Don Schmeer was born on April 11, 1935 in Portland, Oregon. He attended the public schools in the area and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1953. Always intensely interested in the performing arts, he played clarinet all the way through high school, and graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music in 1957. After college, he served in the United States Army from 1957-59 and played in the 5th Army Band in Korea where his tent-mate was none other than composer John Barnes Chance (or “Barney”, as Don called him). After the Army, Don taught Junior High School Band in Oregon. In 1960, Don left teaching to become an employee and eventually General Manager of Byron Hoyt Music Company in San Francisco. His knowledge of wind band repertoire and music education materials was legendary and second to none in the sheet music industry. He remained with Byron Hoyt Music Company in San Francisco for many years and became an ardent supporter of music education in California. He was recognized many times for his contributions in the world of music education.

The Don Schmeer Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1996 by Bill Burke, Mark Troxell, and the late Dr. David Goedecke, is held in trust by the California Music Educators Association.

The Fund provides support and encouragement for talented music students of limited financial means in grades 7-12. Awards are made to qualified students of CMEA members for summer music camp tuition and related expenses.  In 2020, the fund was expanded to include the Don Schmeer Band Education Scholarship.

Thanks to contributions throughout the years, a $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student as they begin their journey into a Band Music Education degree and credential.  Please consider earmarking a donation to the Don Schmeer Band Education Scholarship to help ensure that this scholarship can be awarded to students for years to come.  All contributions to the California Music Education Foundation (CMEF) in support of this scholarship are tax-deductible.

 

Criteria for the Band Scholarship Recipient:

CMEA members may nominate a graduating high school senior who has committed to pursuing a degree in Music Education with a goal of earning a teaching credential and a career as a music educator in the public schools. The nomination will include a statement of support by the nominating teacher. This should include but not be limited to:

• The student’s abilities as a musician/instrumentalist
• The student’s leadership abilities and experiences that indicate their abilities to be a music educator
• The musical heart of the student…the intangible…that which defines who they will become as a music educator

The nominated student will provide 1) an appropriate resume that represents the body of their work that has led them to this point, 2) a statement of intent that includes their post-secondary goals, including where they plan to pursue their studies.  They must answer the question of “Why I want to be Band Music Educator”.

Tax deductible contributions to this Memorial Fund may be made by individuals, organizations, and businesses by credit card through the donate button on this page or by mailing check to:

CMEF
Don Schmeer Scholarship Fund
PO Box 359
Hanford, CA 93232

Telephone: 559-904-2002 · Email: cmea@calmusiced.com

Tristan McMichael

2021 Don Schmeer Band Music Education Scholarship Recipient