2026 SPECIAL SESSION I
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2180
Commending Stephen Shook.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, June 22, 2026
WHEREAS, Stephen Shook, an accomplished musician, music educator, and conductor founded the Northern Virginia Community Orchestra, which celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2026; and
WHEREAS, inspired from an early age by a love of music fostered by his mother, a piano teacher, Stephen Shook earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in music from Western Michigan University and furthered his studies in orchestral conducting through The Juilliard School's extension program; and
WHEREAS, a skilled violinist who has performed with numerous orchestras, Stephen Shook devoted much of his career to music education, serving as a public school educator in Michigan and the Commonwealth and as a private violin and viola instructor; and
WHEREAS, after retiring from Fairfax County Public Schools, Stephen Shook was approached by former students who shared their desire to continue rehearsing and performing together, which inspired him to establish the Northern Virginia Community Orchestra in 2021; and
WHEREAS, what began as a small group of dedicated musicians rehearsing in a local church basement quickly grew into a thriving community ensemble of more than 60 amateur and professional musicians; and
WHEREAS, as founder, music director, and conductor of the Northern Virginia Community Orchestra, Stephen Shook has cultivated an environment where musicians of varying backgrounds and experience can develop their talents, build friendships, and share their love of music with the community; and