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A Tribute to Allan D. Stephens by the Band Members of Model High School, Richmond, KY
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As a Founding "Funster," I must say that my Model band experience gave me excellent preparation for group and musical experiences in college and beyond. Our trip to Sandusky opened my awareness of Catawba winery (grape juice only, of course) and I still have a driftwood box I picked up on the shore of the lake there. Even though I turned to choral music in college and beyond, I have a deep appreciation for well-performed instrumental blending for harmony and the excellence required for a group to start and end together. The opportunity for creativity and humor allowed in the band setting gave students the chance to express individuality; for some, I'm sure this was probably their only outlet for them to do so, and it led them in a different direction than might have been otherwise. I am appreciative of the opportunities I had to be a part of Allan Stephens' first Model band and to have been a Funster! I still have my John Phillip Sousa award, and am proud to have received this honor. Best wishes to you and your family for a long and enjoyable retirement - thanks for giving of yourself all these years!
George Nelson Ridings Hmmm, where do I start? Well, I guess anyone that knows me (Mary Lou, Jimmy, Shay, ETC.) knows that probably Me above all considers Allan my 2nd Father. My Dad died 7 years ago, and although he is gone and missed greatly I am soooo glad Allan is here to still guide me(yes, he still gives advice even though I am 37.) I can go on and on about all the crazy things I did way back then to Allan, let me just say I think I still have a bruise on my shin from Allan's shoe (just kidding.) I guess the bottom line is that I have 2 Dad's and 2 Mom's and a damn cool red-head sister!!!!! I will speak more at the retirement party (choking back tears!!!!)
Joe Ballew Congratulations Mr. Stephens on your retirement! You made my years at Model very special. Your endless encouragement, your incredible patience, and your fantastic sense of humor always made me feel like I could succeed at anything I tried. I always felt like there was no challenge (or sixteenth note) too mighty to overcome as long as I had your vote of confidence. You even made a self-possessed teenage girl like me feel glamourous and important in a blue wool band uniform and tricorn hat! Now that is an accomplishment!! Because of you I learned about the subtle genius locked within the lyrics of Don McLean's "American Pie." (After all, I am way too young to have been around when it was popular radio fare...hee, hee.) My tricorn hat is off to you Mr. Stephens!!
Sarah Warner Looking back, I can't believe how insane I was: the right time to start learning the oboe would have been fifth grade, not eleventh. I remain amazed that Mr. Stephens humored me (to the extent that I even performed respectably in competition) -- and he deserves sainthood just for putting up with all my dreadful, incessant wibblings over boys.
Peggy Lin Why is it that the only solid memories that I have of high school are those involving the band, Mr. Stephens, and band members? Why is it that, 20 years later, I have crystal-clear recollections of things that took place in band class, yet I cannot remember what I had for lunch yesterday? Why are the only friends that I have, out of high school, band members? Other than the most obvious of answers (I can hear Shay saying "because you're weird, Jim"), it would have to be because of the amicable atmosphere and camaraderie formed by the gathering of these particular individuals into a solid, unified group of associates -- all held together by the leadership and guidance of Mr. Stephens.
Out of all the multitude of memories imparted by Mr. Stephens, this is the one that probably stands out the most: He would start telling us a joke -- "A priest, a chiropractor, and a shoe salesman walk into a bar. The priest orders a martini, and ... oh wait ... I can't tell you that joke now ... you're not old enough for it ... I'll tell you after you graduate." He would do this ALL the time, start setting up a joke, oftentimes somewhat elaborately, and then pull back once he realized that the punchline might not be suitable for the current audience. About 10 years after I graduated, I brought this up -- "Hey, you know all those jokes you said you were going to tell us, and you couldn't until we graduated because we weren't old enough ... what were some of them?" And Mr. Stephens sheepishly replied, "Uhm, well, uhh ... I can't remember what those were now!"
Jimmy Kwak When I was at Model, the band room was the only classroom we'd spend time in voluntarily. That's how cool Mr. Stephens was. If he wasn't busy, he'd sit on the bench outside the band room with us, dispensing wisdom and advice and corny jokes. Or he'd give us free rein to hang out in the percussion section after school making ridiculous recordings, and sometimes he'd even pitch in.
Mr. Stephens also took us on amazing band trips, where he gave us what now seems like an insane amount of freedom. And for the most part, we lived up to the confidence he had in us. I know it wasn't easy for him to stay awake while driving us to Chicago or Monroe or Sandusky, and I appreciate very much all the M&M's and slaps to the face he gave himself to get us there safely. The trips gave me memories that will last forever. (For example, Mr. Stephens is indirectly responsible for my first kiss -- with Ms. Lori Gonzales of Monroe, Mich. Thanks, Big Al!)
