CENTER, Mo. â The efforts of Mark Twain High Schoolâs Doug Shaffer to reverse the fortunes of the schoolâs music program have received national recognition.
Schaffer, the second-year director of bands at the school, was named last month as one of 40 young band directors under the age of 40 cited as the best at what they do across the nation in the inaugural Yamaha 40-Under-40 Awards.
Schaffer was nominated by band parents for his rapid job of revitalizing the Mark Twain music program.
âBefore I even get started to address this, I want to point out a lot of it this goes to the kids,â Schaffer said. âAny director worth his or her salt will say the kids are doing the work for them.â