Choir Musician Spotlight: Ellen Stephenson

Harmonizing Passion: A Melodic Journey through One Long Song with Many Verses

Ellen Stephenson embodies a true passion for music that has enriched her life and the lives of others around her. For close to four decades, she has been an integral part of the Bozeman Symphonic Choir, where her euphonic alto/mezzo voice has blended seamlessly with the voices of her fellow musicians to create beautiful harmony.

Ellen is among 100 volunteer choir members who rehearse weekly from September through June. The group of men, women, old, and young bring song vividly to life at concerts throughout the year.

Ellen’s musical journey is a testament to the enduring power of music to unite, uplift, and transform lives, one note at a time.

Originally from North Carolina, Ellen’s love for singing has remained constant. Her talent was recognized early on, and though still in high school, a professor of music invited her to sing with the college’s symphonic choir and eventually pursue a degree in church music and music education with a vocal emphasis. With a desire to explore the West, after college graduation, Ellen found herself in Yellowstone National Park, where she worked in several roles with the concessionaire and Park Service. During those nearly 10 years working in the park, she was also a musician in the dining room and taught K-12 music in the local school.

Ellen’s dedication to singing led her on a path of teaching and inspiring others through the power of music. As a private music instructor in piano, voice, and introduction to guitar, she imparts her knowledge and love for music to students of all ages, encouraging them to strive for excellence.

“I enjoy teaching and realize how much I influence students’ lives,” the educator explained referring to how she remembers the enthusiasm of Symphonic Choir Director Maren Marchesini and several Bozeman

Symphony Orchestra musicians who sang as elementary students in her children’s choir in Bozeman. “Giving the gift of music is incredibly rewarding,” said a wistful Ellen. “I love learning about my students and like to hear how they are doing in school and life when I see them at lessons.”

Following an audition in 1986, the Bozeman Symphonic Choir’s conductor asked Ellen to be the soloist for Duruflé’s Requiem, performing the Pie Jesu as a mezzo-soprano, and her commitment to the choir since then has been unwavering. From serving as the Alto Section Leader in the 1990s and performing in the symphonic choir’s major works throughout the years, Ellen has played a vital role in bringing the choir’s music to life. Her dedication to the choir is evident in her enthusiasm for rehearsals and performances, where she finds camaraderie and joy as voices of friends, new and seasoned, blend to create beautiful symphonic choral music.

Ellen’s love for the arts goes beyond singing. She has also volunteered as an usher for the symphony for many years and enjoys ushering at The Ellen Theatre where she occasionally graces the stage in theatrical productions.

Around town, Ellen bikes and walks with her trusty rescue Lab Sully by her side. She advocates walking and biking everywhere because of environmental concerns, saving gas money, increasing exercise, meeting new friends, and noticing new things around Bozeman. Most of all, she delights in greeting current and former students as she walks the trails and streets. “My former students change with age, growing taller, but their eyes and voice let me know they are an old friend and student.” These former students also know Ellen by her voice, which is still thick with a Southern accent.

As Ellen looks toward the future, her goal is clear—to continue sharing the gift of music with others for many more years. She does not think of retirement, and just like her college voice teacher, Ellen hopes to teach private music lessons for as long as possible. Her passion for music is a symphony of love, dedication, and inspiration that resonates with all who have the privilege of knowing her.