A native of Mandan, North Dakota, Tom Porter is a Midwest prairie-dweller by choice whose backyard overlooks the scenic Missouri River and whose driveway makes Olympic ski jumps appear level. He is a Professor of Music at Bismarck State College where he teaches Music Theory and Conducting, and directs the Concert Choir and Women's Ensemble. In addition, he directs the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus, the Dakota Chamber Chorale and the Cathedral Children's Choir. In 2006 he had his operatic debut as the guest conductor of the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony's production of The Magic Flute.

From choral music to orchestral fanfares, Tom has written commissioned works for organizations such as the National Pastoral Musicians Association, the North Dakota Music Teachers Association, the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra, the Central Dakota Children's Choir, and the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus, as well as private commissions. He loves the collaboration of the commission process and has worked with schools to create lyrics that incorporate student concepts and quotes, such as "What Color Is the Music" and "Dona nobis pacem" (unpublished).

Proud to be in the family of Lorenz composers, Tom's published works include "O Nata Lux," "People of the Willows" and "What Color Is the Music (Heritage Choral Series), "White Promise," "Snow/Summer" and "The Prairie Fire" (Roger Dean), and "Saw You Never in the Twilight" (Laurel Press).

Tom was awarded the outstanding alumni award from the University of Mary, the Faculty Achievement Award from Bismarck State College, and the Crystal Apple Award in Higher Education from the Chamber of Commerce. He is currently a member of the North Dakota Council on the Arts, and has served as the chair of the National Symphony Orchestra residency committee, and on the board of the Central Dakota Children's Choir. In demand as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor, Tom has presented workshops on composing, incorporating theory into the music classroom, and American folksongs. He has conducted All-State and regional honor choirs and especially loves working with treble voices of all ages.

Porter earned a DMA in Choral Conducting from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, an MA in Theology (Liturgical Studies) from the University of Notre Dame, an MA in Music from DePaul University, and a BA in Music from the University of Mary.

Tom and Jenifer Porter live in Bismarck with their children Isaiah, Benjamin, Sarah, Joel and Hannah.