GARY SCHALL

Gary was born in Midwood section of Brooklyn to Jerry and Marilyn Schall. The middle of 5 brothers, Ira, Jay, Gary, Harold, and Lee. Loving and inspiring father to Jerry, Hayley, Sammy. Husband to Debbie for 42 years. "Uncle" to thousands of community members that made their way through Lawrence Public Schools and St. Augistine.

​

Gary was an eternal optimist, spiritual, charismatic, a musician, a yogi, and someone who lived multiple full lives.  

​

Gary Schall began performing the music of Steve Reich when he was 16 years old while studying with James Preiss at the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division. He performed his first concert with Steve in 1975. At the time he was 19 years old, making him the youngest member of the ensemble. Schall has continued to perform with Steve for over four decades. The depth of this experience had the most profound influence on Schall as a performer and composer.

​

Concurrent to his music career, he dedicated himself to the Lawrence Public School system as an educator and superintendent. He drew life experience from his music career, owner of children's museum Gallery of Discovery, and teacher at South Bronx school St. Augustine. He helped navigate the school system through Hurricane Sandy, developed a renowned music program, and supported a culture of love and consideration.

 

In the last decade he was passionate about writing & performing music up until his final concert in August 2022. He used his experimental music to push boundaries of the minimalist movement, perform with his son Sam & singer Mariana, and explore his spirituality. 

​

His legacy will live on and he will be missed.