The director of the Abilene Community Band is Joe Stephens. Joe has
been a member of the band since its inception in 1976 and has served as
its musical director since 1979. He is a native of Abilene and a graduate of
Cooper High School. Joe attended McMurry University and earned both a
bachelors and masters degree in music education from Hardin-Simmons
University. While at HSU, he was inducted into Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia,
honor music fraternity. He served in the United States Army, performing in
the 4th. Army Band and the 4th Army Chorus at Fort Sam Houston. He
has taught music and directed bands at Mann Middle School since 1971
and in 2003 he was honored as teacher of the year at Mann Middle
School. He is active in both Texas Music Educators Association and
Texas Bandmasters Association. Joe and his wife, Merry Sue, have one
son, Brad.
Joe Stephens
Abilene Community Band Director