Perinton Concert Band Conductors

     Mr. Van Buren has degrees in music education from the University of Wisconsin and the Eastman School of Music. In June 2004 he retired from his position as a band director at Penfield High School, Penfield, New York. Mr. Van Buren has also served as a faculty member of the Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua and the Hochstein School of Music and Dance in Rochester, New York. He remains active as an All-State adjudicator for the New York State School Music Association and as a freelance adjudicator/clinician throughout New York State and Canada.

     As a professional musician, Mr. Van Buren performs in various commercial, jazz, and classical settings. He has performed on the saxophone as a member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chautauqua Symphony. He currently plays first clarinet in the Hochstein Music Educators Wind Band. As a freelance artist he has performed with many nationally known groups and entertainers.

      His professional memberships include the New York State School Music Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and the Association of Concert Bands. He is a founding member of the New York State Band Directors Association and is the first recipient of that organization’s Outstanding Band Directors Award. He has also served as President of both Ontario and Monroe County New York School Music Associations.

     Mr. Schmid has degrees in music education from SUNY Fredonia and Ithaca College. As a music educator in New York State schools, Mr. Schmid directed NYSSMA level six “A” bands at Lake Shore Central High School in Angola, Dansville Junior High School, Cortland High School, and Herkimer High School.

     Mr. Schmid has played the trumpet in the State Championship Post 264 American Legion Band in Tonawanda, New York, the Tonawanda Symphony, Tri-Cities Opera Company in Binghamton, New York, and the Hornell Symphony in Hornell, New York. He currently plays with the Perinton Concert Band where he has been a member since 1997.

     Mr. Schmid resides in Fairport with his wife Therese, daughters Kristen and Kara and two Bassett hounds.