The Music Man - Stephen Curry, Director of Choral Music

THE MUSIC MAN

STEPHEN CURRY, LRCA DIRECTOR OF CHORAL MUSIC By Heather Bennett, Communications Specialist

Stephen Curry attended Little Rock Christian Academy from kindergarten to graduation in 2011. He grew up in a Christian family with three brothers. His mother, Holly Curry, and wife, Abby Curry, work in the Warrior Fine Arts Department as well. “I hated singing and singing in front of my parents,” proclaims Stephen Curry about his younger self. Part of Mr. Curry’s passion to come back to teach in Warriorville is that he recognizes a lot of students are afraid to express faith through song and arts. “I rededicated my life to the Lord when I was a junior in high school. My faith was very intertwined with my shyness. I realized a Christlike life was a relationship, not a set of rules,”

Mr. Curry shares. Mr. Curry encourages his students to explore God’s gifting to help them grow and flourish. He stresses the importance of owning their relationship with Christ which helps their talents pour out.

Mr. Curry’s energy and positive attitude have propelled growth in the LRCA choral program, but most importantly spiritual growth in his students. Here, Mr. Curry shares a few high notes from the composition of his life.

HB: How would you describe your younger self and as a student? SC: I was very shy. I wouldn’t talk...would look straight ahead. Loved reading and took band...never choir. I loved LRCA and the importance then placed on arts, academics, and athletics just as it is now. The Golden Triangle is still as strong. HB: Favorite subject(s) in school? SC: Band and English

HB: What was it like portraying Schroeder when you were in high school and then musically directing “Charlie Brown” this spring? SC: At our cast party, we watched the 2010 version of “Charlie Brown” where Elizabeth Hill and I were Lucy and Schroeder. There was just a piano in the high school cafeteria. Our students watched the whole thing and cheered. It was super surreal. This was the first show I got to direct musically. I definitely had flashbacks to high school and now I get to coach kids. When I was in college at OBU, the choir teacher randomly approached me on campus and said, “You should join choir.” I don’t love singing by myself. I had no idea then that I’d want to teach choir.

HB: What wisdom would you share with your junior high or high school self? SC: You never know where God will take you. You’re only going to see it when you try to look more like Jesus. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you. You can get out of your comfort zone when you yield to what God wants to do in your life.

HB: What education and experience prepared you for your work at LRCA? SC: I have a Bachelor of Music Education (Choral Education). I was a camp counselor at Pine Cove and realized working with students was so fun and what I wanted to do.

HB: If you could work as anything else, what would it be? SC: A worship pastor in a church

HB: How would you describe your personality away and as a teacher? SC: Abby and I are homebodies. We are really singing and dancing all the time at home. I’m less reserved than I am at school.

HB: What is your favorite part of the day and teaching? SC: My favorite part of the day is getting to see my wife at lunch. My favorite part of teaching is experiencing the magic of when the light bulb goes off for a student...hearing themselves sing. I love choir rehearsals.

HB: How did you and your wife, Abby, meet? SC: When I changed my major to education, I ended up sitting by her in our “How To Be a Teacher” class. I proposed to her in that same classroom. LRCA alums and friends Tyler Rosenthal and David Winkler shot the photos and video of the proposal. And actually, Tyler played Snoopy and David did the sound and lights in our LRCA production of "Charlie Brown" in 2010.

HB: Favorite date night and food? SC: Going to Raising Canes. We eat chicken tenders exclusively. Our “only food group”. HB: Favorite movie or book? SC: Harry Potter

HB: Inspirations? SC: Kay Basham and Debbie Hill at LRCA. Dr. Gerber, OBU Choir Teacher. They all saw something in me and pulled it out.

HB: Talents and hobbies? SC: Piano, guitar, reading, puppetry

HB: Favorite vacation destination? SC: Branson...Sight & Sound Theatre, Big Cedar...We’re old people.

HB: Bucket list items? SC: I’d like to compose and publish choral music.

HB: What superpower would you choose? SC: Perfect pitch

HB: Favorite scripture(s)? SC: Psalm 33 has carried us (the choir) through the stress of COVID. Our focus has been on music literacy, but also praising God in the midst of this storm. Hebrews 11 describes the heroes of faith despite their weaknesses... none were perfect.

HB: What do you want readers to understand about Warrior Choir? SC: The program is non-auditional, but we do have auditioned groups. We place everyone in choir and hold students to high standards. They learn they are better and stronger together and that it’s not about individual voices. Some of the most humble students take choir. It takes humility and character. I love the quote by John Rudder, “A school without choir is like a body without a soul.”

The choir program has grown tremendously in recent years necessitating remodeling in Warrior Hall to be completed this summer to accommodate 40-50 students at a time. There will be dedicated practice rooms and wrap-around risers. In addition to choir members, worship teams from middle school to high school will utilize the new space.