Albert Lean Chuck Stephens has always had a desire to sing — the one problem, he admits, is he could never carry a tune.

Now, however, in the middle of what he calls his second childhood, Stephens, 71, is pursuing that dream.

After signing up five years ago for voice lessons with teacher Sharon Astrup-Scott, Stephens said he thinks he’s probably advanced to an eighth-grade level in music.

“It’s been difficult — a lot of discouraging moments,” he said. “But now I can sing some of these songs that I originally couldn’t make heads or tails of.”

Along with learning the basics of singing, including pitch and breathing techniques, about 2 1/2 years ago he even started taking piano lessons to help with his pitch even further.

He joined the Harmony Junction Barbershop six months after starting voice lessons and then joined the United Methodist Church choir about six months ago.

“His progress has been amazing,” Astrup-Scott said. “He has been a diligent student, and he’s worked hard. He waited until this later time in life to explore the talent, which should be an inspiration for everybody.”

Stephens credits his success to repetition, good teachers and dedication.

“You’re never too old under any circumstances, as long as you can move and as long as you have an attitude and a desire to break through your own little corral you’ve built around yourself,” he said.

He noted that trying to reach this goal has improved him mentally, physically and spiritually.

With this goal — or any goal for that matter — he said he’s learned the importance of surrounding yourself with positive information, mentors and the Bible.

“If you don’t have those personal guidelines, you don’t know if you’re in the ditch, in right field or in left field,” Stephens said.

Stephens, who manages Senior Court with his wife, Sandy, recently presented a vocal recital and sing-along in the Senior Court community room. He sang several solos during the recital in between the sing-alongs, and then after singing one song, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” one of the women in attendance told him the song had brought tears to her eyes.

“That really was a meaningful comment to me,” he said.

He’s planning another recital in the next few months at Senior Court and has also been asked to sing at a local church.

Stephens said while he has a long way to go to progress in his abilities, he is beginning to gain confidence in his abilities.

He hopes to continue his lessons and be able to “graduate,” from the 12th grade level, at which point he’ll be fully confident and have the ability to master certain breathing techniques.

He offered this advice for people looking to improve their lives: “If you continue to do what you’ve always done, you’ll continue to get what you already have. The question is, is that enough?”

Once you’ve determined the answer to that question, then you’ll know how to proceed, he said.

It’s asking this question of himself that has helped him be determined to reach his goals and continue a love for learning throughout his life.

Chuck Stephens
Age: 71
Address: 1905 Maplehill Drive
Family: wife, Sandy, four children, two stepchildren, two grandchildren, seven stepgrandchildren, one great-grandchild, two step great-grandchildren
Livelihood: He and his wife, Sandy, have managed Senior Court for 11 years.
Interesting fact: Stephens is a health and wellness consultant and has spent 30 years researching with some of the nation’s experts. He lives by a quote: “If you have enough positive input on a consistent basis, your body will always respond in a positive manner.”