Harold Van Schaik, bass trombone

Harold Van Schaik was appointed bass trombonist with The Florida Orchestra in 1993. Previously he had been with the Honolulu Symphony for three seasons. He has also performed as a substitute or extra musician with the Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Kansas City Symphony and numerous other orchestras across the U.S. Harold received a bachelors degree from Northwestern University and a masters degree from the Eastman School of Music where he was also awarded the prestigious Performers Certificate.

Outside the symphony world, Harold is an active soloist, clinician, chamber musician and jazz performer. He was awarded first prize at the International Trombone Association solo competition in 1987. He has presented recitals and master classes at Universities and Brass Workshops throughout the country. Harold has also been a featured performer at both the American and International Trombone Festivals in addition to performing as a soloist with the U.S. Military Academy Band, U.S. Army Orchestra, the New Mexico Wind Band, the Honolulu Symphony, The Florida Orchestra and several university performing ensembles. He also performs as a member of the Nay Palm Bones trombone quartet with recordings on the Summit label.

In the jazz and commercial fields, Van Schaik has played with the big bands of Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey, Les Brown and Jimmy Dorsey in addition to touring with Natalie Cole, Steve & Eydie, Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra, Jr. He has also recorded numerous sound tracks for movies and television shows, TV and radio jingles as well as background tracks for pop artists. In addition, Harold has performed as a pit musician for several major musicals including “Phantom”, “Les Mis”, “Miss Saigon”, and “Cats”.

Harold has been a member of the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra since 2006.