Vocal Music Major Norah Thomas to Sing the National Anthem at Fenway Park on UMass Day 

Content

By Sophia Apteker '23

Norah Thomas comes from a musical family. Her grandfather was in a doo wop group when she was younger, she has been drawn to singing since she was young. On June 2, the freshman vocal jazz major and Opportunity Scholar will be singing the National Anthem at Fenway Park for UMass Day.  

During this event, alumni, students, fans, and friends of UMass Amherst who purchase tickets through a special offer receive a limited-edition UMass Amherst Red Sox baseball hat. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from each ticket purchased will go towards UMass Amherst student programs and services. 

Thomas was notified of the opportunity through her lesson teacher and mentor Professor Jensen-Hole. With nothing to lose, she recorded a demo and sent it in.  

Thomas was a viable candidate because of the depth and longevity of her performing experience. She joined the chorus when she was in fourth grade, which grew into singing a few solos in her high school choir. At the collegiate level, Thomas has performed weekly in classes and recitals. Most recently, she sang the Black National Anthem at the Mullins Center in honor of Black History Month. 

A week after submitting her demo, Fenway staff reached out to her and said they loved it.  

“It made me feel really good and accomplished,” Thomas said of the recognition. “I’m really excited for the feeling once I’m on the field and also the exposure.” 

Thomas has humbly acknowledged parents, and also her choir director Matt Cunningham at Brockton High School, for helping her get to where she is now.  

“[Cunningham] was an essential part of my growth as a singer,” Thomas said. “His attention to detail really improved my technique and his love for his work made me love music and singing even more.” 

On UMass Day, the Boston Red Sox will be playing the Tampa Bay Rays. The game is scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m.  

“I’m really looking forward to letting tens of thousands of people hear my voice,” Thomas said. “I’m also excited to have lots of people there to support me.” 

For questions about UMass Day or to purchase tickets for groups of 15 or more, please contact Matt Tieri at mtieri [at] redsox [dot] com (mtieri[at]redsox[dot]com) or 617-226-6288.