ABOUT US
The smell of rosin in the air, musicians tuning their instruments, the "tap, tap, tap" of the baton.
Then in unison, the first note.
- July 1977
OUR FOUNDER
The driving force behind the creation of the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra was Mrs. Pinkie Ware, a Toccoa resident, music teacher, and passionate advocate for music in her community.
Mrs. Ware grew up in the local orphanage operated by her parents. Throughout her long life, she remained deeply dedicated to Toccoa and its community. She served as State President of the Music Educators Association, became the first Music Supervisor for the Stephens County School District, and was active with numerous local choirs.
A gifted violin and viola player, Mrs. Ware loved making music but found few opportunities locally to perform for an audience. She also believed strongly that symphonic music could bring something special to the cultural life of the community. So she set out to build an orchestra.
Mrs. Ware began seeking musicians who would join her vision. She was evidently quite convincing—some might even say relentless—in her pursuit of musical talent. “No” was not an answer she was willing to accept. Through determination, persistence, and a tremendous love of music, Mrs. Ware's vision became a reality. A small orchestra was formed, laying the foundation for the 50-plus-member Toccoa Symphony Orchestra audiences enjoy today.
Mrs. Ware was nearly 100 years old when she passed away, leaving behind an extraordinary musical legacy that continues to enrich Toccoa and Northeast Georgia—and will inspire generations to come.
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OUR CONDUCTOR
Dr. Benji Stegner joined the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra as Conductor in 2022, bringing his experience as a conductor, musician, educator, and lifelong love of music back to his hometown of Toccoa.
Dr. Stegner is the organist and choir director at First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, Georgia, where he also helps coordinate the church’s Fine Arts Series. A native of Toccoa, he has served congregations throughout the country, including St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco, TX; All Souls’ Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City, OK; First United Methodist Church in Toccoa; and
First Baptist Church in Toccoa.
From 2015–2017, Dr. Stegner served as an Instructor of Music at Piedmont College, where he also worked as a collaborative pianist and organist. During his time at Piedmont, he regularly collaborated with the theatre department, composing original music for Gathering Blue and Hush: An Interview with America and serving as musical director for Hair, Chicago, Merrily We Roll Along, and 9 to 5: The Musical.
Dr. Stegner holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Church Music from Baylor University, a Master of Music in Conducting from Oklahoma City University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Piedmont College. His research focuses on 20th-century American composers of church music. In 2019, he presented research on Calvin Hampton’s hymn tunes at the Syracuse Legacies Conference at Syracuse University. His article, “For He Is Our Childhood’s Pattern: Nine Lessons and Carols as an Intergenerational Model,” was published in Choral Journal in December 2019.
Away from music, Benji enjoys baking, going to the movies, and spending time with his dog, Piper.
PAST CONDUCTORS
WM. DAVID STUFFT
Wm. David Stufft served as Conductor of the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra beginning in 2001. He is also the former Chair of the Music Department at Toccoa Falls College.
David’s history with the TSO began even earlier. He first joined the orchestra as a trumpet player and later led the percussion section before taking the podium as Conductor.
The TSO is grateful to David for his years of service as both a musician and conductor and for his dedication to helping the orchestra grow and thrive.
ARCHIE SHARRETTS
Archie Sharretts was the first Conductor of the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra. At the time, he also served as Band Director at Stephens County High School.
Under Mr. Sharretts’ leadership, the orchestra continued to grow and develop, laying the foundation for the TSO we know today.