We were lucky to catch up with Shane Schmeichel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shane, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My parents tell me that I started talking about the violin as a very young child. I started playing the summer before 4th grade and vividly remember the day we picked up my rental violin. I was not allowed to take the violin out of the case and I remember how difficult that was for me, all I wanted to do was play the instrument! Playing the violin is a key reason my life has taken me on the paths it has. Being a musician taught me patience, resilience, strength, creativity, and team work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I grew up in North Dakota and as a very young child I started talking about wanting to play the violin. I started playing the summer before 4th grade and my life path has been positively impacted by my experience as a musician. Being a violinist has given me the skills to be able to be an innovative educator that has helped me build and lead specialty schools. Through a focus on a particular experience (arts as an example), students are better connected and engaged to their education. The arts help the next generation find their strengths and how it applies to all aspects of their life. I have worked for four school districts in my career. I have taught orchestra, been an elementary school counselor, union lead, board member of 4 different education nonprofit organizations and a variety of roles as an education leader. Seeing youth develop into contributing community members has always been the why behind the work I have done. It is hard work, but has very positive and important outcomes. I am most proud of the fact that in public education we CAN provide unique experiences to students that help them be engaged in their community. Arts experiences are critical to youth and I will do anything in my power to make sure all youth in California have opportunities for a variety of quality arts experiences.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

California has recently taken important steps to guarantee all students have quality arts experiences. Prop 28 will help us provide these opportunities. Our youth MUST explore a variety of arts and through these experiences, they will become engaged with the arts community as an adult. Arts = Culture, and for the community to support our arts organizations and businesses, we need a community that has personally experienced the benefits of the arts.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

The smallest amount of support from community members, business owners, nonprofits and other community entities can go a long way to show the next generation the value of the arts. I encourage all in our state to reach out, contribute your time, talent and/or treasure to make sure we are raising a community that values the arts. It takes a village to make this happen; public school districts can’t do this work in a vacuum, we need partners to help champion the arts.