lead the viola section as principal violist. Thank you to every person I have met along this exciting journey!

Website: http://www.mansphil.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaoccata_and_food/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MansPhil18

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mansfieldphilharmonic7153

Image Credits
Michelle Brueggemann, Peter Liu, and Ethan Le