Williston, VT 05495

Phone: 802.343.6282 (O)

Email: sparker@vpaonline.org

Biography:  A ninth generation Vermonter, Steffen has taught music at all levels from 3rd grade to college for more than 29 years while staying active with a plethora of other jobs from computer technician to on-air radio host to television engineer. Besides serving as the Solo & Ensemble Co-Coordinator and Stage Manager for the NEMFA, he is also the Vermont All State Music Festival Director (more than two decades), the VMEA State Manager, the Vermont Association of Jazz Education Festival Director and Chapter Treasurer, District III Festival Director, and on the Burlington Discover Jazz Advisory Board (more than 20 years as well). Steffen also serves as the Associate Editor to the National Federation Music Journal, on the National Federation Music Committee and as the Fine Arts representative on the National Federation Publications Committee which produces High School Today, the NFHS monthly publication. In his spare time, he works a variety of part-time jobs, runs three home-based businesses, and shoots an occasional fireworks show in Vermont and New Hampshire. Steffen resides in a house that he built with his father on a dirt road in Williston, VT with his wife Kathryn (former music educator and NEMFA Chorus Manager), three children, a cat and two dogs.