It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our friend and colleague, Rick Schmidt. He played with us for four years in the Washington DC area, first on drums then later on violin, viola and cello.

A unique flair permeated his entire being, from the wardrobe that caused us to nickname him Cuban Pete, to his take-no-prisoners playing technique. He infused every note he played with heart and soul, with fury and pathos.

Because we only saw him every six months for our East Coast tours, there was much we did not know about him, including his affliction with the illness that took him. But we will always remember his singing strings, his tipped fedora, wire-rimmed glasses and flowing overcoat, and the joy in his wry grin. We will miss him very much.

Dan & Eric

Reprinted from the Washington Post, February 8, 2004

Ricky Warren Schmidt, 47, a musician who had played with various groups and ensembles at venues across the Washington area, died of cancer Jan. 25 at home in Silver Spring.

Mr. Schmidt was a native of Takoma Park and a graduate of Takoma Academy. He began his musical career as a child, playing drums at age 6 and violin when he was 7.

As a professional musician, Mr. Schmidt's primary instrument was the violin, but he also played cello and viola and taught himself to play guitar.

He began his career playing at the Bread & Soup Shop in Georgetown. Later, he played and recorded with such groups and individuals as Mantel, Doc Scantlin and his Imperial Palms Orchestra, Goldenwood, Takoma Park Symphony, New England Ensemble, Bill Baker, Arline Bonnell, David Griffith and Donnie Wong.

He performed at the Kennedy Center, President Clinton's inaugural festivities, the Inn at Little Washington and several wedding parties. He also taught music to children.

He was a member of the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church. He played music there and at other churches in the metropolitan area.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Schmidt of Silver Spring; a daughter, Celeste Starchild of Falls Church; his mother, Hazel Marie Bender of Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.; a half brother, Dennis Couch of Nanjemoy, Md.; a sister, Sharon Wright of Fairfax; and a brother, Randy Schmidt of Cascade, Md.