In Loving Memory

TOM LAURENCE SCHUMACHER

Forever in Our Hearts

Tom’s whole life revolved around music. Starting the last two years of high school, he was the organist for daily masses and school events at Sacred Heart School in East Grand Forks in Minnesota where he grew up. He got his degree in music from Wayne State University, touring nationally with the Tamuritzans while completing his studies. Even his 4 years in the Navy were spent solely as a musician. After that, he did a couple of tours with the Ice Capades as the keyboardist and Assistant Conductor.

After settling in San Diego 50 years ago where he met Ken, he was involved in a wide variety of musical jobs. He played for long periods at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego and the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Nigel. He played many gigs as a soloist or as the Tom Laurence Trio. Most importantly he was the Temple musician for Temple Solel in Cardiff for more than 30 years as well as the organist and Music Director for Pilgrim United Church of Christ here in Carlsbad where he and Ken were both members. He taught many piano students of all ages who adored him and was President of the Music Teacher’s Association for several years.

He had very unique gifts. He could sightread and play classical music, even performing the Gershwin Piano Concerto with a full orchestra, but he could also instantly transpose pieces and play anything by ear. He was equally adept as a Jazz musician which many of his students benefited from. He is deeply missed by many people.

The Tom Laurence Music Scholarship

Thank you for your gift towards the Tom Laurence Schumacher Music Scholarship. It’s because of you that Tom’s passion for music will be able to live on through the next generation of musicians. The Tom Laurence Schumacher Music Scholarship will provide assistance to a deserving student who wishes to pursue a degree in the field of music within the Carlsbad Educational Foundation Scholarship Program.

All donations will be matched by Tom’s loving husband, Ken.