Joyful Voices - St. Stephen's Choir

St. Stephen’s Joyful Voices is a fun and welcoming program where students learn to use their voices with confidence and joy! Through age-appropriate vocal exercises, beginner music theory, and hands-on preparation for church music, students build strong musical skills in a supportive environment.

We use the trusted Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) VOICE for LIFE curriculum to help each student grow step by step. Children also have the special opportunity to sing in St. Stephen’s services throughout the year, gaining real experience and becoming part of our church’s musical tradition!

Instructors:

Rachel Wresh is an active professional choral, opera, and musical theater performer. A recent UM Master of Music alumna, she also brings her passion for music education to students across South Florida, serving as an Adjunct Professor of Voice at Florida Atlantic University and as a Teaching Artist with Florida Grand Opera. She specializes in working with youth and helping students develop critical thinking skills and confidence. To learn more about Rachel, you can visit her website RachelWresh.com/teaching. 

Victor Bento is a countertenor and scholar specializing in early music and vocal pedagogy. A Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, he serves as an Instructor of Record in applied voice, diction, and vocal technique. As a performer, he has appeared with Blue Hill Bach, Bach Roots Festival, Opera Neo, Orchestra Miami, and the Academy of Sacred Drama, singing major works by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Britten. He is a specialist in historically informed performance and the pedagogy of 18th-century English vocal repertoire. For more information, visit victorbento.com

Coordinator:

Gregory Cheng serves as Director of Music at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. His career includes roles as Assistant Conductor of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, baritone with the San Francisco Opera Chorus, a baritone and countertenor with the Choir of Men and Boys at Grace Cathedral, as well as extensive work conducting orchestras, wind ensembles, and choirs.