Our Rich History: The Schaffer Family and the Music Program at Villa Madonna College/Thomas More

By Dr. Raymond Hebert
Thomas More University

Part 60 of our series “Retrospect and Vista II: Thomas More College/University, 1971-2021”

The early years of Villa Madonna College featured individual music classes offered by Sr. Marcella, George Higdon, and others. However, it was Robert “Bob” Schaffer (1921–2014) who was the heart and soul of the music program at Villa Madonna College/Thomas More College for over four decades, always of course with his wife Rita and their children in later years spearheading new academic initiatives. A Kentucky Post article captured the context of the influence of Bob Schaffer and his wife Rita on the VMC/TMC campus. The journalist shared how seeing Bob place his hands on the keyboard resulted in his face “seeming to glow with creativity.” She added how:

“The organ becomes his canvas, the keys, pedals, and stops are the brush with which he strokes the colors of musical artistry. The 4,000 towering and tiny pipes at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington fill the air with the majesty of unbridled joy. This is how he worships. This is an expression of God through man . . . matching his belief that the organ grew from religion” (Donna Herald, “Passion for Pipes and Pedals,” Kentucky Post, April 10, 1996, p. 1kk).

That love of music, pervasive throughout the family, became an inspiration that would always be remembered at Villa Madonna College/Thomas More College and at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, where Bob also served as organist, choir director, composer, teacher, and concert organizer for six decades.

In an article in the diocesan Messenger in 1999 around his 50th anniversary, Tim Fitzgerald, the acting editor at the time, opened a profile of Schaffer by saying: “The Covington Cathedral is a gem — a treasure — and so is Bob Schaffer. For 50+ years (except for a brief period), through four bishops, and many changes, he has been a constant presence — a leader, an artist, a family man, and a faithful servant of the Lord serving the people of the diocese (and seven cathedral rectors) from the choice loft in the cathedral” (Tim Fitzgerald, “Portrait of a Faithful Servant, Devoted Artist, Father,” Messenger, October 22, 1999, p,1).

Bob Schaffer’s credentials began with a bachelor’s degree from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (now The College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati). His undergraduate studies were interrupted by several years serving as a trombonist, arranger, and organist in the US Army 82nd Army Forces Ground Band, with service first at Ft. Knox, followed by service at an Army psychiatric hospital outside Coventry, England; this would have been the earliest days of Music Therapy. From there the band—“The Statesmen”—received orders to London to take the place of the Glenn Miller Band, when Miller’s band was moved to Paris, France after the Liberation. The Army years were followed by his completion of the Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance at the Cincinnati Conservatory, then a masters from New York University in Musicology, where he studied with world-renowned musicologists Gustave Reese and Curt Sachs. Appropriately, in 1993, an honorary doctorate (honoris causa) was awarded from Thomas More College in recognition of Bob’s many years of service.

The breadth of Bob’s experiences were not only regional — they were national in scope. In addition to his regular duties as Music Director and Organist for the cathedral of Covington, for example, he taught Gregorian Chant at Covington Latin and the Seminary of St. Pius X, and served as organist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati May Festival, and the Cincinnati Summer Opera on many occasions. He worked as a performer, on both organ and trombone, for such prominent conductors as Leonard Bernstein, James Levine, Julius Rudel, Max Rudolf, Robert Shaw, Erich Kunzel and others. In addition to his wide performing experience in classical music, Schaffer’s versatility found him working professionally in “pit” orchestras for such shows as the Ice Capades, Holiday on Ice, Follies, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Disneyland on Parade, Glen Campbell, the Glenn Miller Band, and Victor Borge. On many occasions, he took the Cathedral Basilica Choir to Europe where they performed at the Vatican, Notre Dame Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and in Vienna (Robert J. Schaffer, “Resume of Music Program Director–1990’s,” TMU Archives).

Bob Schaffer also composed and published liturgical music. His many masses included For American Martyrs, Chorale, and American Wedding Program, all published by the highly respected World Library of Scared Music.

Through it all, Bob’s talented wife Rita was by his side, equally as committed to music from her piano lessons at age five to playing the organ at the Presbyterian Church in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky and later at Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati in her teenage years. During high school, Rita studied organ at Christ Church Episcopal in Cincinnati with Parvin Titus, who was also organist for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and May Festival. After completing her Bachelors in Organ Performance at the Cincinnati Conservatory, Rita earned the Masters of Sacred Music at Union Theological Seminary in New York City (now Yale Divinity School at Yale University).

