Spotlight - MAAE Board - Stephen Rew
Stephen Rew holds his Bachelors and Masters of Music Education from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. In over a decade as a public educator he has received his district’s Teacher of the Year Award two times and is a sought after clinician and motivational speaker with “Fired Up” Presentations. Currently, he is the President for the Missouri Choral Directors Association. Rew is a Vocal Music Teacher at Raymore-Peculiar High School and is also entering his 21st year as a professional church musician serving as the music director at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church nearby the location where he and his wife, Cindy and their children Mason (age 14) and Chloe (age11) live in their dream home. www.stephenrew.com
In a recent interview with MAAE Executive Director, Phyllis Pasley, Stephen had this to say:
QUESTIONS
E.D. -"What are some favored ways of spending spare time?"
Rew - I love spending time with my family. My son and daughter both play soccer and I like to help coach and attend practices and play with the team. I like baseball and try to see the Royals as many times as I can in a given summer.
E.D. -"What achievement in your life has given you the greatest satisfaction?"
Rew - I am beyond proud of the young people that my children have become. I learn so much from them each day. I look forward to the years ahead and how they will impact the world.
E.D.-"What achievement in your career has given you the greatest satisfaction?"
Rew - I am currently working in what I call my dream job. When I graduated from high school I set out to become the choir director at my alma mater, a job that I now am lucky enough to have. We have really built a phenomenal culture at RPSINGS and I thankful for that opportunity.
E.D.-"What brought you into MAAE?"
Rew - MAAE is a great partner for MCDA. My passion for that organization led me to be interested and invested in the work that MAAE does to support the arts in our state. As a lifelong Missourian, I am a product of music education in our state and I believe that it matters for future generations.
E.D.-"In your tenure with MAAE, tell us what educational issue that MAAE has addressed that you believe was most beneficial to Missouri's arts ed community?"
Rew - There are countless times where I have witnessed MAAE step up behind the scenes to influence and guide legislators to make decisions that are in the best interest of the arts. I had no idea how much work they do for us until I got involved.