Although interested in music and singing from an early age, Stephen began his formal music education in fourth grade, beginning with the piano and then cello before finally joining the school choir in sixth grade. By 11th grade, he had to choose between singing or playing in the orchestra, as he could no longer fit both into his school schedule. Stephen chose choir.

At Calvin College, Stephen packed 11 semesters’ worth of choral music into a standard 8-semester college career, singing with Campus Choir, Men’s Chorale, and Capella under the direction of Sean Ivory, Keith Brautigam, and Joel Navarro, respectively. In 2009-2010 he served as editor in chief of Chimes, Calvin’s student newspaper, before graduating in 2010 with a B.A. in History. He joined the Calvin Alumni Choir that fall.

Stephen lives with his wife, Helen, in Grand Rapids, where he works as a writer, editor, and traveling gourmet pasta salesman. They enjoy biking, tennis, video games, and arguing over how the furniture in the living room should be arranged.

Stephen’s pitch pipe playing has drawn rave reviews for its accuracy and even, consistent tone.