Black History Month is a time to honor the resilience, achievements, and cultural contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It is a moment to reflect on the legacies of those who paved the way and to recognize those who continue to inspire change today. Music has been a central thread in the story of Black history, an art form that carries the weight of struggle, the joy of triumph, and the power of unity.
In education, Black leaders have long served as catalysts for change, empowering students to reach their full potential and ensuring that their voices are heard. Among these leaders is Colette N. Stephens, a woman whose passion for music and dedication to her students have transformed lives at McCaskey High School.
A Lifelong Passion for Music and Education
For 29 years, Colette N. Stephens has been a guiding force in the School District of Lancaster, using the power of music to shape young minds and build confidence in students from all walks of life.
As the Director of Orchestras and Voices of Freedom at McCaskey High School, she has created a space where students are not only taught music but also encouraged to embrace their identities, understand their cultural heritage, and take pride in their unique contributions to the world.
Stephens’ love for music took root in Philadelphia, where her mother filled their home with the sounds of jazz, R&B, classical, and gospel. Music was more than entertainment, it was an expression of culture and identity. Church and school further nurtured her passion, while Black educators saw her potential and invested in her growth.
These experiences solidified her desire to educate and uplift students through music, ensuring that every young musician she teaches knows their worth.
From Price Elementary to McCaskey High School
Stephens began her career at Price Elementary, a school deeply committed to the arts. There, she spent a decade helping young students discover their creativity, directing musical theater productions, organizing Night of the Arts events, and incorporating music into daily learning.
Her work not only honed students’ musical skills but also gave them a means of self-expression and confidence.
In 2006, she took on a new challenge at McCaskey High School, a transition that initially filled her with uncertainty. But soon, it became clear that this role was meant for her. “This position was crafted for me,” Stephens reflects. “It brought together my love for orchestral music and gospel choir—two worlds that shaped my identity.”
At McCaskey, she merged these passions, building a program where students could experience the depth and richness of Black musical traditions while developing their artistry.
Celebrating Black Music and Culture Year-Round
Under Stephens’ leadership, the McCaskey Orchestra has expanded, with over 85 students participating. The orchestra provides young musicians with opportunities to explore classical compositions while developing discipline and teamwork.
But her influence extends beyond orchestral music, she also directs Voices of Freedom, a choir that brings African and African American musical traditions to life. From spirituals and work songs to traditional and contemporary gospel, the choir’s performances preserve and celebrate Black musical heritage in ways that deeply resonate with students and audiences alike.
For Stephens, Black music is history, a legacy, and a voice for generations past and present. She ensures that these traditions are not just confined to Black History Month but are interwoven into the curriculum throughout the year. Her work highlights the cultural significance behind the music, teaching students the resilience, artistry, and historical impact of Black musicians.
Beyond technique, she instills in her students a deep sense of pride. As a young Black violinist, she often felt like an outsider in a field where diversity was scarce. Now, she works tirelessly to change that narrative, ensuring that every student of color who enters her classroom knows they belong. She shares stories from her own journey, such as traveling to Europe as a high school musician and experiencing firsthand the power of representation.
A moment that stood out was when a group of African admirers recognized her talent and gathered to take pictures, seeing her as a symbol of excellence in a space where Black musicians were rarely highlighted.
“Music is a bridge,” she says. “It connects cultures, breaks barriers, and gives people a voice. That’s what I want my students to understand.”
Empowering Students to Embrace Their Identity
For Stephens, Black History Month is a time to honor the past and celebrate the future, but her dedication to cultural representation extends far beyond February. She encourages her students to embrace their stories, recognize their strengths, and rise above fear.
“Never be ashamed of who you are. You are seen, you are valued, and you have the power to create change,” she tells them. “Stay true to yourself, remember where you come from, and never underestimate your ability to make a difference.”
Her leadership has helped countless students find their voices, not just in music but in life. Her classroom is more than a rehearsal space; it is a place where young people learn resilience, build confidence, and cultivate a profound appreciation for their cultural roots.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Stephens’ influence at McCaskey reaches far beyond her students. Those who enter her program find more than a music teacher; they find a mentor, a role model, and a champion for their potential. She has been instrumental in shaping a district that values the arts as an essential part of education.
Her work challenges traditional curriculum structures, urging educators to evolve alongside their students and create inclusive spaces where every child feels a sense of belonging.
Her legacy will be one of passion, perseverance, and dedication to empowering the next generation of musicians and leaders. “I want my students to walk away knowing that they are capable, they are talented, and they belong,” she says. “If they remember that, I’ve done my job.”
Honoring Black Educators Who Shape the Future
As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize Colette N. Stephens and the countless Black educators who dedicate their lives to shaping young minds. Their influence extends beyond the classroom, reminding us that Black history is not just something we reflect on—it is something we create every single day.