Ken Schumacher

Bass & Vocals

Ken comes from a family inclined to be musicians. His mother studied music at Mansfield University and his father would compose his sermons while listening to classical music. Sister Cathy sings, plays guitar and piano, Brothers Bill, Tim and Jim play drums, guitar, and sing & dance, respectively.

Ken's calling came at the age of 8 when saw a brass sousaphone in the band practice room. With encouragement from Mr. Hazilla, Ken managed to make some noise. He continued to play Tuba/ Sousaphone through high school graduation in Concert Band, Marching Band and the Pit Orchestra.

The Bass Clef called again when at the age of 16 the high school needed a bass player for the Jazz Ensemble. Ken grabbed a classical guitar and with no case rode his bike 5 miles to his first bass lesson with Phil (Flip) Hayes. Coming to understand music theory and the role of the bass in many different styles of music has helped Ken make sense of the bass lines he'd been playing from written music and applying the knowledge to creating bass lines.

After high school Ken played with several bands of varying genre; Lynx, Slip Nickel, Truman's Cabin, Ukiah, and The SUNY Binghamton Latin American Student Union Band. Each of these bands creating original music.

In 2004, Ken met Lauren Faggiano and sat in on one of her Music Therapy Sessions with a gentleman who is deaf and blind. Lauren's talents and gifts helped this person express himself and participate in meaningful communication through music. After the session Ken asked Lauren to jam with his friends, Lauren asked Ken to help with a couple of projects she had in mind.

Ken has been performing with Lauren since. He accompanied her on her album, "into the blue"; playing Electric Bass, Bass Violin and Sousaphone. He currently is playing with The Deep Blue Dream, and jammin' with his friends at Brooks Ave.

Always Learning, Always Creating, Always Having Fun!