Shawn Pfanstiel is the director of instrumental music at Northwest High School in Grand Island, Nebraska. Pfanstiel holds a B.A.Ed. in Music University of Nebraska—Kearney, and a M.M. in Music Education from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. In his time at Northwest, bands have consistently earned superior ratings, performing quality repertoire. In 2017, orchestra was added to the school day at Northwest, as well as several additions to the band program. When Pfanstiel is not standing on a podium he enjoys cooking, especially grilling, and yard work. He is head organist and director of church music at Grace Lutheran Church. Pfanstiel is a 2015 recipient of the Jack R. Snider Outstanding Young Band Director Award, and a 2018 recipient of the Duane E. Johnson Distinguished Service Award. Most importantly, he is married to Katie, and they have two beautiful daughters, Emma and Hannah.