Prior Conductors

Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Dr. Candler Schaffer holds degrees in music and music education from the University of Miami and the University of Maryland, and a Master of Fine Arts and Doctorate of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Iowa. Dr. Schaffer has conducted the orchestras and taught conducting at Texas Christian University, Oregon State University, Texas Women’s University and Midwestern State University. In Florida, Schaffer founded and served as the first Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Camerata Winds of Melbourne, and additionally served as Associate Conductor of both the Melbourne Municipal Band and the Melbourne Community Orchestra. An enthusiastic advocate of contemporary music, Schaffer co-founded and directed the Wichita Falls Symphony/Midwestern State University new music series, Century Concerts.

A dedicated arts educator and advocate, Dr. Schaffer has extensive experience as a lecturer, guest conductor and adjudicator, and has served as a guest clinician and conductor for numerous youth orchestras and bands throughout Maryland, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Florida. He has taught secondary instrumental music in both Prince George’s County, Maryland, and Brevard County, Florida, and has served on or worked for arts organizations throughout the nation.

Dr. Shaffer has served as Music Director of the Space Coast Pops Orchestra and conducted the Baltimore Symphony, the Strauss Symphony of America, the American Institute of Musical Studies Festival Orchestra In Austria and the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra. 2011-12 marks his 16th season as Music Director of the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra. He lives in Florida and is the Principal Horn for the Space Coast Pops Orchestra, frequently performing with Opera Tampa and The Clarion Brass.