It's funny -- I can't remember a thing my parents ever told me, yet Mr. Stephens' wise words still echo in my mind to this day: "Why aim to be mediocre?" "Lather up your pits." "Why is mah hand lahk a piece of pie?"
Quite a guy. I'm awfully glad I got a chance to play in his band.
Shay Quillen Mr. Stephens, we can't thank you enough for the experiences we shared and lessons you taught us as Model Band students. Your optimism and willingness to help others made a positive impact in the lives of many people. I hope it was as fun for you as it was for us! Best wishes for a retirement that is full of happiness, and thanks again for all of the wonderful memories!
Chris Staples Mr. Stephens was a great teacher who looked at teaching us to enjoy music and develop as a person as well. He was the type of person who trusted us to make good chioces and tried to guide us along the way. I got the chance to be the first female drum major under his lead and really appreciated his confidence in me. Band was a I look back on it fondly. Thank you Mr. Stephens!!
Meena Mohanty All that I can say is that we all were so very lucky to have such and incredible man choose to spend his days hanging out with a bunch of geeks teaching us a lot about life and, oh yeah, some music too.
The best advice I have ever gotten came from the gentle man out of the blue one afternoon. He told me that it was really important to make the best decisions in life that I could, to follow the road that I thought I needed to follow and if by chance it ends up being the wrong decision or the wrong road that there was always another road to choose and another choice to be made. It was that simple.
I hope that we have all made you proud, because we are who we are in part because of you.
Dawn (Bates) Small-Pierce Cheers to one heck of a great teacher, gentleman, scholar and counselor. For me, Mr. Stephens is one of those storybook teachers that parents talk to their children about-I know I will. "Don't be sorry, just don't do it!" might just be one of the greatest quotes ever and I will forever remember him for it as it was said to me on many upon many occasion. I will never forget the great times I had in his band class and feel extremely fortunate and privileged that he allowed a really bad tuba player like me to contribute to his music. Thanks Mr. Stephens.
Kurt Adams I enrolled in band eagerly my first year at Model, and it quickly became my favorite class. ("Band" at the tiny school I came from in Eastern Kentucky had consisted of 6 people, half of them clarinetists, meeting in the library once a month!)
How thankful I was to find a home among my fellow geeks, writers, intellectuals, wise-crackers, and most of all, music lovers. The environment created by Mr. Stephens in the bandroom and on "the bench" was needed and appreciated in ways that I'm sure I didn't, in my adolescent awkwardness, express. I echo the sentiments of other contributors to this journal that there is something especially memorable about the experiences I had in band vs. the rest of my high school time (and other large swaths of my life!)
Maybe part of it was the bond forged by music, or by travel with good friends, or by learning some pretty big life lessons along the way, but I suspect a lot of it was the gift Mr. Stephens had for connecting with us and creating an atmosphere where we could learn, be safe, have fun, and grow up (sort of!)
I have been a professional musician ever since I graduated from college (with a french horn scholarship-thanks for encouraging me to apply for that, Mr. Stephens!) and although I play folk and traditional music now, I still refer to so much of what I learned back at good old Model Lab: travel whenever you can, stop for snacks often along the way, jam as much as you can when you get there, experiment with other musicians, keep your sense of humor as you go, and renew your spirit when you get home by watching lots of classic flicks, including a hearty dose of cheesy old musicals. That's my life today in a nutshell! Thanks Mr. Stephens-you'll never know how much you influenced so many of us!
With Love, It's hard for me to come up with the appropriate words to pay tribute to Alan Stephens. He had a genius for looking at a student as miserable, depressed, and angry as I usually was during my years in high school -- and seeing what that student could become with a little investment of time, patience, and most of all ... love. From the day he first sat down next to me on the bench outside the band hall and took the time to talk to me, Alan Stephens has exerted a lasting influence on my life.
In both the 4 years I spent as a band director myself, and in the past 7 years I have spent in full-time Christian ministry, I have constantly found myself reflecting on lessons learned during my time in the Model Lab Band. In leading musical worship teams, I've often found myself encouraging other members of the team not to settle for merely mediocre in their playing -- and smiling to myself as I think about where I learned that philosophy. I owe much of my knowledge and appreciation of so many different types of music to Alan. Who that was a member of the band could forget how many selections from musicals we played in concert -- and then got to watch the movie afterwards?
Alan's teaching extended far beyond the music we played. I am certain that I am not the only former band member who can look back and see that the man or woman they've become was in large degree shaped by the life lessons we received from Alan.
