Carl Schroeder of Minneapolis, Minnesota, composes music for concert band, orchestra, choir, chamber ensembles and solo piano that is often inspired by American history, current events, natural surroundings and memories. He is also the author of two books in the Fenn and Zorro series of novels told through correspondence.

Schroeder's large ensemble music has been performed by nearly 50 concert bands, orchestras and choirs, including the Air Force Band of Mid-America, Minnesota Youth Symphonies and Ukraine's Chamber Choir Kyiv. He has written commissioned works for the City of Lakes Community Band, Cornell University Symphonic Band, Minnesota Symphonic Winds, Minnesota State Band, Southwest Wind Ensemble, Three Rivers Conference Honor Band, Valley Winds, Wells Fargo Chorus and other ensembles and individuals. His concert band work Spin is published by C. Alan Publications, and his choral work Two December Carols is published by Boosey & Hawkes. His other frequently performed works include Christine's Lullaby, Lake Harriet Bandshell Blues and The Minnesota Portraits, and his most recent compositions include the concert band works Rings, Sculptures and Flourish for Valley Winds, and the piano suite A Letter from Yzabeth.