Stephen Tsambarlis ’20 is, without question, a truly exceptional individual—both kindhearted and adventurous, he personifies the entrepreneurial spirit. His generosity reaches far beyond mere actions; it is woven into the very way he shares his wisdom and experiences with those around him. I had the privilege of deepening our connection when I invited him to collaborate on my #BWVotes team, Baldwin Wallace’s voter registration drive organized and staffed by Conservatory students. From the outset, Stephen’s boundless energy and creative vision were contagious, and I found myself continually inspired by his unwavering enthusiasm. Whether brainstorming innovative ideas or confronting challenges with determination, Stephen’s passion was a constant force, never faltering. He even took the time to teach me how to use Venmo—a concept that once seemed like a mystery to me. With patience and warmth, he guided me through it, just as he approaches all things—with care, encouragement, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. It was impossible not to feel reinvigorated by his drive and his resolute commitment to creating positive change.
Stephen carries that same fervor for civic engagement into his current work with students. At his new school, he has once again spearheaded a voter registration drive, but this time, he goes even further—personally transporting his students to the polls on Election Day. His unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation of voters reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of participation and the vital importance of nurturing active, informed citizens. Stephen’s influence extends far beyond his immediate surroundings; he is a beacon of inspiration to all who have the privilege of working alongside him.
Dr. Dirk Garner, Gigax Chair for Choral Studies and Artistic Director of Bach Festival, has likely collaborated with Stephen more than anyone else at Baldwin Wallace. He shared the following about his trusted assistant of three years:
"Stephen is a masterpiece. He is kind, generous, adventurous, silly, smart… I was honored to teach him during his time at BW. He was the kind of student who always made me think, “THIS is why I teach.” He was my right hand in preparation for many choir tours and Bach Festivals. Stephen was regularly one step ahead of me, always predicting what would need to be done. I can only imagine the good he has done for his students in Colorado over the years. He recently earned his pilot’s license which will surely allow him to fly even higher (SO SORRY for that). Bravo, Stephen!"
Stephen and Sydney Jahnigen '17 were at Baldwin Wallace together for a year, so when I asked her to share her thoughts about Stephen, she was more than happy to contribute the following:
"Stephen Tsambarlis and I met during his freshmen and my senior year of BW. From the moment I met him during choral auditions, I knew he was someone I was going to love. He had a spark of determination while also being so fun loving and down to earth. We started out as choir comrades and spent time together through performances, conferences, and daily BW life. Little did Stephen know that I was searching for a highly capable human to take over several leadership roles that I had held at BW and as I was about to graduate, I needed a masterful successor. I found one in Stephen. He seamlessly transitioned into those roles and executed them brilliantly. He worked tirelessly to ensure all administrative tasks were handled and allowed for full creative freedom for his directors and ensemble members. It is no surprise that he continues to succeed today in his career. Between a full choir schedule, helping his students advance with career exploration, adding electives for more interests, Stephen does it all with a smile. He is humble and gracious, while driven and persistent. I am so proud to know him and see the amazing educator, musician, and human being he is today!" -Sydney Jahnigen '17
Stephen's unwavering commitment to leadership, civic engagement, and fostering meaningful connections has left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege to work alongside him. His boundless passion for service, education, and his community radiates through everything he does, inspiring those around him to strive for positive change. Baldwin Wallace is fortunate to claim him as one of its own, a shining example of the impact our alumni can have in the world. We can only hope that, in the near future, Stephen will return to share his invaluable wisdom with our students, continuing to inspire the next generation with the same energy, generosity, and vision that have defined his remarkable journey. And perhaps, like he did for me with Venmo, he'll teach us all the next tech trick we never knew we needed!
- Zarina Melik-Stepanova
Stephen Tsambarlis
Director of Choral and Orchestral Music Programs
Current teaching position, years at this job, and responsibilities - I have been a Director of Choral and Orchestral Music Programs at Sierra High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado for the past 5 years. I have taught many different curricular subjects, including 3 levels of choir, orchestra, guitar, sound production, songwriting, AP Music Theory, musical theatre, and AVID, a college/career preparatory class. I am also the Cross-Country head coach, Music Director for the theatre program, and Senior Class Sponsor. I also organized a voting drive to get eligible students registered to vote and transported students and members of the community to the polls on election day. I previously was the College/Career Visit Coordinator, planning trips to various post-secondary options and exposing over 250 students to options after high school and was also a Night School Instructor for students who have trouble functioning in a traditional classroom, both for 2 years.
What is your favorite thing that you have done in your current job position? - I produced and arranged a version of the oratorio and story Considering Matthew Shepard by Craig Hella Johnson for my choir, complete with instrumentation. It preceded the Mental Health Resource Fair and Photography/Art Show that fit the theme of the work. I also started an annual tradition to take students up to the summit of Pikes Peak to sing America the Beautiful, which was written about the view near the top of the mountain.
When were you first introduced to music and how? - My mother always tells the story how I would rewatch Free Willy over and over again, specifically the scene with the song Will You Be There by Michael Jackson, singing and dancing all around the room.
When did you start lessons? - I first started taking private piano lessons at age 6 in first grade, violin at age 8 in third grade, tuba at age 10 in fifth grade, and voice lessons at age 14 in ninth grade.
What musical activities did you pursue in high school? - I played the sousaphone in the marching band for 4 years and was drum major for 2 years, was in the top choral ensemble Baldwinaires for 4 years, played tuba in the concert band for 4 years, (valved) trombone in the jazz band for 3 years and bass guitar for 1 year, accompanist for the choir for 2 years, and took an elective guitar class for 1 year.
