Choir and Choristers of St. Stephen’s

The St. Stephen’s Choir and Choristers seek to honor and glorify God through music. We serve Him, our clergy, and our fellow parishioners by singing for the 1 pm Sunday Mass, first-class feasts, and many other Masses and services throughout the year. The musicians rehearse during the week as well as immediately before each sung Mass to prepare full Gregorian propers, chanted or polyphonic ordinaries, sacred motets, and traditional hymns as appropriate for each liturgy.

Children interested in becoming Choristers receive thorough musical formation based on Edwin Gordon’s Music Learning Theory and other curricula. Adult members also receive training depending on previous choral experience and overall musical knowledge. Choir members range from professional musicians to relative newcomers, but they are united by their desire to offer their talents for the greater glory of God in His holy liturgies.

Keven Smith, Choir Director

Since March 2014, the St. Stephen’s Choir and Choristers have been directed by Keven Smith. Keven is a graduate of Philadelphia’s prestigious Curtis Institute of Music (as a clarinetist), and has studied voice privately with Pamela Hicks-Gailey. Before coming to St. Stephen’s, Keven lived for 10 years in Fresno, California, where he was the founding director of the St. Blaise Schola Cantorum and Voces Sanctae Ceciliae choir. He lives in Sacramento with his wife and five young children.