During his time at Notre Dame, Michael Gummerscheimer was highly involved in the arts- a passion which has extended well past graduation.

 In high school, Gummerscheimer performed in three spring musicals; he was a member of the ensemble in Funny Girl, Captain ‘Big Jim’ Warrington in Little Mary Sunshine, and during his senior year, played the male lead, ‘Julian Marsh,’ in 42nd Street. Aside from stage productions, he involved his talents at the piano, guitar, and even the synthesizer with school performances and within the liturgy.

 A notable performance on the synthesizer was for the pop concert his sophomore year.

 “I would spend time in advance listening to recordings of the performers’ songs, and picking out the sounds,” said Gummerscheimer. “I would record some parts, and some I would play live along with the performers.”

 His senior year, Gummerscheimer said the school band had hit a rough patch: they were down to six people. Each of those students, aside from Gummerscheimer, played a brass instrument. He said they decided to switch it up that year, and turned it into a brass ensemble.

 “So, I learned to play the trombone that year,” said Gummerscheimer, adding yet another instrument to his toolbox.

 Following his graduation, Gummerscheimer attended Mizzou, where he was involved as a musician at the Newman Center on campus. He even wrote a psalm – at the request of their music director – to be played at mass, where it’s still in use.

 “The church allowed me to stay involved with music, and vice versa,” Gummerscheimer said. “[Music] really kept me involved with the church.”

 Wherever Gummersheimer has traveled, his dedication to music ministry has followed. This includes serving as a music leader for retreats, guitarist, cantor, pianist, drummer, and in choir and handbell ensembles in Irving, Texas, the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica, and churches in Maryland Heights and Des Peres.    

 Beyond the liturgy, Gummerscheimer has volunteered for many projects within music ministry. He has portrayed Jesus in two mime performances of The Passion in 2000 and 2003, and played the part of ‘Natpthali’ in St. Gabriel Parish’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

 Gummerscheimer currently works as a manager in technical accounting and financial reporting at Spire, a natural gas facility in St. Louis. He’s looking to take an early retirement at age 55. One reason: he would like to ‘get back into the stage’ in musical theatre. Music composition is also in mind.

 “Once I don’t have to worry about the working thing anymore, I’d like to spend some more time writing music again,” said Gummerscheimer.