Modesto JC music professor takes a bow as he leaves the stage

Modesto Junior College music professor Stephen Stroud will put down his baton in June after four decades conducting high school and college bands, community musicians and countless classes. Over the years, he has served as a school board member, filled voids in a variety of musical venues and been a faculty voice in Yosemite Community College District governance.

With 35 years at MJC, Stroud, 64, is the longest-serving of the college’s 16 faculty retiring this semester. In December, professor Kathleen Short logged out after 41 years of teaching computer science.

Stroud was born and raised in Modesto, playing trumpet at Davis High School, Class of ’69. He marched to “Pomp and Circumstance” at MJC two years later. He earned his bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from UCLA, playing trumpet in the campus symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, marching band, basketball band, American Youth Symphony, Roger Wagner Chorale and Faculty Chamber Orchestra. He earned his doctoral degree in music education/conducting from the University of Illinois in 1991.

In 1974, Stroud had his first solo teaching gig at Atascadero High School in San Luis Obispo County, moving on to Lynbrook High in San Jose in 1977. In 1980, he returned to Modesto to direct MJC bands and the Masterworks Chorus.

The college’s two bands grew to five bands and chamber ensembles. The Masterworks Chorus grew from 40 members to 105 members and performed with the Modesto Symphony in five concert series. Over the years, Stroud has led the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra, the MJC Community Symphony Orchestra and MJC Concert Choir. He has taught music appreciation and music history since an eye injury in 2004.

Stroud was faculty consultant to the YCCD board of trustees for four years and president of the MJC Academic Senate from 1998-2000. He served on the Sylvan Union School District board of trustees for 16 years.

The Modesto Bee caught up with Stroud between classes.

Q: What has changed in teaching music over your career?

A: Many compositions are available to music groups and directors over the Internet these days. In earlier times, one had to network with colleagues and have a decent budget in order to find works to sing or play. Regarding marching bands, there seems to be a great deal of emphasis on competitions. When I was in high school, the emphasis was on formations and changing the music played at least every two weeks. Now, some marching bands play the same tunes for up to two years. It is incredible, but the more amateurish-looking marching band show (less competitive) may also produce the best musicians. I have to ask myself if the tangibles (trophies) should be more important than the growth in musicianship of the student musicians in high school and college bands.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring young musicians, or of any age?

A: It is important for parents or band boosters to arrange for and pay for private music lessons. This intense study, resulting in increased musical proficiency, will make the school ensembles sound better and result in recitals and participation in solo and ensemble festivals. College music majors will experience private lessons. It’s best to start earlier than put it off until later. Study piano so that it doesn’t block your opportunities to study and play music. Remember, your specialty in music should not block your appreciation of other music groups. Be a musician!

Q: What are the highlights of leading, or being in, a community orchestra?

A: As automation of life has proceeded through our country and culture through cellphones, etc., the need for interactive use of acoustical instruments in bands, orchestras and choirs has increased. Musicians want and need to participate in outstanding community and religious music ensembles (bands, orchestras and choirs). Combining human and musical talents/efforts in the performance of music by great composers continues to be a human need that cannot be replaced or extinguished by iPads, iPhones or iPods. Synthetic widgets have not replaced the need for humans to make music.

Q: What moments over your career do you look back on with particular pride?

A: I have always enjoyed the professional and academic daily interactions with my students. As a conductor, I contemplate the various concerts given all over the Western states with residents of Stanislaus County. I conducted the Eastman Wind Ensemble in Rochester, N.Y., as a selected member of the International Conductors Guild. I conducted the University of Illinois Symphonic Band at their Commencement Concert in 1987.

Q: As you step away from teaching, what do you see as your legacy?

A: I was the MJC band director for 24 years. “Proof” Frank Mancini directed the MJC Band for 25. I am proud to be second to Maestro Mancini. Another legacy I see is that a former student of mine at MJC is now the band director and has been doing that job for the last 10 years. He is Erik Maki. There are several other former MJC students of mine actively teaching music: Matthew Cover, Jennifer Perrier, Daniel Bryan, Phillip Vallejo, Kevin Tinkle, David Boyatt and Katherine Browning-Puck. Music lives, not because it helps derive income to districts through (attendance), but because it has become an intrinsic demand and need in this community.

This story was originally published April 5, 2015 at 6:44 PM with the headline "Modesto JC music professor takes a bow as he leaves the stage."