Associate Principal Bassoon and Contrabassoon
Hometown: Austin, TX
Education: University of Texas at Austin and Rice University
Joined the Kansas City Symphony in 2013
Thomas DeWitt
Thomas DeWitt has been a member of the Kansas City Symphony since 2013. Previously, he played second bassoon with the Houston Grand Opera and was a regular player with the Houston Symphony and Ballet. DeWitt attended the University of Texas at Austin for his bachelor’s degree, where he studied with Kristin Wolfe Jensen and was a winner of the Winds Concerto Competition, performing the Mozart Bassoon Concerto. DeWitt continued his studies at Rice University, where studied with Benjamin Kamins and attained a master’s degree. He is principal bassoon of the Breckenridge Music Festival, and he has attended the Tanglewood, National Repertory Orchestra, Round Top and Eastern music festivals as a fellow.
Q & A
Tell us about your pets!
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I have two dogs, Hazel and Rusty. Rusty is a full basset hound and Hazel is a basset mix. They say if you have two dogs, one is the old soul and one is the crazy one. Rusty is definitely the old soul and Hazel is the crazy one!
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Do you have any hobbies?
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I have gotten into knitting, which has been a fun, creative outlet away from work. I also love travel, and am a certified scuba diver.
What is your favorite part of living in Kansas City?
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Before moving to Kansas City I had only ever lived in Texas, and so I love having all four seasons here in Kansas City!  Snow and cold weather still bring joy to my heart (at least the first month or so of it).
Cutest animal in the Kansas City Zoo?
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Definitely the penguins at the Helzberg Penguin Plaza!
Favorite work of art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art?
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Chromoplastic Mural by Luis Tomasello.
Favorite restaurant in Kansas City?​
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My go-to is Gram and Dun, especially because I can walk there!
