02_OUR FOUNDER

William A. Schaffer, Percussion Soloist, clinician and teacher has playing experience in both The United States and Europe. He served in percussion sections in Symphony Orchestras throughout the States and in Germany.

Upon returning to the States, he immediately began to study studio drum set techniques with staff drummer at Decca Records. Bill also free-lanced as a percussionist in New York City, then to Chicago playing TV and studio sets. He was a percussionist for Flint’s Summer Theatre, Star Theatre and Christmas at The Whiting.

Bill opened his own studies in 1959 and began to teach Junior and Senior Drum Corps throughout the area. Throughout the years he has backed up many “big name” stars in musical comedy and stage shows including such artists as Bob Hope, Andy Williams, Mickey Rooney, Carole Channing, Rich Little, Susan Anton, Joan Rivers, Connie Stevens, Jerry Lewis and many others too numerous to mention.

Unfortunately, Mr. Schaffer passed away on September 24, 1999. His son Bob continues the tradition and operates Bill Schaffer’s Drum Shop in Flushing, Michigan. Bob still offers the great service and selection that his father set the standard for.