Steven Schmidt

STEVEN SCHMIDT (b. 1964) was born and raised in Riverside, California. He began studying percussion at California State University, Fullerton under the tutelage of Todd Miller. After receiving a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from CSU, Fullerton, Steven went on to earn a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Southern California, studying percussion with Erik Forrester and composition with Stephen Hartke and Frederick Lesemann. Steven has received commissions for compositions from Riverside Community College, the University of California, Riverside Department of Theater, the California State University, Fullerton Clarinet Ensemble, the Irvine Valley College Wind Ensemble, Upland High School and the University of Southern California Theater Department, for whom he composed music for their 1994 production of Bertold Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle. His wind ensemble composition Spin has been performed by Riverside Community College, the California Music Academy, the University of Northern Arizona, Washington State University and numerous high schools. Many of his works are available on CD. His latest work "Southern California Portrait" (commissioned by Etiwanda High School) can be heard at marching band competitions throughout Southern California.

Mr. Schmidt's performances include a recording of Edgar Varese' Ionisation with the Ensemble Modern (a recording produced by Frank Zappa) and the soundtrack to Mr. Holland's Opus starring Richard Dreyfuss. Steven has also performed with the Orange County Pacific Symphony, the Capistrano Valley Symphony, the Southwest Chamber Symphony, Downey Civic Light Opera, Costa Mesa CLO and South Bay CLO. Additionally, Steven has participated in many independently contracted performances with artists such as Peabo Bryson, Ray Charles, Shirley Jones, Doc Severinson and Dionne Warwick.

In addition to his performance activities, Steven is busy teaching private students and writing marching band arrangements (clients include Riverside Community College, Ayala High School, Centennial High School, Corona High School, Cypress High School, El Dorado High School, La Sierra High School, Magnolia High School, Redlands High School, Rubidoux High School, Valley View High School, West Covina High School, West [Torrance] High School and Whittier High School.) Steven has taught percussion and MIDI techniques at Cal State University Fullerton, Irvine Valley College and Cypress High School and currently teaches full time at Riverside Community College.