Dr. Ronald E. Schafer, Conductor

As conductor of the Harrisburg Youth Symphony Orchestra since 1968, Ronald E. Schafer has developed an orchestra that attracts the finest student musicians from the greater central Pennsylvania are. In addition to its regular season, the orchestra performs frequently at American and International Music Festivals. In past years, the orchestra has frequently performed with student and professional soloists, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, The Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and exchange concerts with other Pennsylvania Youth Symphonies.

In 1987, the Harrisburg Symphony Association honored Schafer with its prestigious "Golden Baton Award" for his years of service and excellence in working with the students of the Youth Symphony. In May 1999, the Pennsylvania Teachers Association presented Dr. Schafer with its "Distinguished Teaching Service Award" for 1998.

Schafer is a frequent guest conductor and adjudicator for orchestra festivals in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. He was especially honored to be invited to serve as guest conductor of the Pennsylvania All-State Orchestra and the Guatemala National Symphony in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Schafer received his undergraduate music degree from West Chester University, and a Masters and Doctoral degree in Music Education from the Pennsylvania State University. He is an active member of the Music Educators Association, the American Symphony Orchestra League, the American Federation of Musicians and the National School Orchestra Association.