I too remember with fondness the enormous sense of humor that we were treated to. One of my fondest memories of Alan is the night of my last band concert as a senior. We seniors had purchased a plaque of appreciation to give to Mr. Stephens -- but we'd also planned a surprise! As a tribute to all the "bad" jokes we'd been witness to, we'd come up with one of our own. As we presented the plaque, each of us was fingering a squirt-gun in our pocket which we planned to whip out and douse Mr. Stephens with. When the time came, the squirt-guns came out -- and Mr. Stephens managed to leap out of their path and stay dry! As Paul Sirek remarked later, "who knew he could move that fast?!"
Chad Elliot The band room was always open to create and to learn about Music and Life ... to have fun with a great teacher and a bunch of friends.
Mr. Stephens would indulge and encourage his students to do anything that interested them. Did you want to conduct? Compose? Conduct the band that was playing something you composed? Play a different instrument? March while playing a different instrument? Maybe you were interested in the game of Diplomacy or being an amateur Ham Radio operator? Mr. Stephens was always there to support you.
I am a better person for having had Mr. Stephens as a teacher - and I wish him all the best for a long and happy retirement.
Paul Sirek Some of my best memories from school (5th through 12th grade) are centered around band and the people that I met in that room. Mr. Stephens always allowed us to hang out in the band room and we went on some great trips as well. Mr. Stephens always had time to listen to my problems (no matter how trivial) and offer advice that still stands true today. Thanks Mr. Stephens and enjoy your retirement.
Tammy Clark Of all the teachers I have ever had, Mr. Stephens continues to stand apart from the rest in my mind even to this day because of his passion for educating the whole human being. Not only did he teach us to appreciate great music, he also extolled the virtues of hard work, responsibility, patience, and accountability. The word "can't" was never to be uttered in class. He challenged all of us to become better than we were - not just as musicians, but also as citizens.
Donna M. Pierce Congratulations on your retirement. Although the photo montage of me and that saxophone hanging in the living room at my parent's house will prevent me from ever being taken seriously, I'm left with fond memories of growing up with you. My memories are of an authentic man who had the patience of Job. Best wishes on the enjoyment of a job well done and to using your skills in a new project beyond retirement.
Oliver Brewer Thank you, Mr. Stephens. Thank you for your passion and dedication to music. Thank you for your instruction, wisdom, and knowledge. Thank you for staying awake whenever you were driving me somewhere. Thank you for letting me spend hours practicing in the back room. Thank you for Schwanda the Bagpiper. Thank you for not making us march any more than you did. Thank you for not making us play more marches. Or waltzes. Thank you for introducing me to Diplomacy. Thank you for programming Samson and Delilah so many times. Thank you for welcoming me into your home (and for un-countable free chicken dinners.) Thank you for teaching the importance of subdiving. Thank you for your love and understanding. Thank you. May the best years of your life be ahead of you.
Daniel Frostman I know sometimes you wonder if you've made a difference in the lives of your students. Some things you may not have considered, but should know about this particular student (in no particular order): I'm not afraid of large animals because YOU introduced me to Bevo because you had been in Marching Band in Texas. I always won "Name That Tune" because YOU always have a song for everything. I know how to be a good audience member. I accompanied the choirs at Model because YOU taught me to play piano. I know what antiphonal means. I made amazing friends, played incredible music, and am well-traveled because YOU made me go to Regional Band, Asbury Honors Band, Berea Community Band, EKU Symphonic Band, SHS, Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic, and Stephen Collins Foster Music Camp. Everyone I've ever dated has been in band. I have a bunch of musical brothers and sisters that definitely think of YOU as a father because you treat them like real people. I joined marching band at ONU (besides being a music major) because of YOUR stories of the Wildcat Band. ONU Marching Band led to Tau Beta Sigma which ultimately led to Scott.
My life has been enormously shaped by your love of music, guidance and encouragement. Just as many of your other students, your influence has not stopped with me - I do my best to pass on the lessons you've taught and your passion for music; the ripples continue. Just think: I'm only ONE student out of many years.
I'm so proud of the countless lives you have touched. I'm so honored to be able to say I'm related to you. You ARE the very model of a Modern Major General.
You should never question if you have made a difference.
I Love You.
Susan Stephens Zarzycki I came from Larry Looney's bands in public school, first chair in flute for three years in a row...I thought I was great until I walked into the band room for the first class my freshman year! We played much more difficult pieces than I'd ever played before, and I loved the challenge of it. Mr. Stephens always pushed me to perform better than I'd ever performed in my life...he nurtered my unbreakable spirit. Thanks so much, Mr. Stephens! Now you can stop throwing the baton!!!
