Todd Schroeder ’84
Sonora High Distinguished Grad, Class of ’84 Todd Schroeder
Accomplishments
Is an award winning musical director, pianist, singer, composer and creative director. He is perhaps best known locally for his annual concerts that raise money for the Todd Schroeder Young Artist Grant, a scholarship for Sonora High students pursuing an arts education. He has released five albums and has worked with many well-known artists such as Leslie Odom, Jr., Jason Alexander, Billy Porter, Angela Lansbury, and Tom Jones. He has also collaborated on a number of projects including the YouTube sensation “Postmodern Jukebox.”
Schroeder has also left his mark as a music and vocal director on numerous live performance shows, including “Wicked” at Universal Studios Japan, Disney’s ”Aladdin, A Musical Spectacular”, and “Untrainable”, an original live action musical production based on the movie “How To Train Your Dragon.” Todd Schroeder is the Creative Director for the annual Paramount Studios “Live Holiday Spectacular” on the lot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.
In addition Schroeder’s musical talents extend to composition for both stage and screen. He has earned recognition for his arranging and producing skills, and has performed on stages around the world, including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, The Greek Theater, and even had the honor of performing at The White House.
What was your pathway to your current position?
When I realized that I would not be able to afford college to continue to study music, I immediately began working in clubs, churches and really anywhere that needed a piano player and singer. And I continued to learn about music and performance as they say “on the road.” Fortunately my talent exceeded my experience, and my mentors not only gave me opportunities but also opened doors for me to walk through and succeed. All along the way, I was humbled by the support and realized that these were gifts. I made a promise to myself that when I was able to, I would do the same for others.
What memories do you have of Sonora High?
My memories go back to my freshman year when my English teacher, Ms. Dambacher, picked my poem to be the first page of the yearbook (very early affirmation on my creative process). I also remember drama teacher Lindi Lindstrom selecting me to be in a production of “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.” I was the piano-playing “Schroeder” and thus began the nickname that would ultimately become my stage name. I also remember Steve Southard and his leadership classes instilling ethical guidelines and messages of consequences, good and bad, for choices that we made. And I remember making lifelong friends at SHS and attending some great school dances in the gym.
What are your future goals?
My goals at this point in my life center around legacy and happiness. I reflect on the thirty years of my scholarship, the Todd Schroeder Young Artist Grant, and see that my initial hope of wanting to give back to my high school, to the graduating students in the arts and to the whole community has had an amazing “ripple effect.” I realize that as long as I continue to throw pebbles into the water, the ripples will reach shores I could never imagine. So I shall keep throwing!
What advice would you give to SHS students?
My advice to Sonora High students is to realize that there is a whole world out there “beyond city limits.” Don’t be afraid to dream, hope and go for it. Sonora is an amazing community, and it will always be home. But you do have to get up and get out before you can come back.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, traveling and sitting on a beach with my beautiful wife, Carrie.
