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Horace Mann School Massachusetts Institute of Technology

SAMUEL BAUMAN Obituary

BAUMAN--Samuel

Alexander. Died suddenly on November 21, 2017 at the age of 23. Sam graduated from Horace Mann School in 2012 and from MIT in 2017. He was devoted to his family and friends, cherished a lifelong passion for music, and was a voracious learner whose broad and deep interests included higher mathematics, physics and history, and also the joyful circus art of fire spinning. Sam is survived by his mother Amy Cohen Bauman, brother William Bauman and sister Rachel Bauman. He was predeceased by his father David Bauman. Sam was loving, brilliant, and taken from us far too soon. Memorial donations to Johns Hopkins CTY. Services at 10am, Friday at Westchester Reform Temple, Scarsdale, NY.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Nov. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for SAMUEL BAUMAN

Sponsored by Horace Mann Classmates, Friends, and Teachers.

37 Entries

HM Glee Club Baking Party 2010

April 30, 2020

HM Cafeteria 2010

April 30, 2020

HM Chamber Choir Retreat 2010

April 30, 2020

Marit Shuman

April 30, 2020

I will never forget the baking party that Sam and his family hosted. It was such a fun night and Sam, always personable and amusing, made sure that everyone felt welcome and included even freshman such as myself. His kindness, like his voice, extended far beyond that of a typical high-schoolerfrom the dining hall to the swimming pool to the music department, Sam was outgoing and befriended the people he found interesting regardless of graduating year or social standing.

About a year after he graduated from Horace Mann, Sam and I went to Lincoln Center together to see Les Troyensanother memorable night! He had had an extra ticket for the production and I was the lucky taker. Both lovers of music, Latin, and the opera, the evening was full of good singing not to mention good conversation! He told me about how much he was liking his first year at MIT, explaining to me the tradition of hacking which, until that point, I thought referred only to the computer variation.

Though Sam and I never had the chance to see each other again after that, having gone our own separate ways, I think back on him with much fondness and on our times together with the happiness that comes from true friendship.

Belle Yoeli

April 30, 2020

Sam joined Chamber Choir at HM when I was a senior. I remember that he was extremely talented and had a genius like quality when it came to music. He was always very kind, and while he was very serious about his musical craft he also knew how to crack a joke or two at the most opportune times. Chamber Choir was outstanding that year, in large part due to Sam's contributions. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, and am grateful to have had the opportunity to sing with him.

Imani Moise

April 30, 2020

We will miss Sam dearly. His voice, his passion for music and his leadership in Glee Club and Chamber Choir were inspiring and helped shape my high school experience. His memory lives on in all of the lives that he's touched.

Hannah Mark

April 30, 2020

A few years post-HM, I ran into Sam on the MIT campus - or rather, I spotted that rainbow monkey hat from across the quad and knew it had to be him. In high school we weren't super close at first, as I was a few years ahead, but we ended up spending a good chunk of time together with a bunch of our mutual friends on the Glee Club trip to South America (where, incidentally, we all tried on lots of ridiculous hats in touristy shops). On that trip I learned what so many people knew: Sam was a fundamentally good person, a wonderful singer, and he looked darn good in a silly hat. He will be greatly missed.

Mia Farinelli

April 30, 2020

My memories of Sam come to me in small bursts, moments tinged with warmth and the echo of his voice: resonant, booming, and so self-assured. The relentless heat of a summer day in Rome as I followed Sam to the ruins of a former coliseum; the intense look of concentration he gave as he sat down at the piano in my apartment one Thanksgiving morning; standing in the alcove of a stairwell as Sam would rattle off every dark joke that he knew; sharing slice after slice of Broadway Joe's pizza in the hours leading up to every Winter Concert; the smile that I felt bubble up whenever I heard Sam bellow the "Rarotonga e!" call in Enua Manea so wholeheartedly that I feared his body would give out. But one memory has remained clear as day, almost as bright as the light that filtered into the room when it happened. It has represented one of the highlights of my years of singing, and it never would have happened without Sam.
When Sam and I sang together in choir, we always stood next to each other. It turned out that our voices, loud beyond our years, would have drowned out the entire ensemble if we didn't stand close together. Arriving at the first rehearsal every year always brought me comfort, knowing that no matter who joined us or left us that year, Sam would be standing next to me, ready to roll his eyes at every wrong note, to interrupt rehearsal to ask questions that could never be easily answered, and to match his vocal power with mine. I appreciated what he brought to rehearsals because it always kept me on my toes and reminded me that there was someone who could always musically challenge me.
One day, we were rehearsing a thickly arranged, chord-heavy piece. Sam and I enjoyed rehearsing this piece because it was one of the few opportunities for us to sing at our actual capacity. The end, immensely satisfying, required the ensemble to crescendo with increasing power and speed until it found itself ringing with a triumphant resolved chord that spans almost three octaves. It felt good to hit that chord. But something was different that day. There was something about the way Sam and I found our notes that triggered a symphony of overtones to ring in the air. It was an experience that slowed down time because for the first and only time, my voice locked in perfectly with the voice next to me to generate a sound so pure it bordered on spiritual. Even as we cut off, I could hear the overtones lingering above our heads. I looked at Sam, and Sam looked back at me: the shared look of absolute wonder at what just happened was clearly felt between both of us. No one else seemed to have noticed what was special about that final chord, and for a moment we were encapsulated in a bubble of our own awe and disbelief. For years we would always search for that moment in our rehearsals, to try and recreate it so that we knew it was real. But there was also something beautiful in the ephemerality of that moment, something that only we could refer to, and something that only we shared.
It is with immense heaviness in my heart that I mourn for the life that Sam led. His brilliance always left me speechless, his hard-working nature fiercer than anyone I know, and his voice so rich and deep that it shook walls. When he graduated, he left a void in the choir so great that no one could ever fill it. He had a thirst for all that life had to offer that is unmatched. If I could have embodied the word "potential" with just one person, I would think of Sam almost immediately. I cannot even begin to understand the pain and sorrow of losing such an accomplished student, singer, athlete, and son. But what I can hope to impart is that Sam lived a rich life, full of experiences and complexities and detail that others will remember and memorialize. I send my prayers to the Bauman family, as well as recognition of all that Sam has accomplished during his time with us. He will be missed.

