Bernard J. Shifrin has taught instrumental music and directed bands and orchestras in the Binghamton schools for over forty years. The high school bands and orchestras under his direction have been acclaimed as some of the finest in New York State, for many years receiving the highest ratings in state competition. He has retired as music coordinator for the Binghamton City School District.

Mr. Shifrin received his BS and MS degrees in Music Education at Ithaca College. He also studied at Syracuse University, Triple Cities College, SUNY-Cortland, University of Scranton and the University of Delaware. Mr. Shifrin is a brass specialist and in addition to his work in Binghamton Schools, he has taught part-time at SUNY-Binghamton as a member of its music department faculty. Mr. Shifrin was an original member of the Triple Cities Symphony and he is the current director of the Binghamton Philharmonic Band. He is an interstate guest conductor and adjudicator, a life member of Kappa Gamma Psi National Music Fraternity, and has been elected to an honorary life membership by Local 380, American Federation of Musicians.