Maestro Bruce Lauffer is entering his fifth season as Music Director and Conductor of the McKeesport Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his responsibilities with the MSO, Maestro Lauffer is the conductor of the Latshaw Pops Orchestra in Latshaw Productions’ As Time Goes By, Puttin’ On The Ritz, American Journey, Steppin' Out on Broadway, and The Christmas Spectacular. Lauffer has conducted for Latshaw Productions for the past four years and has toured throughout the Eastern United States with these outstanding shows. This past year, he was invited to be the conductor for Jimmy Beaumont and The Skyliners.
Maestro Lauffer earned his Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from West Virginia University where he studied conducting with Don Wilcox, Donald Portnoy, and Jerry Goldsmith. He received his Master of Music Degree in 1987 from Baylor University. While at Baylor University, Mr. Lauffer studied conducting with Michael Haithcock and Gary Sousa and composition with Richard Willis. In the spring of 1993, Mr. Lauffer began doctoral studies at Penn State University. Private study in conducting has been with the internationally renowned master teacher Elizabeth A. H. Green; Maestro Louis Lane (former Assistant Conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra and former Music Director of the Dallas Symphony), and Maestro Larry Rachleff (Music Director of The Rhode Island Philharmonic).

In May of 2007, Mr. Lauffer was one of ten conductors in the country invited to serve as a conducting intern with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and Maestro Jorge Mester. Additional studies in conducting have been with Frederick Fennell, H. Robert Reynolds, Carl Topilow, Craig Kirchoff, Eugene Corporan, Alan McMurray, and William Wakefield. In the fall of 2002, Maestro Lauffer was appointed the Music Director and Conductor of The Royal Sylvan Philharmonic. The orchestra has performed at the world class Nemacolin Woodlands Spa and Resort, as well as throughout the Pittsburgh area. In 2004, the Philharmonic was commissioned to record a compact disc with composer/pianist, Jace Vek, (reached #5 in the world on New Age/Neoclassical Music in March 2005). The Royal Sylvan Philharmonic and Maestro Lauffer were featured in a concert of the music of jazz legend, Delsey McKay and, in 2004, Irish singer & television personality, Cahal Dunne performed with the Royal Sylvan Philharmonic in a series of concerts -- all were rewarded with standing ovations!

Maestro Lauffer was the Director of Music and Dean of Arts for the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School and the Music Director and Conductor of the Beaver Valley Philharmonic from 2006-2009. In December 2006 and 2007, the BVP's holiday concert was broadcast live on KDKA radio to over 33 states in the US and also in Canada. He has served as Music Director of The Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra (fourteen seasons), the Mon Valley Youth Orchestra, and the North Pittsburgh Civic Symphony. He has been a popular Guest Conductor with The Edgewood Symphony Orchestra and the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra. Mr. Lauffer has served on the faculties of Indiana State University and Washington and Jefferson College. Mr. Lauffer was a member of the faculty at Jeannette School District for thirteen years and has also served as the Chairman of the Music Department and Director of Bands for the East Allegheny School District. During his tenure, these ensembles received state and national recognition for their excellence.

Maintaining a very active conducting schedule, both professionally and educationally, Maestro Lauffer is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the country. He is a frequent guest on university and college campuses, conducting and lecturing. Maestro Lauffer has won praise from such composers as David Stock, Karel Husa, Warren Benson, Michael Moricz, Todd Goodman, Neil DePonte, Richard Willis, Ruth Meyer Sacks, Jace Vek, Christopher Fraley and David Williams for his interpretative performances of their compositions. Mr. Lauffer is very active in commissioning new compositions for orchestra and winds. To date, he has conducted the world premier of 23 compositions, which he commissioned for orchestra and band.

Mr. Lauffer is a Master Mason in the Grand Lodge of F.& A. M. of Pennsylvania, Jeannette Lodge No. 750. Mr. Lauffer resides in Beaver County, Pennsylvania with his wife, Sharon, and children Benjamin, Brittany, Gregory and Robert.