Rachel Simerka-Smith

April 30, 2020

Sam had an amazing energy that he brought to anything he was involved in. It was a pleasure to sing with him and get to experience his dynamic personality. We all care for him very much and wish your family well now and always.

Will Shore

April 30, 2020

Sam and I met properly during Secret Santa in my first year in Glee Club. He had me, and found somewhere this awesome wooden trebuchet kit, and was so enthusiastic and kind explaining to me how to optimize it--and his tips really worked (which of course now is no surprise). That's what I remember most fondly about him--he could share his knowledge and interest in just about anything, never going too fast or too slow, and always fantastic energy.

Katie Birenboim

April 30, 2020

I can't comprehend what your family must be going through: all I can say is how sorry I am for your loss, and that I have been thinking of Sam (and you) in my thoughts, and prayers, every day since I heard about this terrible tragedy. You, of course, know how brilliant Sam was. I looked up to him academically in so many ways. More than that, however, he was an incredibly kind and positive presence in glee club. Anyone could see how devoted he was to the singing and to creating a sense of community within the group itself. I have fond memories of driving to your house for the baking party with Sam and Steven-Louis our senior year, and also of traveling in Belgium and France with Sam after graduation. I can safely say that my time in glee club, and therefore in high school as a whole, would not have been the same without Sam, who was always kind, positive, intellectually curious, and considerate. I will think of him, and miss him, every time I sing. All my love, Katie Birenboim

Jacob Bass

April 30, 2020

Once in Glee Club, I was standing near Sam in the bass section and the tenors somehow failed to follow an extremely simple instruction, maybe they had to sing something and some people started on the wrong page, or in the wrong piece? Sam was watching them and announced, to no one in particular: "Ladies and gentlemen, the tenor section." God, I laughed. It was the way he said it, too. A little impatiently, but sort of fondly at the same time. I remember him explaining to me what equity was in Sienna on the Italy trip our junior year. I remember him telling me about the philosophical concept of the veil of ignorance as a test of fairness in a society on the bus that day, maybe when we were going back to Rome. Our senior year, there was a solo in Glee Club that we both auditioned for. He coached me on it right before my audition. I remember telling Mr. Ho about it and his saying that that was just like Sam, being generous in that way.
My first year of college, I got into an argument about politics on Facebook with someone at my new school. Sam saw it and messaged me a link to an incredibly long and, as I recall it, impressively articulate blog post about the Revolutionary War and assumptions about morality in foreign policy that the author argued seemed nice but were counterproductive and didn't lead to more moral actions; it was all relevant and in his message he quoted a few passages he thought might back me up. I sent it to the kid I was arguing with and he was so cowed by its length that the argument fizzled out. I forget if I told Sam about that. I hope I did, I think he would have laughed, maybe been a little pleased with himself, rightfully so.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the tenor section." I still say that sometimes, that joke, even when a lack of blundering tenors forces me to substitute some other person or group. "Ladies and gentlemen, the tenor section."

Michael Duffy

April 30, 2020

Here is what was said about Sam his senior year at the swim dinner in 2012.
"Sam came to Horace Mann as a 9th grader without any competitive swim background. He began his swim career going 1 minute and 27 seconds in the 100 free as a freshman. He dropped that time by 24 seconds over his varsity swim career. I admired his work ethic. He chose to specialize in the most physically demanding stroke, the butterfly. He is often humming a tune during practices and screaming for his teammates during meets. I overheard him at one of the practices challenge a teammate. He said, I just beat you during that sprint your better than that. It motivated his teammate to beat him next time. It was a true team player move. He is a good guy and a great teammate."
I will always remember Sam as the ultimate teammate. He was always cheering his teammates on during the meets and challenging them to do their best in practices.