In time, she became the choir director for the adult, child, and hand bell choirs at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Hyde Park, a position she held for more than two decades. Meanwhile, the degree of respect they both commanded could be seen in their respective elections to the position of Dean of the Cincinnati Chapter of the highly respected American Guild of Organists: Bob for several years in the 1960s and Rita in the 1970s. The degree of their closeness can be seen in a tender letter from Fr. Charles Rooks, the Academic Dean at Thomas More College after the move to the new campus in 1968, who in re-establishing a choir on campus said to Schaffer: “Although I have made you contractually responsible for the Chorus, you and your wife should feel free to assume joint responsibility. It is merely for the convenience of the college that I have included this in your contract” (Letter from Rev. Charles Rooks, Academic Dean to Robert Schaffer, August 14, 1969, TMU Archives).

During his years on the faculty, Bob Schaffer consistently taught courses ranging from Music Appreciation in the early years to Survey of Music Literature, Musical styles Through the Ages, and Contemporary Music. Sometimes he taught one class a semester and sometimes it was two, dependent upon his many other engagements, but always with his ever-present smile and passion for his music and his teaching. For a few years in the 1990’s, when the Elderhostel Program for seniors was brought to campus during the summers by the administration, Drs. Hebert and Myers could always count on Bob to take over one of the most popular classes, called: “Turn-of-the-Century Musical America” (Dr. Dale Myers contract letter, May 10, 1990, TMU Archives). He also taught in an Elderhostel Program for several years, with a German Octoberfest theme, at St. Anne Convent in Melbourne, Kentucky. Not surprisingly, Bob’s love of music was generally appreciated by his many students of all ages who spoke of his passion, his “clear presentations, good attitude toward students and fairness” (Sample student evaluation summary, Spring 1983, TMU Archives).

Equally as important in the late 1980s was the emergence of the next talented member of the Schaffer family, son Mark, who followed in his father’s footsteps. After earning the Bachelor of Arts in History at TMC, Mark was accepted to the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, where he earned his Masters in Organ Performance, and his PhD in Musicology. Along the way, he was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Award to study organ in Germany with Heinz Wunderlich, in a pedagogical line going to Johann Sebastian Bach. After degree work, Mark performed regularly in Germany and Sweden. Back in Northern Kentucky, he also became an adjunct at Thomas More College, as well as the College of Mount Saint Joseph and the Athenaeum of Ohio. He was the Director of Music and Organist at a number of churches in Greater Cincinnati while helping his father at the Cathedral Basilica in Covington.

It was while working with the Thomas More Choir and the Committee of the Diocesan Worship Commission (late 1980s) that an idea emerged first about a possible Associate Degree in Music at Thomas More College and eventually, possibly, “an ongoing liturgical music training program,” since none existed any closer than the University of Dayton at the time (Memo from Mark Schaffer to Thomas More College Administration, August 10, 1990, TMU Archives). Since conversations had taken place for several years with Dr. Ray Hebert, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the time, about needs, curriculum, possible costs, and such, it was not surprising that a proposal, inspired by Mark Schaffer, was submitted to the College’s Fine Arts Committee comprised of Darrell Brothers (Art), Ronald Mielech (Theatre), and Bob Schaffer. Soon after, it was submitted to the General Assembly of the Faculty on March 30, 1990 (TMU Archives) and approved later that semester.

The curriculum for the Associate Degree included fundamentals classes (MUS 241-242), Music and Performance classes combining theory and applied music (MUS 243-244), History of Music (MUS 245), applied music lessons, and Chorus, as well as electives offered by Bob Schaffer such as American Music, Survey of Music Literature, and Contemporary Music. The possibility of additional offerings — such as Advanced Music, Advanced Music Performance, Conducting/Voice classes and Liturgical Aids in Music — was left open pending enrollment numbers.

Mark Schaffer was the projected Director of the program, and Jodie Patterson (later Ferner) was designated as the Associate Director. Her primary responsibility was recruiting students. At a key juncture, in the following year, President Charles Bensman was able to obtain a gift from the Philip Morris Company (Gregory Scott) for $25,000 “to help expand the school’s music program . . . and to elevate the offerings to a department status by developing a comprehensive curriculum leading to bachelor’s degrees eventually in music education, keyboard, liturgical and commercial music. The funds would also assist the college in acquiring additional qualified personnel, equipment and library acquisitions” (Thomas More College Press Release, “Thomas More College to Receive $25,000 from ‘Philip Morris,” June 20, 1991, TMU Archives).

Meanwhile, while off to an excellent start with many inquiries and widespread interest particularly from area Catholic parishes, a major shock slowed things down with the health setbacks faced by Program Director Mark Schaffer in 1991–1992. Sadly, Mark Schaffer passed away in the spring of 1993, which impacted the program dramatically because the concept was so inextricably linked to Mark in all its facets. In a memo to President Fr. Bill Cleves and CFO John Nicholas, Dr. Ray Hebert as Dean of the College, said, on July 15, 1993, “I believe we have no choice but to put our Music Associate Degree program on hold for the 1993–1994 academic year so we can discuss the related issues during the fall and make a decision accordingly for the future. In the meantime, Bob Schaffer, Bill Guilfoyle (“Viewing the Performing Arts”) and Mary Scaggs (School Music) will teach the required courses for the core curriculum and the Education Department requirement. There will be no Chorus for 1993–1994.” Sadly, the conclusion was reached later that year that there was no immediate replacement available for Mark Schaffer and his wealth of talents/interests/contacts.

