Since the day he was born, Charles Stephen has been surrounded by music. In a home where music was a foundation, he found his passion—one that would become a career.
“My father is a professional musician, and so it’s just part of the fabric of our family,” band teacher Charles Stephen said. “My dad didn’t teach us how to play sports, but what we would do at night when my dad was not doing gigs, is we would sit around the piano and he would play songs, or he had his guitar out. We would sing songs, and we would make up songs.”
Now, after 30 years of teaching and ten years at Monarch, things have changed. From state titles to cultural shifts, the impact Stephen has had on the band is impossible to put into words. After his long journey, Stephen has finally decided to retire from teaching band.
During Stephen’s time at Monarch, the marching band has climbed the ranks in Colorado, placing second at State for the past two years. More importantly, he’s created a culture with a strong work ethic and an environment where students feel at home.
“There’s definitely the side of him where you can laugh and hang out and have a good time, but then there’s the side where you just have to get some work done,” drum major Finn Lasker (10) said. “I think it’s very interesting to find a balance between the two.”
Gwyn Christensen (12) agrees. As the other drum major, she credits Stephen with changing her entire perspective not only on music, but also on how to handle any given situation.
“I’m just thankful for my time,” Christensen said. “Even if things can get difficult sometimes because of stress, he’s worked with me a long time.”
Stephen’s directing has led musicians throughout the years to break past their comfort zones in order to achieve success.
“There was this ceiling, like a skill ceiling, that I was holding over myself, and he helped make me realize that was kind of fake,” baritone section leader Makoa Brown (12) said. “That’s not actually my limit.”
While some members of the band may worry about how Stephen’s retirement will impact the program, teachers and student leaders are confident that it will continue to thrive.
“I don’t think it’s going to affect the success of the band at all. Because he’s built such a foundation of work ethic, I don’t think it’ll stop,” section leader Xzavier Hernandez (11) said.
Stephen agrees, having seen firsthand how the band holds itself to the expectations he has established.
“The vibe is so cool that I don’t see that changing,” Stephen said.
Choir teacher Kate Klotz has worked alongside Stephen for years and knows that his high standards are essential for the band’s success.
“He’s achieved so much with his students, but I think part of that is just how much he cares about giving his students a high-quality music experience,” Klotz said.
Although there is no doubt that the program will continue to rise to the top, Stephen’s replacement comes into question.
“You know, whenever a music teacher leaves, it’s hard because they’re really invested in their program, but I have no doubt that someone awesome is going to come in,” Klotz said. “Mr. Stephen has set up this program to be successful.”
Stephen’s hard work is recognized throughout the department.
“He’s laid such a good foundation for the band program,” orchestra teacher Kelsey Hoover said. “And the students, I think because of him, have become such good leaders. His number one goal is just for them to be really kind, wonderful, responsible people. That’s what the program is built on. And hopefully the next teacher will be able to partially fill his shoes and continue that legacy.”
After Stephen’s teaching career has come to an end, he plans to keep music in his life, even without directing band.
“My main instrument is percussion,” he said. “I would like to get back into a band. I’m also going to travel a lot more, and then I’m going to continue judging. I judge marching bands, concert bands, jazz bands, and in fact, I just got accepted as a judge to Bands of America, which is a big deal.”
Stephen’s retirement is bound to usher in change. A new director will bring challenges, but considering the standards the band members hold themselves to, it’s clear that they’ll still be able to progress in spite of these changes.
“I’ve taught at multiple schools, and so you do have some kids who are like, ‘well, if it’s not Mr. Stephen, then I’m not going to do band anymore,’ and that’s not it. That’s not a good mindset,” Stephen said. “You know, you guys didn’t join band or marching band because of me. I’d be crushed if students were quitting because I was leaving.”
Stephen encourages students not only to continue on their path with music, but also to pursue what makes them happy.
“Find something you’re passionate about and find a way to get paid to do it,” Stephen said. “Life is pretty great when you do that, because I see too many students following like, ‘I want to be rich.’ Which is not going to bring you happiness. And if you’re doing something that you hate, it doesn’t matter how much money you make. So find something you love to do. That’s the key to life.”
Stephen will be greatly missed by all who have been impacted by him, and regardless of his absence, all Monarch bands will continue to flourish.
“I strongly believe that I would be a different person if I wasn’t in the marching band—for the worse,” Christensen said.
