Stephanie Parker grew up in Orange, and began playing piano at the age of 4. She studied with The Sisters of The Assumption in Petersham, MA, before studying with the late Helen Gilmore of Greenfield. She picked up the trumpet in 4th grade and became a member of the Orange Community Band (of which she is in her 16th year as conductor).  She attended Mahar Regional school, and went on to major in Piano Performance and Music Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and was awarded The Chancellor’s Award scholarship. At UMass, she studied with Estela Olevsky, Nigel Coxe, Nadine Shank, Deborah Gilwood, and Eugene Uman. Stephanie performed in nearly every performance group, including Jazz Ensemble !, Wind Ensemble, University Orchestra, and the UMass Marching Band. She was the accompanist for student recitals, The Women’s Choir, and the Theater Guild.

After college, Stephanie taught music privately and in public and private schools. She returned to college to study Early Childhood Education and obtained a Master’s Degree in Special Education. She currently works for the Greenfield Public Schools as a Special Education/Preschool teacher, where she can bridge her love of early childhood education and music daily.

Stephanie has worked as a church musician since she was 14 years old. She previously worked at St. Francis, St. Peter’s, Our Lady Immaculate, The Athol-Orange Baptist church, Bethesda Lutheran Church in Springfield, and Bethany Lutheran in Orange. She has filled in as a substitute musician in many churches in the North Quabbin area.

Since recently joining ACC, Stephanie also works as a musician at St. Mary’s Church in Orange. She runs her music studio out of The Dance Studio in Orange, where she teaches music lessons to all ages and abilities. Stephanie also provides music therapy sessions to people with disabilities.

She resides in Wendell with her partner, Jake, and their three children Ava (plays the trumpet and electric bass), Lila (saxophone) and Harry (trumpet and guitar).