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Alumni Focus - Steven Springborn ('05)

Steven Springborn ('05)

Steven Springborn (’05) was very involved in music and drama during his high school years, so it surprises no one that teaching music is now his career. After St. Croix, Springborn received a Bachelor’s degree from Martin Luther College and is currently working on a Master’s in church music with an emphasis on choral music at Concordia University, Mequon. Previously serving in Arizona and Nebraska, he is now a choral director at Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, WI. Springborn was chosen to be a clinician at this year’s WELS West Regional Choral Fest, hosted at SCLA from November 15-17, 2024. We got to catch up with Springborn as he returned to his alma mater nearly 20 years later, this time directing hundreds of students. 

What are your favorite memories from your time as a student at St. Croix?

I'm so thankful for the performance opportunities I had at St. Croix. I learned so much as a performer on the SCL stage, working with Thomas Hansen and Jeff Strehlow. Those skills followed me to Martin Luther College's theater program and now as I direct high school shows. I'm also so grateful for opportunities to use my music talents to serve God. Singing in Croixaliers on Sunday mornings is definitely a highlight. Even playing in chapel, while it seems like a small thing - that's where I developed my piano improvisation skills that I use to accompany worship now. I really learned to use my abilities in service of my Savior.

When did you first start composing music? How did you hone your skills as a composer?

I was already dabbling with composition at St. Croix. Just little things, writing teenage love songs and melodies for poems my friends would write. I started composing in earnest once I was teaching. I would compose songs for the singers in my classroom. So, my music has always been very practical that way - music designed for Lutherans to contribute to their worship services. Since I've been serving at high schools, I've challenged myself to write a theme song for my choirs to sing in their Sunday concerts. When there's one I think other churches and choirs would like to use, I send it in to Northwestern Publishing House. Right now, I'm working on a new challenge. I have a commission to compose a string orchestra arrangement of Jerusalem the Golden for a Lutheran youth orchestra.

Tell us about Choral Fest! What was your favorite moment or experience?

Choral Fest is always thrilling - so many talented Christian young people gathered together to praise God, and this event was no exception. I had been looking forward to the Sunday sacred concert ever since Jon (fellow clinician Jonathan Laabs) and I started the planning process with Mike (SCLA choral director Mike Marquardt) last year. I knew the Dan Forrest arrangement of “Crown Him” was going to be completely transcendent. Getting to be right in the middle of it all was just an added blessing. 

What was it like being back on campus? What has changed since you were a student here?

The chapel was brand new when I graduated in 2005, so it was fun to be back in that space, singing again. Those beautiful music rehearsal rooms are new to me, and what a blessing for St. Croix! My biggest déjà vu moment was eating lunch in the commons. It felt shockingly familiar, especially when John Fenske assured me that yes, they are even the same tables and chairs.

How was the Choral Fest experience different as a student versus as a clinician?

As a student I got to attend two Choral Festivals. It hasn't changed that much since. Students still are excited to represent their school at the Pops Concert. There's still so much camaraderie as the singers realize there are other Lutheran performers just like them all over the country. The directors are very close, so Choral Fest is like a reunion; we're all excited to encourage each other in our ministries. But being a clinician was completely different. I was so busy, there was no time for any of that. I didn't even look for the directors’ lounge until the second day. If I wasn't rehearsing with the singers, I was meeting with my accompanist or rehearsing the instrumentalists. Of course, these are all things I love doing, so it was a good kind of exhausting, especially after that wonderful Sunday concert.

What encouragement would you offer to current SCLA students interested in pursuing a career in music?

It's important for performers to maintain an attitude of humility. You need to recognize that your abilities come from God and are therefore to be used for his glory alone. Are there ways you can use your music to serve God and your fellow Christians? 

Also, I think it's important for all Christians to remember that God gave everyone a voice. Praising him in song isn't something reserved for an elite few. Music is an extremely powerful way to proclaim the Gospel, and we all get a chance to do it every Sunday. It's our responsibility as Christians to use our voices and sing to each other about God's love.

Re-watch the Choral Fest Concerts here:

2024 WELS West Regional Choral Fest - Pops Concert

2024 WELS West Regional Choral Fest - Sacred Concert.