Joseph Gentry [Joseph] Stephens (18/07/1972), an American composer. He was born in San Angelo, Texas. Grew up in the city of Texarkana, Arkansas and began studying percussion in the public schools at the age of 10. After graduation, attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello where he met his wife, Leslie, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance. Went on to attend the University of Northern Colorado and earned a Master of Music in Choral Conducting. Upon returning to Arkansas, taught one semester in a small community college and then went on to two different Methodist Church music positions. He is now the Director of Choral and Family Ministries at First United Methodist Church of Warren, Arkansas. The musical style of Stephens is very minimalistic in its presentation on the page. Dynamics and other usual markings are intentionally omitted so that each work can evolve in its interpretation.