Ashley M. Sexton Henry I REMEBER THAT I WAS I BAND FOR ONE WEEK..MAYBE THREE DAYS. MY EXCUSE WAS ALWAYS I DON'Y HAVE 2 HAND MR. STEPHENS WHAT CAN I POSSIBLY PLAY. HE SAID YOU SHOW UP AND YOU'LL HAVE SOMETHING TO PLAY. I THINK THAT IS WHAT HE DID FOR BUDDING MUSICIANS. HE MET YOU WHERE YOU WERE. ONE ARMED..NO RYTHYM..AND COMPLETLY MUSICALLY ILLITERATE. HE BELIEVED THAT IF YOU HAD ENOUGH HOT AIR HE COULD DEFFINATLY GET YOU TO BLOW IT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I LOVE YOU BUB...YOUR THE BEST.
Chastity Ross "THE BAND"
We were easily recognized through the misting cold by our battery-powered Christmas lights, Santa caps, fingerless gloves, and scarves of garland. Our fearless leader, Mr. Stephens, strode through the throngs of on-lookers at our side, never letting us pass up the optimum points in the parade route without a song. Our practice marches in the parking lot were not forgotten, nor was the feeling that what ever happened, how ever well we played, how ever crooked our formation, or our "uniforms," Mr. Stephens was there for us.
He taught us to play from step 0, and he never let us give up. But what I most appreciated about Mr. Stephens was the fact that the band room door was an open one. Mr. Stephens had, or at least seemed to have confidence in us when we had none in ourselves. We could be who we were, and we played music. Mr. Stephens taught us how to do both those things better. Thanks Mr. Stephens! Congratulations!
Quinten McCord Ahh, Mr. Stephens. What can be said about the most encouraging teacher I have ever known. When I was one of his students, he was a very encouraging person. He never let you get down on yourself and never took, "I can't do it" for an answer. He would encourage and encourage until you wanted to hurl your instrument at him (clarinet in my case). I still have the broken conducting baton that he gave me after he was so frustrated with the class, that he broke it!
Looking back, Mr. Stephens was one of the most valued teachers that I have had growing up. He taught me that hard work will definately pay off in the long run. I look back on those years with fond memories. Gook luck with retirement and enjoy!!
Michelle Holbrook Chesnut Mr. Stephens,
First of all, congratulations on a job well done and having such a positive impact on so many people. It's hard to imagine a Model Lab with out you; there are so many great memories from the band room from 5th to 11th grade. Band was easily my favorite class and really the only class from Model that I think back on. There are so many thanks to give you, namely teaching me to love and respect music and how to play my instrument, but not only from a musical aspect but from a personal aspect as well. You were always available to talk to about anything and always willing to give helpful advice in any situation. Also, I must say you had an influence on my taste in movies as well! I would have never been introduced to "The Vikings," "Forbidden Planet," "The Man of La Mancha," and numerous others, although I have yet to grasp full appreciation for Danny Kaye!
Have a wonderful retirement and thank you again!
Andy Johnstone Dear Mr. Stephens,
I would just like to simply say THANK YOU. There are so many lessons on life that came from your classroom. Not a day goes by that a song we played or a movie we watched comes up. I can not thank you enough for the love of music that you have taught me, the future students will truely be at a loss with out.
I'll never forget marching in the rain with battery operated Christmas lights. Truely a VERY unique experience.
THANK YOU!!!!
Spencer Jackson It may be difficult to believe that Mr. Stephens altered my life for the better considering I never completely learned every single scale perfectly. The truth is that what I learned from my seven years in his august presence changed my way of looking at and listening to the world. I was introduced to a world of culture (both the highest and the lowest) that is so often neglected by our educational system. Mr. Stephens made me understand that the only way to take on this big, scary world was with passion, curiousity, and a sense of humor. His influence has reached far beyond a good baton throw. I have dedicated my own life to the performing arts. For that I think Mr. Stephens deserves much of the blame...and of course gratitude. I so wish I could be there this weekend. I wish Mr. Stephens the very best and I hope he realizes his profound and lasting influence on at least one lost-looking tuba player.
Benjamin Farrar Mr. Stephens was always one of my favorite teachers, and I believe music continues to be a part of my life because of him. Thanks to Mr. Stephens, I also have many great memories from elementary, middle, and high school: Actively listening to Danse Macabre in Music Appreciation, marching in parades; playing at concerts, graduations, and basketball games; going to MADD Camp; seeing classic movies during finals week; and learning not only about music but also about life.
