2009-2010 Annual Report - St. Mary's Central High School

SMCHS Proudly Dedicates the 2009 - 2010 Annual
Report to the “Music Man” William J. Schmidt
Bill Schmidt, “Mr. Schmidt” to most, lost his battle with
cancer April 10, 2010, at age 58. Mr. Schmidt was the director
of instrumental music at St. Mary’s Central High School, a
position he held since 1974. In addition to his responsibilities as
department chair, he directed the Wind Orchestra, Pep Band and
the “Marching Saints.”
His talents did not stop there. He served as a guest conductor at
the International Music Camp since 1987. Mr. Schmidt was the
Auditions and Finance Manager for the North Dakota All-State
Band, Choirs, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Choir, and
directed the Bismarck-Mandan Wind Ensemble.
Mr. Schmidt was the recipient of many awards during his
profession. In 1989, the Bismarck Chamber of Commerce selected him to receive the “Crystal Apple Award” for
Excellence in Education – Teacher of the Year. He also the received the “1990 Catholic High School Educator of
the Year Award,” the “Citation of Excellence” award from the National Band Association, and was inducted into
the John Philip Sousa Foundation “Legion of Honor” at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in
December 1998. Mr. Schmidt was named a Fulbright Scholar. Bands under his direction were selected to perform for
the North Dakota Music Educators Association conference in 1992, 1999 and 2006. SMCHS Wind Orchestra was
also selected and performed for the North Central MENC conference in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2006. In March 2010,
the North Dakota Music Educators Association presented Bill with their Educator of the Year award.
Mr. Schmidt will be remembered as the music man who taught many students using his unique method of teaching
and mentoring. Inspired by his motivation, dedication, strict discipline, students gained a sense of pride in knowing
they excelled beyond their expectations.
Mr. Schmidt lived by his favorite mottos: “When you work, work hard; when you play, play hard; and when you
pray, pray hard,” and his most famous quote, “Early is on time and on time is late.” Although his time on this earth
was short, his words, memories and spirit will live on in the hearts of the students and the halls of St. Mary’s Central
High School forever. Mr. Schmidt, the Marching Saints are still “waking them up”!
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