Steven Shook: Our piano man

Music director at Immaculate Heart of Mary volunteers talents at multiple parishes

Published: September 1, 2017

Aprille Hanson

Steven Shook, 26, works at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway as an assistant director for student leadership. He is the music director for Immaculate Heart of Mary in North Little Rock (Marche).

Aprille Hanson

On any given weekend, Steven Shook does not just attend a Mass at one church. For three Masses on Sunday and one on Saturday, he’s playing the organ or piano as the music director for Immaculate Heart of Mary in North Little Rock (Marche). If needed, he also plays at St. Joseph Church in Conway or Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in Little Rock. He has in the past even sung with the Cathedral of St. Andrew choir.

“I’ve been able to get to know people spiritually through music,” said Shook, who grew up attending Holy Rosary Church in Stuttgart. “I’ve gotten to play for so many weddings and funerals and getting to share the gift I have” has been a blessing.

It’s hard to believe that this position, where he also conducts choir practices during the week, is just a part-time gig he’s held for two years. The 26-year-old works full-time at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway as an assistant director for student leadership while also attending graduate school for his master’s degree in business administration.

“If I’m frustrated I’ll sit and play something spiritual, and it’s my way of connecting and talking to God … sometimes I’ll go to an adoration chapel and play quietly,” he said.

While he likes to run and has competed in a 5K and 10K races, he admitted “I’m usually involved in volunteering” during his free time.

Shook said “having a sense of what you believe is really important” and faith “helps keep you grounded.”

• What celebrity would you like to meet and why?

“Believe it or not, I’d say (producer and screenwriter) Shonda Rhimes. I just read her book, ‘Year of Yes’ … It’s about the year of challenging herself.”

Click for the 15 Catholic young adults who inspire us, 2017 index