MEET OUR NEW CONDUCTOR, 
DR. BENJI STEGNER

Dr. Benji Stegner

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Dr. Benji Stegner is organist/choir director at First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, GA, where he also helps coordinate the church’s Fine Arts Series. A native of Toccoa, Georgia, he has served congregations around the country including St. Alban’s Episcopal Church (Waco, TX), All Souls’ Episcopal Church (Oklahoma City, OK), First United Methodist Church (Toccoa, GA) and First Baptist Church (Toccoa, GA).

From 2015-2017, he held a position as Instructor of Music at Piedmont College, where, in addition to teaching, he worked as a collaborative pianist and organist. While at Piedmont, he collaborated regularly with the theatre department, composing original music for Gathering Blue and Hush: An Interview with America and musically directing Hair, Chicago, Merrily We Roll Along, and 9 to 5: the Musical.

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Dr. Stegner holds degrees from Baylor University (D.M.A. in church music), Oklahoma City University (M.M. in conducting), and Piedmont College (B.A. in music).

His research interests focus on 20th-century American composers of church music. In 2019, he presented research on Calvin Hampton’s hymn tunes as part of the Syracuse Legacies Conference at Syracuse University. His article entitled “For He Is Our Childhood’s Pattern: Nine Lessons and Carols as an Intergenerational Model” was published in the Choral Journal (December 2019).

Outside of music, Benji enjoys baking, going to the movies, and spending time with his dog Piper.

OUR NEXT CONCERT IS:

SUNDAY, DEC. 4TH

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Please join us for our annual Christmas Concert and Art Show steeped in tradition and merriment!

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The day of celebration kicks off with an Art Show from 2 - 4 PM hosted by the Currahee Artists' Guild.  Meet talented artists from the community while you shop for a special gift that is handmade and made from the heart.

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At 4 PM the concert begins and marks the debut of our new Conductor, Dr. Benji Stegner. Dr. Stegner has planned a special program featuring familiar and favorite Christmas music such as: Carol of the Bells, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Sleigh Ride and some new selections to add to your favorites list.

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Of course as tradition dictates, it's your turn to shine in the Christmas sing-a-long with the Orchestra as the Toccoa Community Choir heads to the stage. 

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The choir, led by Dr. Thomas Council, will fill the hall with some new takes on the sounds of the season.

Featured songs includes: 

 O Little Town of Bethlehem  - arranged by a modern day composer who weaves in rich harmonies to the traditional lyrics.

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Jingle Bells: featuring an arrangement that is unconventional with interesting rhythmic patterns. 

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AND MORE....

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And for the finale, join the Orchestra and the choir on stage for the epic Christmas song, Hallelujah from Handel's Messiah. 

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Make plans with friends and family for a Celebration of Christmas.

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The Toccoa Symphony Orchestra is made possible by corporate sponsors and the generosity of individuals like you! Get season tickets when you become a member for the 2022-2023 Concert Season.