What made you decide to go to BW? - After touring campus, I fell in love with the community and atmosphere. All the students were so friendly and engaged, and the staff seemed dedicated to their craft and down-to-earth.
When did you graduate from BW and with what degree - I graduated from BW in 2020 during the COVID-19 quarantine lockdown with a Bachelor of Music Education.
Favorite professors - How can I choose?? Dr. Dirk Garner, Dr. Zarina Melik-Stepanova, Dr. Dani Kuntz, Dr. Gene Willet, Mrs. Nancy Maultsby, Dr. Butch Marshall, and so, so, so many more.
What ensembles, groups, or activities did you participate in while at BW? - I was in Motet Choir for 4 years, Men’s Chorus for 3 years, New Horizons Band for 2 years, PRISM for 2 years, Marching Band for 1 year, and was OCMEA President for 1 year. I also worked in the Conservatory Admissions Office for 3 years and the Honors Program Office for 1 year.
With Jeff Jaskolka '18, Mason Vandall, and Max Nolin '13. Performance with the Baldwin Wallace Motet Choir, under the direction of Dr. Dirk Garner.
Favorite piece of music you learned or performed while at BW? Half Acre/Cavalry arr. Greg Good '17 or Johannes Brahm’s Ein Deutsches Requiem for Bach Festival.
Favorite music that you listen to currently? - I’m a fan of so many different types of music, but genres that have me hooked right now are pop, classical, bluegrass, and rock.
What class was most difficult for you? - Tie between History and Literatury IV and Solfege IV.
Who was the very first person you met at BW? - The first person I met at BW was Danielle Lykins in Conservatory Admissions when I came for my tour and Marc Weagraff who gave me a sample voice lesson!
Daniel Lykins '24 at her own Baldwin Wallace graduation this Saturday, December 14th, alongside Dean Susan Van Vorst of the Conservatory of Performing Arts. Both are huge fans of Stephen!
Is there someone from BW that you stay in touch with now? - SO MANY! More recently, Luke Warkall '20, Marie Dykstra '20, Leonardo Capone '20, Zoë Sarganis '20, Mitchell McVeigh '21, Carly Decock '21, Andrew Nelin '21, Nick Cortazzo '21, Kyle Elliott '21, Claire Soulier '21, Dalton Dudley '18, Jeff Jaskolka '18, Mason Vandall, Alex Coker '20, and Ben Senneff '21!
With Sydney Jahnigen '17, Franck Smrcka '20, and Avedis Escandon '22
With Ben Senneff '21, Carly Decock '21, Franck Smrcka '20 (again), and Julia Morreale '21.
Valuable lesson you’ve learned since you graduated - SET BOUNDARIES! Too often my first year of teaching I would leave school and would immediately start working again when I got home. I have since implemented a rule that I would no longer take work home with me, unless vitally important and it has improved my mental health tremendously.
If you could go back and give yourself advice BEFORE you started college, what would it be? Yes, academics are important, but friendships are also as important. Take time to foster those relationships and experiences, because that is what you will remember most of all after college.
With Ben Senneff '21, Franck Smrcka '20, Carly Decock '21, and Kerry Broker '21
What was one thing about teaching that was most surprising? One thing I found most surprising was how often students asked me for food. It was literally every class period. I bought a big bag of flavored tootsie rolls and found it to be a good positive behavior reinforcement for students doing what they were being asked to do, but it did cost a hefty sum out of my own pocket to keep up my supply.
If the Conservatory hired you to teach, what class would you teach? - I remember hearing about Dr. Willet teaching an elective course about music in the context of media, including video games, movies, television, etc. I would love to guest lecture in that class!
If you could give advice to a graduating BW senior, what would you say? - My advice to a graduating BW senior would be to try something that is out of your comfort zone and get involved in activities if you aren’t already. Some of the best times I had in my life were exploring new things, even though I wasn’t sure how they would turn out.
With Katie Staskus '14, 'Kalee Bondzio '14, and Justin Caithaml '14
What is something new that you took interest in or started doing after graduating? - I’ve always had an interest in aviation and recently obtained my Private Pilot license with an intent to pursue other endorsements and certifications in the near future!
What is your favorite book? - "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom
What is your favorite show to binge on TV? - Anything produced by Mike Schur is golden, "The Office," "Parks and Recreation," "The Good Place," "Brooklyn 99," but my favorite show is "How I Met Your Mother."
What is your favorite movie? I don’t really watch a lot of movies, however I did recently just watch all of the Marvel movies up until "Endgame." I also really like "Apollo 13," "The Normal Heart," "Forrest Gump," and "Hidden Figures," but I think my all-time favorite would have to be "The Shawshank Redemption."
Favorite quote - “Don’t postpone joy.” by Edith “Edie” Windsor
At the wedding of Marie Dykstra '20 and Luke Warkall '20, along with Zoe Sarganis '20, and Leonardo Capone '20.
If you are a Conservatory alum, please join our ever-growing Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Performing Arts Alumni Facebook group. If you have questions, would simply like to reach out, or would like to nominate a Conservatory alum for a feature, please do not hesitate to e-mail zmelikst@bw.edu.
To check out our previous feature on Kalee Bondzio '14, choir director at Elyria High School, please click on the following link: Kalee Bondzio
To check out our previous feature on Rayna Brooks '16, Director of Lakewood High School Choirs, please click on the following link: Rayna Brooks
To check out our previous feature on Hillery Needham '03, Director of Orchestras at Fairview Park City Schools, please click on the following link: Hillery Needham
