Whether displaying his flair as a conductor or instrumentalist (organ, piano, guitar and trombone) or orchestrating a financial plan to guide a board of directors, his gifts, backed up with training and experience, offer as much to music organizations as they do to the corporate world where his services as a finance consultant are also in demand.
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An active church musician since 1970, Stephen's leadership has been enjoyed by many churches of differing denominations, from Baptist to Episcopalian. He has formerly served as Director of Music for St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Within the academic community, he has provided musical leadership for Denver's Metropolitan State College and the University of Denver. His emphasis in church choral music is always quality across a wide variety of styles and always within a context of joyous expression.
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His experience has included directorship of the music program (1992-99) at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado where he administered the entire music program for the church including conducting the adult choir at two services weekly, supervising three children's choirs, one bell choir, directing a wind ensemble, swing band, and preparing and conducting semi-annual major works with orchestra as well as expanded musical forces on Christmas Eve and Easter. There the music program grew from one adult choir consisting of about 15 people, to over eight ensembles with volunteer leadership. Total participation in the music program reached over 150. The adult choir grew to over 40 participants on a weekly basis and the semi-annual major works attracted an additional 200-300 potential parishioners per service.
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He also developed and maintained a comprehensive database of repertoire and schedules specific to the 3-year common lectionary, authored a monthly newsletter for the music department, coordinated all volunteers and rehearsal schedules, performed or coordinated all maintenance of instruments and sound system equipment.
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The church also hosted a variety of concerts each year providing a stimulating and specific invitation to the community for involvement with the church. Performers included: The Chamber Orchestra of the West (formerly the Denver Chamber Orchestra), Patrick Maraz (keyboardist for Moody Blues), Singers Master Chorale, Bell Choirs from other Methodist churches across the country, the Isle of Mull Bagpipe band, and the Denver Brass. The church also presented an annual melodrama and secular musical performance.
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In a similar position (1987-89) at Washington Park United Methodist Church in Denver, he administered the entire music program for the church, including conducting the adult choir and hand bell choirs. Initiated a 12 event concert series, which included 2 performances per year with orchestra.
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Since 1985, Stephen has been the Associate Conductor of The Robert Penn Chorale, a professional chorus whose purpose is to record quality choral works with an emphasis on smaller works with orchestra by major composers. The group has produced one recording, The Time, The Day, The Season. He also oversees all business, manufacturing, and promotional activities of the organization.
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As Asst Conductor (1983) of the University of Denver's Symphonic Choir, he handled traditional administrative duties in addition to preparing the 90 voice chorus for a presentation of Mendelssohn's Elijah.
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Other director positions included Christ the Savior Lutheran Church, Aurora, Colorado, Church of the Master American Baptist, Denver, Colorado, Metropolitan State College, Denver, Colorado, and a stint as public school band director at Lathrop Junior High School, Santa Ana, California.
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In the popular genre, played organ, piano, guitar and/or trombone with various small ensembles. In addition to concert, club, and studio work in America, he also performed in Hong Kong, India, Africa, and Japan.
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