Charles “Chuck” Schlarbaum
January 09, 1938 – June 17, 2016
Chuck Schlarbaum was without question one of America’s foremost circus musicians. His knowledge of traditional circus music was unsurpassed. Perhaps only the name Merle Evans is better know in circus music history.
Charles “Chuck” Schlarbaum was born in Benton, Iowa on June 9, 1938. At an early age Chuck’s family moved to Portland, Oregon where he was raised and attended school. Young Charles acquired an interest in music from his parents who both played musical instruments. Chuck began his musical career in grade school and played in the school orchestra.
Schlarbaum obtained his interest in the circus through his Great Uncle, who was a circus musician. In Chuck’s teen years he would travel with circuses in the summer months, working at various jobs in the animal and concession departments.
After completing high school, Schlarbaum joined the United States Army where he served in the “Thirty Third Army Band”, playing solo cornet and touring the U.S and Europe from 1955 until 1958.
Chuck’s first job as a musician on a circus was with the Cristiani Bros. Circus in 1958. His first Band Leader position was with the Hunt Bros. Circus in 1959.
During his long career he conducted, composed and arranged music for most major circuses in the United States. To name a few; Cristiani Bros. Circus, Hunt Bros. Circus, King Bros. Circus, Clyde Beatty Cole Bros. Circus, Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey, Garden Bros., Toby Tyler Circus, James E. Strates Shows and numerous stage productions. His 1984 recording with the Toby Tyler Circus Band is considered the last commercially available recording of a traditional circus band featuring touring circus musicians
Chuck was active in the circus business until his death and devoted much of his time in recent years to the Showmens Shrine Club and the International Independent Showmens Association in Gibsonton Fl. He was a charter member of Windjammers Unlimited, the circus music historical organization, and often served as bandmaster when Windjammer members performed.
On Jan. 16, 2011 Charles “Chuck” Schlarbaum was inducted into the Sarasota’s Circus Ring of Fame.