After Mark’s death, the dream of a music department and a major fell to the wayside. Thankfully, Bob’s children, Greg and Rebecca (Becky), offered their talents to the college and the region. Greg eventually replaced his father as Organist/Director for the Bishop’s Choir at the Cathedral Basilica in Covington and was awarded the Honorary Doctorate in Music Performance from Thomas More on May 13, 2017. Rebecca Schaffer Wells has remained active in the diocese with the Bishop’s Choir and also with Thomas More for nearly 20 years. Rebecca has continued to work in education at all levels and returned to professional church music in 2014; she currently serves as Director of Music Ministry at St. Joseph Parish in Camp Springs.

As Director of Choirs, Recruiter, and creator (in the spring of 2010) of the first instrumental offering at VMC/TMC ever, Rebecca reflected on a transition period when it was important to her that a family tradition be resurrected. In a Moreover interview, harkening back to her parents’ concerts in the 1970s to her recent work, she forecast that, in 2015, “this is a truly blessed time for TMC to step out in our region and the world, to offer to our students the most excellent opportunities in Performing arts” (Moreover Interview: Rebecca Schaffer Wells ‘83”, Fall 2015, p. 19).

The university added a Football Marching Band under President Armstrong. Currently, Dr. Daniel Parsley serves as Music Program Director. Because of Professor Parsley’s interactions with the Schaffer family over his years, he still remains part of the Schaffer family dream, which is not surprising since for over five decades their imprint was visible.

The  Thomas More  University Music program currently offers a minor in music, transferred from the associate degree. The Music program’s  repertoire is intentionally eclectic, covering a wide range of musical idioms in a variety of languages spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary music, as well as music traditions of diverse cultures and popular music. It presents at least four concerts annually and supports various artistic events throughout the Thomas More community and Northern Kentucky/Southern Ohio region. Most recently, the program collaborated with eight music organizations in the region and acquired a $50,000 grant to present Healing and Understanding: We Are One. This collaboration will utilize music and artistic expression as a method to explore race and justice in America. The festival invites open conversation and exploration of these issues through artistic expression, conversation and significant community partnerships. It will take place over five days from October 22–26, 2022.

Ensembles such as the Thomas More Chamber Choir present a regular regional tour each spring, touring most recently to Nashville in 2020. The Music program also leads annual study abroad programs. Most recently, students traveled to Austria, Germany, and the United Kingdom for academic study abroad. In 2023, students will be able to travel and study in Salzburg, Austria for five weeks as a part of the Kentucky Institute of International Studies with Dr. Parsley.

As a part of the rich liberal arts programs at Thomas More, the music program seeks to give all students an opportunity to make music, regardless of major or previous  experience. It ensures an understanding of music as both an art and a science. As such, the program provides students with an  awareness of major composers and important musical forms/stylistic traits and a familiarity with the most significant musical works representative of those periods, alongside top-notch musical training.

For over five decades, the Schaffer name and family connection to the Thomas More Music Program were synonymous. Prophetically, it was Rita Schaffer, the family matriarch who had said, in reflecting on Bob’s successes, that “he was always inspired by his creative drive. He has a strong spiritual fiber. I believe that Divine Providence has opened paths for him in his life and he has responded” (Messenger article, October 22, 1999, p. 1). Clearly, what has been most providential for Thomas More College/University and its music programs over the years has been the presence and dedication of the Schaffer family.

See also:

Stephen Enzweiler, “Our Rich History: Historic Matthias Schwab Organ Rescued from Wrecking Ball One Really Hot Summer”, part 1, NKyTribune, August 14, 2017.

Stephen Enzweiler, “Our Rich History: Re-dedication Concert for the Historic Schwab Pipe Organ Inspired Concert Series,”part 2, NKyTribune, August 21, 2017.

Dr. Raymond G.  Hebert  is a Professor of History and Executive Director of the William T. Robinson III Institute for Religious Liberty at Thomas More University. He has just completed his 46th year at Thomas More and, with that background, will now serve as the General Editor of the official history of Thomas More College/University from 1971-2021. With a projected title of RETROSPECT AND VISTA II, it will serve as the sequel to Sr. Irmina Saelinger’s RETROSPECT AND VISTA, the history of the first 50 years of Thomas More College (formerly Villa Madonna College). He can be contacted at [email protected].

We want to learn more about the history of your business, church, school, or organization in our region (Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and along the Ohio River). If you would like to share your rich history with others, please contact the editor of “Our Rich History,” Paul A. Tenkotte, at [email protected]. Paul A. Tenkotte, PhD is Professor of History and Gender Studies at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) and the author of many books and articles.