Bedford’s first female head director leaves behind a legacy of compassion and courage
Ms. Jennifer Shauf began her music journey in the fourth grade. Decades later, she would become Bedford’s first female head band director and a pillar of strength for hundreds of students.
Her path wasn’t without detours. She briefly majored in English before rediscovering her passion for music and committing fully. As a teacher, she brought structure, care, and equity into every rehearsal. Her mantra—“It takes a village to raise a child”—was more than words. It was how she lived and led.
From marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to mentoring future educators like Rae Jones, Shauf broke barriers quietly, focusing not on accolades but on student growth. Her retirement marks the end of an era—but also the beginning of a new one, carefully passed on to the next generation.
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