Sam's friend Kyla

Kimberle Koile

December 21, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of this terrible loss. My golden retriever Kyla and I knew Sam as a regular visitor to the therapy dog events at MIT, and it was a joy to see the mutual affection between the two of them. I was always truly astounded at Sam's lying on the floor and Kyla's snuggling up to him and, more times than not, licking every square inch of his face. His laughter was clearly heartfelt, and Kyla seemed perfectly content to continue interacting with just Sam. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with him about his passion for math, physics, musican endless list. Sam will be greatly missed.

December 14, 2017

Years and years ago we met at a silly place called CTY, and Sam was my friend when I didn't know how to make any. Sam's impact never left me to this day. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Lisa and Marisa Bella

December 11, 2017

Dear Amy,
I have no words to express my sadness for you and your family. Sam was special.

With love and compassion,
Lisa Bella and Marisa Bella

June Gould

November 28, 2017

I am so sad about your terrible loss. May Sam's name be remembered in the knot of life. Love to his grandmother, Stephanie Kaplan Cohen and to Amy and the rest of her family.

Jean Rife

November 27, 2017

I am deeply saddened at this news. Sam participated in chamber ensembles at MIT that I coached, and I was always glad to see him and hear him sing. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

November 27, 2017

Sam was an intellectual light, shining brilliantly, to his friends, classmates and teachers.

Aaron Krasner

November 27, 2017

A donation to Johns Hopkins CTY has been made in Sam's honor.

Tatyana Gubin

November 26, 2017

We miss you so dearly, Sam. Your support, empathy, and friendship helped me through my tough first years at MIT. I wish we could go on so many more meditative hikes together, and spend so many more nights talking for hours on end. I remember so many treasured moments with you. You are loved. Rest in peace.

Eurah Ko

November 26, 2017

Hi,

I was friends with Sam through MIT, and he was a thoughtful, smart guy, and I know many people here will miss him dearly. I send my love and deepest condolences. Attached is a photo I took of him spinning, his performance was awesome to watch.

Gina Bauman Cavrell

November 25, 2017

I did not know Samuel but my Grandfather was Joe Bauman. My prayers and condolences go out to the entire family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Lola Britton

November 25, 2017

May the love and care of all who hold you in our hearts weave a tapestry of support to share this grief.

Florence Gross

November 25, 2017

Florence Gross sends warm and heartfelt wishes for comfort and solace in the arms of your family and extended WRT family. The years with Samuel will continue in memories of him and his accomplishments.

Angela Mako

November 24, 2017

Amy, My heart goes out to you and your family during this unbelievably difficult time. There are no words. I am so sorry.

Shoshana Bederman

November 24, 2017

Dear Amy, Will and Rachel, our hearts go out to you for your great loss. Our prayers for you to find strength and comfort.

Emily D

November 24, 2017

Although we weren't well acquainted, what I do know is that Sam was one of the sweetest and most polite people I've ever met. Really, a true gentleman. My deepest condolences to the family.

Mark Greenstein

November 24, 2017

Sam is still with me. His zeal for tutoring, his giving of that great brainpower, and his general niceness live on. May all remember Sam's goodness. We here at Ivy Bound do. We wish Amy solace and Rachel and Will the very best going forward. We hope they see the ongoing legacy of a "best Big brother" that we see today.

Denise & Jeffrey Koslowsky

November 24, 2017

Amy, Rachel, and Will - words seem inadequate to express the sorrow you must feel. We are shocked and saddened to hear about Sam's death. We will always remember his brilliance and the thoughts he shared on a rabbinic level in Sharing Shabbat.

Rose F.

November 24, 2017

Words cannot express your pain of losing Sam. My prayers are with the family. May you look to the promise of
God when words cannot describe your joy of seeing Sam again. Job 33:30

Gaia Tommasi

November 24, 2017

Oh Amy, this tragedy is unfathomable! Through tears I reach out to you, Will and Rachel with my deepest, heartfelt condolences. Your worthy Telemachus is on a new journey now and David's sceptre is in the hands of all three of you. The love, unity and strength of all the members of your family will remain, always. Godspeed, Sam.

Andrea Weiss

November 23, 2017

Gone far too soon. My deepest condolences to the family. May Sam's memory be a blessing.

Jun Nakabayashi

November 23, 2017

"He was one of the most serious students we've had. He also studied conducting with me one on one, and I enjoyed his intellectual thoughts and enthusiasm toward music.

November 23, 2017

I was so saddened to hear about Sam's passing. In speaking for the whole Festival Orchestra that Sam was a member of for 2 years, we share in the pain of your loss and will miss him deeply.
Mark Kushnir and Jun Nakabayashi

Susan Webb-Dreyfus

November 23, 2017

To the Bauman family. Sam was always sweet and generous of spirit. Loved his voice in the glee club as well as his arrangements. My heart goes out to you.

November 23, 2017

To the Bauman Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

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