Striking the right chord: Bloomsburg High School honors musical virtuoso Rob Schwimmer

BHS band students Bradyn (left, waiting for his turn) and Henry (on trombone) participate in a musical improve with Rob Schwimmer on piano.

Bloomsburg High School inducted Rob Schwimmer, a world-renowned multi-instrumentalist, composer and musical innovator, was inducted into its prestigious Graduates of Distinction program during a special school and community assembly on February 21.

A master of the theremin — one of the earliest electronic instruments played without physical contact — Schwimmer has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique artistry. His career spans an impressive array of genres, from jazz and classical to film and television soundtracks. He is also recognized as one of the foremost players of the Haken Continuum, an advanced electronic instrument that allows for unprecedented musical expression.

Schwimmer’s remarkable career includes collaborations with Simon and Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, Gotye, the Boston Pops, the Drepung Loseling Tibetan Monks and Bette Midler, among many others. His compositions have been featured in theater, television, documentaries and major motion pictures, while his solo album “Heart of Hearing” was named #4 on Slate Magazine’s “Best Jazz of 2019,” describing him as “…a mesmerizing pianist of astonishing drama, wit, and virtuosity.”

In addition to his celebrated performance career, Schwimmer is committed to music education. Before the induction ceremony, he led a series of interactive workshops and masterclasses with Bloomsburg High School chorus and band students, offering them a unique opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most innovative musicians.

The Graduates of Distinction program at Bloomsburg High School honors alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields and communities. Schwimmer’s induction recognizes not only his exceptional talent and groundbreaking contributions to music but also his dedication to inspiring future generations of musicians.