St. Stephen Youth Orchestra to Present Sounds of Christmas Dec. 16

The community is invited to a presentation of the Sounds of Christmas by the CrossBows string ensemble and the St. Stephen Brass Ensemble Friday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert is free but donations will be accepted for the San Jose Home Makers, which provide furniture and household goods for migrant and other needy families establishing their first homes.

"We are so excited to not only perform this Christmas concert, but also to extend our hands in outreach to the San Jose Homemakers," said Tina Stephanz, conductor of the 6-year-old youth orchestra.

Home Makers co-founder Pam Stamey will give a short presentation about the San Jose Home Makers during the concert.

In  2005 a group of eager and talented teens met for the first time as the St. Stephen Youth Orchestra. 

"The first rehearsal was with a mismatched group of musicians from the parish who desired to use their God-given talents to offer musical praise and worship both liturgically and as a ministry to serve the parish and outside community," said Stephanz. 

"As the ensemble grew to an astonishing ministry of almost 30 teens, the opportunity presented itself to create a separate ensemble composed entirely of string musicians. Thus, the CrossBows String Orchestra was formed," said Stephanz.

Over the years, the full orchestra,comprised of strings, brass and woodwinds struggled to compete with the demands of the area high school marching band seasons, leaving the CrossBows to become the backbone of the St. Stephen Youth Orchestra ministry.

Today, Catholic and non-Catholic middle school and high school string musicians from area public and private schools meet weekly to rehearse and plan for their next performance, whether it be for Sunday Mass or as entertainment for weary holiday travelers at the airport.

They have performed at serveral parish ministry functions, nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, in several concerts and they have even been featured on a St. Stephen Music Ministry CD.

The St. Stephen Youth Orchestra has established itself as a one-of-a kind ministry within the St. Petersburg Diocese.

"Many musically talented teens have come and gone through this ministry, but the one constant is they are not only outstanding in their own abilities, but they are tremendous role models and examples of our youth giving of their time and talent in the service of our Lord," said Stephanz.

Stephanz is a long-time parishioner and graduate of music education from Northern Illinois University. She has always maintained the establishment of this ministry was God's planning. She continues to invite and encourage all interested musicians to consider being a part of this ministry where music, service, youth and worship are brought together, and where friendships are made.

For more information, contact Stephanz at 813-842-9108 or by email: stephanz13009@aol.com.