Dedication to Randy Schrade ’76

Randy Schrade ’76

These pages are dedicated to alumnus Randy Schrade '76 who returned to serve as our devoted director of orchestras. Over almost 30 years Randy built up the instrumental program at A-S from eight boys to four large, healthy orchestras and a thriving lesson program, providing lasting inspiration and building countless close relationships in our community along the way, and helping to create the school's renowned reputation in NYC for its unique music program. He taught A-S boys how to be musicians and gentlemen and enriched the lives of everyone in the A-S community through his poetic artistry. Damian VanCamp's reflection below describes Randy beautifully.

Years after graduating college, I was walking back from a doctor's appointment and spotted Randy on his lunch break seated outside a restaurant. The food hadn't yet arrived, and without hesitation, he invited me to join him, a welcoming grin beaming across his face. As we ate, we talked about everything and nothing—like we always had. Randy and I understood one another—valued each other's humor, sarcasm, insight— he confided in me that he was thinking about retiring. I remember him sitting with the sun on his face, smiling, perfectly content and at peace. I felt exceedingly happy for him. We exchanged personal info, and we went our separate ways—me to the crosstown bus, and he to grab his signature Starbucks-and-Symphony-Bar combo before returning to work.

I didn't know that it would be the last time I would ever see him again. Many of what I consider to be core, self-defining traits and experiences of mine would not have come to pass had it not been for Randy's influence, and I have no doubt that there are countless others who can proudly say the same.

There are so many things I could say about Randy and the many gifts he gave me over the years—lessons, instruments, Bill Murray jokes.... But what I am most grateful for, perhaps, is that the last time I met Randy, it was not as teacher/ student, nor was it as mentor/mentee. The last time I met with Randy, we met as friends—as equals—two scholars and musicians breaking bread in the sun, genuinely happy to have serendipitously run into one another—even if it was for one last time. —Damian VanCamp ’00