Kurt S Schuster

Kurt graduated from Lakewood High School outside Cleveland Ohio. He holds advanced degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music (BS in Music Education) and the University of Michigan (MS in Viola Performance). He enjoyed serving as a clinician and adjudicator in regional, district, and state-wide competitions and festivals. At various times during his career he served on the faculties of Ball State University, University of Evansville, Indiana University, and Indiana State University. He retired from his career as orchestra teacher and corporation-wide string consultant for the EVSC in 1986. One of his proudest accomplishments was his 35-year tenure as the conductor of the EVSC All-City (Honors) High School Symphony Orchestra from 1951 to 1986. But, "above all," Kurt said, "I am proud of the 600 plus private string students that passed through my private studio that are involved with music professionally, or are actively serving with community groups."

When not in the classroom or on the podium, you could find Kurt performing on one of many instruments. Kurt was also an active performer. He served as principal violist and assistant conductor of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. He enjoyed playing tuba and string bass with the Evansville Symphonic Band. He was a devoted jazz lover and performed on piano or electric bass with many of the local "big bands."

As a mason, Kurt was a member of the Reed Lodge #316, the Scottish Rite and Hadi Shrine, AAONMS. He enjoyed gardening, camping, and of course, making music.

Kurt is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ethel (Krich) Schuster, Evansville; son, Robert Schuster, San Jose, CA; daughter, Sheryl Schuster, Evansville; daughter Jan (Laufer) Schuster, Evansville; grandchildren, Stacia and Christopher Schuster, and Benjamin and Carly Laufer; sister-in-law, Mary Schuster, Tallahassee, FL; niece, Donna Woeckner and her husband Phillip.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 13, 2014 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, and Thursday from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Rd. A brief service and musical tribute will be held on Thursday, August 14th at 1:00 pm, also at the Alexander North Chapel. A private graveside service for family members will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Kurt Schuster Memorial Fund. In cooperation with the EVSC Foundation, the fund will be used to assist deserving students who qualify for the EVSC Honors Orchestra program, who would otherwise not be able to participate.

Memorial donations may be mailed to the "Kurt Schuster Memorial Fund" c/o EVSC Foundation, 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN, 47713, or online at www.evscfoundation.org.

Alexander Memorial Park Burial Location: Everlasting Peace Mausoleum Building #8, Section KK, Crypt 18