Remembering Joe Schaaf

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of former CSW Trustee and Music Department Chair Joe Schaaf. Joe was head of the Music Department from 1960 to 1972, during which time he helped to make music a central component of life at CSW.

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of former CSW Trustee and Music Department Chair Joe Schaaf. Joe was head of the Music Department from 1960 to 1972, during which time he helped to make music a central component of life at CSW.

Throughout his career, Joe mentored countless young musicians towards fruitful careers in music as teachers, performers, and conductors at acclaimed institutions all over the world. His love and dedication for CSW, The Putney School, Kinhaven Music School, Greenwood Music Camp, and the many other organizations he was affiliated with, endures to this day through the music created under his direction.

In 2014, students from the Class of 1964 dedicated a rehearsal room in Joe’s honor. We share the official citation from the event below:

With heartfelt gratitude, The Cambridge School of Weston Class of 1964 honors JoeSchaaf, who remains for us an enduring presence. His sterling musicianship and habitual professionalism demonstrated to us the dignity of personal excellence. His uncompromising values fostered in us the joy of communal effort. It is his influence that most unites our class. Over 50 years ago, Joe instilled in us his love of music with an energy that continues to nourish and sustain us. We count ourselves extremely fortunate to have had such an extraordinary mentor and model.

Our hearts go out to Joe’s family, friends, and former students.

CSW will be hosting a memorial sing in Joe's honor at this year's reunion. Alums from the classes of 1960-1972 who are interested in helping to organize this event should please contact the Alumni/ae Office at at alum@csw.org.

The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.