Lee Schaarschmidt was the band director at Centereach High School from 1992 until his retirement in 2021. In his time there, he conducted the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band. Under his direction, the bands at Centereach High School participated in NYSSMA, Music In The Parks, and Festivals of Music, receiving the highest ratings. Additional duties included conducting the Pit Orchestra for the Centereach Theater Department and running Centereach Marching Band. He has conducted the SCMEA (2019) and NME Division 3 (2023 )All County Bands respectively, as well as the 2024 HMEA High School Festival Band. His students have been selected to participate in SCMEA, NYSCAME, All State, and MYO. Mr. Schaarschmidt is Long Island born and raised. He attended Sachem High School, received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Houghton College, and his Masters degree through SUNY Stonybrook. As a professional musician, he has played trumpet with The Atlantic Winds, One More Once Big Band, and The New Millenium Jazz Band as well as being a part of the Old Bethpage Brass Band. He is often asked to play in local pit orchestras and is a member of Skyline, one of Long Islands Premier bands, both as a player and an arranger.
