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

WHEREAS, under Stephen Shook's leadership, the Northern Virginia Community Orchestra has presented a wide range of orchestral repertoire and offered numerous performances for local audiences; and

WHEREAS, through his passion and vision, Stephen Shook has inspired generations of students and musicians and has made a meaningful, positive, and lasting impact on countless lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Stephen Shook, founder, musical director, and conductor of the Northern Virginia Community Orchestra, hereby be commended on the occasion of the orchestra's fifth anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Stephen Shook as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his contributions to Northern Virginia and the Commonwealth.