Phillip Gump Mr. Stephens is a wonderful director and a great person. He taught me so many things about music, life, and is just a great person to be around. There was never a dull moment in class. I wish you the best for your retirement and i hope you will keep the music alive!
Daniel Grimes Mr. Stephens retiring?!? Can you do that at 55? Well, Mr. Stephens deserves some peace and quiet! What a career - what a teacher - what a person. And some great stories!
I'll never forget the time when it snowed about 20 plus inches just before KMEA - all-state chorus and band. Mr. Stephens and I had students in the all-state groups and after not being able to make it the first day - we decided to drive across the tundra in my van. I mean - it was like driving across Alaska - without roads. Anyway - what is Mr Stephens doing in the back seat, but holding on to a HAM radio to help navigate the trip. It was hilarious and quite an experience! I will never forget it - and we made it! With only a few hundred dollars damage to my van!!
Now - I've heard reference made to Mr. Stephens corny jokes - that couldn't be farther from the truth - a "joke" would have to be funny. The correct usage would be corny comments.
I have always admired Alan's dedication to the kids - he loved them and they loved him.
Congratulations Alan - a job well done!
Now - seriously - 55 and you can retire in Ky now a days.... nice.
Dear Mr. Stephens,
I was not in band, but I saw what a huge difference you made in many students lives. Best Wishes and enjoy retirement!
Susannah Roitman Mr. Stephens:
My children have enjoyed your many techniques to teaching Model's upcoming musicians who are still learning about themselves, let alone music and how to play it. I remember conversations on the way to and from school that involved the BAND ROOM and the activities that went on in there. Patience where patience was needed, loudness where loudness was needed, and a love for music that allowed you to look years into the future of your students to a time in their lives where they would be thanking you for the 'band years' and what you taught them not only about music, but about life.
My children have not had you as long as others who have posted on this site, but they still have been granted a part of your technique and your willingness to go the extra note to reach the climax of a song. They will miss you, compare the band directors that follow you, and will be quoting things you have said for years to come.
Thank you, Mr. Stephens, on behalf of my children and myself for all that you have accomplished in your life and in your life at Model. Enjoy your retirement, your road at Model may be ending, but there is another waiting for you that is full of adventure!
Mother of Bradley and Tara Boneta Dear Allan:
From experience, I know it may be difficult to remember all that has happened over the past 24+ years. Where did the years go? Knowing your reputation, I think I have the answer.
Before the most recent 24 years to retirement and continuing into the future you will keep giving to others who need your knowledge, experience, wisdom, guidance and concern. You cannot help but do so. You are an inspired and inspiring teacher and the call to your profession is equal to that of another's call to their religion. All whom you have touched will remember your generosity of time, thought, advice and direction. Whether or not they pursue a career in music, they will remember you. Include me on that list.
I know you will enjoy all the fuss being made over your retirement. You're supposed to. It's one of the best excuses I can think of for having parties, receptions, concerts and celebrations; to be surrounded by admiring family, friends, students and colleagues. Enjoy it all, for when it is all over you will be compelled to continue that which prompted such fuss, being Allan Stephens.
I am sorry I cannot attend any of the several events cheering you on for
With all good wishes,
Harvey G. Phillips Congratulations on 24 years of making great music at Model! You have made music an important part of so many lives though your talents, dedication, and love. Enjoy your retirement and always remember your accomplishments.
Scott Zarzycki Dear Al,
CONGRATULATIONS on your retirement. You have touched so very many and changed lives in more ways than you know. You have brought and nurtured the profound gift of music to generations of students, and have given each a part of yourself in the process. As our greatest Master would say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
With our best wishes for the furture, and gratitude for all you mean to us--
Our love,
Barb, Matt, and Katie Stephens-Rich
When Allan first said he was considering retirement this year I was not surprised, but, I don't think I was ready for him to stop passing on the love of music (and other non-music informtation! - like when to use deodorant and how to play Diplomacy - ) to students. I was't sure I was ready to stop making boutonnieres for band concerts, or to stop serving punch at the reception line in the library (where the goodies are always located!). I didn't want to stop marching along the parade route and seeing him smile with pride as the band plays the Model fight song - I just see what he has done, and who he has been able to be for so many young people over the years as a very special legacy. He is pretty unique! He has hung in there all these years because he loves what he does and loves working with young people. But the time has come (like the words of a recent song says) to realize that every new beginning is some other begining's end. The bulletin board I put up in his band room that says, "Music is my life" is a true statement for Allan - a man who loves what he does - passing on the love of music to others.
Mary Lou Stephens |
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