Grand Junction musician Paul Schneider has played a lot of gigs lately.

Schneider’s “getting back in the loop,” he said, after going through bypass heart surgery in September.

The saxophone and clarinet player performed last Thursday at outgoing Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Harold Stahl’s going-away party. Saturday, Schneider performed at the Viva el Vino Junior Service League fundraiser.

Schneider was honored Monday night during a concert at Mesa State College with a portrait of himself by local artist Jim Hutton. The painting was unveiled between Schneider’s two guest solo performances with the Mesa State Wind Symphony.

The portrait was commissioned by the MSC music faculty to honor the professor emeritus for his 30 years of service to the college, his students and the community.

“He’s touched the lives of thousands of people,” said Calvin Hofer, head of the music department and director of wind studies at the college.

The music department established the Paul Schneider scholarship fund ensuring Schneider continues to affect students’ lives.

“It’s a special fund people can donate to,” Hofer said. “It’ll go to clarinet and saxophone majors” starting next year.

Schneider began teaching at what was then called Mesa Junior College in 1969.
He was director of bands for 30 years at the college, taught woodwinds, was jazz studies director, and directed various concert and marching bands.

Although he’s retired now, he still runs the middle school band camp in June and keeps in touch with past and current students.

He’s also “played in every musical organization imaginable,” Hofer said.

The painting of Schneider will join two other portraits, one of former theater instructor Bill Robinson, for whom the college’s William S. Robinson Theater is named, and Ann Sanders, who taught dance at the college.

Hutton painted each of the three portraits.

Although Schneider was not acquainted with the artist beforehand, they’ve become good friends since the portrait painting, Schneider said.

“In fact, he (Hutton) was student body president in 1969” — Schneider’s first year teaching at the college, Schneider said.

Schneider’s portrait will hang outside the Recital Hall in the Moss Performing Arts Center.

“I am deeply honored to be selected and have this done,” Schneider said.

This weekend Schneider will perform with the Colorado Jazz Orchestra at the art and jazz festival in downtown Grand Junction. He’ll also play a gig with Bobby Walker Friday night at Boomers nightclub on Main Street.

Reach Sharon Sullivan at ssullivan@gjfreepress.com.