Asa Stern is a native Californian who has lived in both Southern and Northern parts of the state.  Born in Paramount, he went to high school in Richmond before attending UC-Davis where he earned his BA in Music and was recognized with a Faculty Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Music and as Outstanding Graduating Senior.  While at Davis, he was Musical Director of the Davis Musical Theater Company.  He then worked in the Davis Senior High School Choral and Band Programs for 2 years before attending the University of the Pacific where he earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.  While working on that degree, he was Director/Accompanist at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and Band/Choral Director at the Hercules Middle/High School.

Asa then moved to Silicon Valley and became the Director of Choral Activities at both Hoover Middle School and Pioneer High School, the Choir Director at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Sunnyvale, and a member of the Choral Project.  The Choral Project is a 48-voice ensemble has performed throughout Northern California in concert performances, interfaith services, as well as choral festivals and invitationals.  This was only the beginning.  After 2 years teaching in local high schools, Asa looked around the country for a program to fit his development goals which he found at the University of South Florida.  This led to a Master of Music in Composition and a soon-to-be-completed Philosophical Doctorate in Music Education.   While in Florida, Asa spent 2 years as Music Director of St Catherine’s Episcopal Church.
Having missed the weather, lifestyle, and friends in California, Asa has returned to San Jose.  He is working part-time at a Charter School in Livermore with a band program which is anticipated to grow into an opportunity to lead a music program for the school as it moves to build a full K-12 curriculum.  He has accepted the position of Joint Venture Music Director.  He has also rejoined the Choral Project since returning the West Coast.

Asa plays many musical instruments, but has concentrated on woodwinds, particularly the oboe.  He is also an accomplished keyboard pianist and organist.  As those who have had the opportunity to participate in his first few weeks here can attest, Asa is an outstanding choir director and vocal instructor.  His calling to be a teacher shows in his capability and patience to help choir members find their voices and prepare music as an offering to enhance our worship at both ECA and AVUCC.  Anyone who would like to enhance their capability to praise the Lord on Sunday or any other day should come for a few rehearsals and have the experience first hand.