Steven Hevenstone:
CLASS OF 1981
Central High SchoolClass of 1981
Bridgeport, CT
American InterContinental UniversityClass of 2005
Atlanta, GA
American InterContinental UniversityClass of 2004
Atlanta, GA
Winthrop Elementary SchoolClass of 1977
Bridgeport, CT
Steven's Story
Life
I am the Hazzan Rishon at the Dix Hills Jewish Center in Dix Hills, NY on Long Island. I have been here since August of 2013. Prior to that I was the Cantor Sheini at B'nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton, FL. I have also had various positions in Music throughout the Southeast since 2002 prior to moving back up to the Northeast. I have had several Jewish Rock Bands The Moody Jews from Atlanta, GA and Rhythm 'n' Jews in Boca Raton, FL. I also have another called Project Chai (Chai with the guttaral "ch" sound means "life) which includes my two sons Nathan and Aaron. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and a Masters Degree In Education & Instructional Technology. I have a company of my own called Hevenstone Music Productions, Inc. I compose/arrange music for Cantors throughout the continental United States and also throughout Western Europe. I also compose/arrange choral pieces for schools and Synagogues. I have an extensive Theatrical resume' and have had the privilege of performing around the World (Israel, Spain, Europe, South America, Canada, and of course the US). Being strongly drawn to Judaism and utilizing my talents to help people reach Spiritual heights through Music becoming a Cantor was a perfect fit for my personality.
School:
High school seems so long ago. Would I do it again? No way! My biggest crush? I just liked girls. Joanna Maia, she was a year older (class of 1980). I remember in choir, prior to the teacher coming in I would be playing piano and she would sit next to me on the piano bench while I played and sing along. I never knew what to say or how to act around her. I saw her years later working at the Trumbull Mall in one of the small clothing shops, but since then? I sometimes wonder how she turned out. She had an incredible singing voice. Seriously, my biggest inspiration was music, not the classes. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Hardy in the Drama Department. It's too bad that she left the school after my Freshman year. I never had her for an actual class however she gave me my first solo and lead in a show my Freshman year. All I wanted to do was to sing, play piano, and act in shows. Funny that as an adult I still have some of the same des...Expand for more
ires. For a living I do sing, play piano and guitar (plus various other musical instruments) act in shows, write, etc.
I also remember trying so hard to fit in like so many others in High School. When you're out in the real world you realize that it really was not all that important, but don't tell that to a pimply faced 15 year old boy who loved to sing, dance, and act.
As I stated above, there is no-way that I would do it again. Now I did love being involved with my Synagogue - Rodeph Shalom in Bridgeport and the USY group. Judaism always was a defining part of my life which is probably why I'm a Cantor and not a struggling actor out in LA or NYC. I think that the person who inspired me the most was Cantor Y'Shaya Grama z"l (he passed away on October 9, 2007 at the young age of 63) from the Synagogue. I met him when I was 13 in 1976, and to this day still consider him like the older brother I never had.
I remember the shows, singing in the Madrigals, Mrs. Reeves in choir, and playing trumpet in the band. Those are my favorite memories.
Workplace:
I work as the Hazzan Sheini (Main Cantor) at the Dix Hills Jewish Center in Dix Hills, NY on Long Island. I have been here since August of 2013 and am very happy where I am.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a Masters Degree in Education & Instructional Technology. One of my goals is to begin creating innovative curricula for supplemental Religious schools in Synagogues. If done correctly the program I've already begun working on will be able to be applied to Churches, Mosques, and other enrichment type programs which are done after school.
Future Goals:
I am looking into PhD programs - either in Jewish Education at JTS (Jewish Theological Seminary), or maybe going on to Rabbinic School. Time will tell.
I also continue composing and arranging new music - Judaic and Spiritual of course, and I continue to write Poetry and plays.
Though I would not like to go back to being in High School again, like many others I wish I could get into a time-machine and give my younger self some advice. Something along the lines of "Don't Sweat it - play the game, do the work - and move forward - High School is only four years of your life."
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