Charles Van Buren
Music Director 

    Mr. Charles Van Buren is a native of Lockport, New York, and has earned degrees in music education from the University of Wisconsin and the Eastman School of Music. He recently retired from teaching instrumental music at Penfield High School in Penfield, New York, and is currently an adjunct professor at Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, New York, where he directs the Finger Lakes Concert Band. In addition, he is an All-State adjudicator for the New York State School Music Association and is active as a clinician and guest conductor throughout the state.

    As a professional musician, Mr. Van Buren performs with various jazz and commercial ensembles in the Rochester area. He also plays first clarinet in the Hochstein Music Educators' Wind Band, and performs on occasion as a saxophonist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

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

    Not only is he in his 17th year as music director of the Perinton Concert Band, but Mr. Van Buren is also a long-standing performing member of the band. From 1978 to 1988 he played in the clarinet and saxophone sections, and from 1985 to 1988 he was also assistant Music Director.

Dan Schmid
Assistant Music Director

    Mr. Dan Schmid graduated with a degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia in 1961. He received his Masters degree in Music Education from Ithaca College in 1966. As a music educator in New York State schools, Mr. Schmid directed NYSSMA level six "A" bands at the following schools: Lake Shore Central High School in Angola, NY; Dansville Junior High School in Dansville, NY; Cortland High School in Cortland, NY; and Herkimer High School in Herkimer, NY.

    Mr. Schmid has played lead trumpet in the State Championship Post 264 American Legion Band in Tonawanda, NY; the Tonawanda Symphony; Tri-Cities Opera Company in Binghamton, NY; and the Hornell Symphony in Hornell, NY. He is currently playing with the Perinton Concert Band where he has been a member since 1997. Mr. Schmid resides in Fairport, New York with his wife Therese (who plays flute in the Perinton Concert Band), two daughters, Kristen and Kara, and two Bassett hounds.