Allan Stephens

Allan Stephens, our irrepressible maestro, has retired from his faculty position at the Model Laboratory School of Eastern Kentucky University, where he has trained many generations of school band leaders. Music has played an enormous role in Allan's life, bridging his two careers as professional soldier and educator. Of course he owes it all to Springfield, where he got his early training at Butler Grade School from Bertha Corell and Ralph Bowen and at SHS from George Patrick.

On June 2, 2006, Al's MLS students gave him a surprise birthday at Casa Fiesta, where they dressed him up with love beads and a Zorro hat, which he wore with characteristic elan (see below). Actually, the elan escaped and they had to substitute some embroidery. In honor of the occasion, the students built a website where you may see many more pictures of the surprise party at Casa Fiesta and a post-party-party at Casa Stephens.

Thinking he could return to work the following day, Al had a second great surprise when many band alumni showed up to wish him well. Check out the movie of his moment of revelation. Never at a loss for words, he responded: "Oh, good grief!" His future plans include teaching at summer band camps in Ohio and California, playing in concerts with the Central Kentucky Concert Band, and enjoying life with his lovely wife of 31 years, Mary Lou Stephens. Congratulations to Al and best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement.