Tom Schneider joined the Richmond Symphony Orchestra as Principal Bassoon in 2012. Before joining the RSO, Tom was a fellow at the New World Symphony in Miami Beach. Tom holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory and the University of Maryland where he studied with George Sakakeeny and Sue Heinemann. Tom has appeared at the country’s top festivals including the Tanglewood Music Center, National Orchestral Institute, National Repertory Orchestra, and the Sarasota Music Festival. Tom made his solo debut with the RSO in 2014 performing Peter Schickele’s Bassoon Concerto. An avid chamber musician, Tom is a member and artistic director of the Richmond based Atlantic Chamber Ensemble. In recent seasons, Tom has performed as guest principal with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Jacksonville Symphony as well as guest associate principal with the Atlanta Symphony and Hong Kong Philharmonic. Outside music, Tom loves to read, watch soccer, and climb the beautiful mountains in his native Colorado.