Working in the midst of music

There’s rarely a quiet moment in Eric Stark’s office at Butler University.

Stark, the artistic director for the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and professor of music and director of graduate studies at Butler University, is situated between two other professors who teach voice. In the halls, students are playing instruments or singing.

Inside the office is framed sheet music and many pictures of former students and singers. A propeller mounted above the piano was a gift from his partner, Jon Smith. (Stark is a licensed pilot.)

Stark joined Butler’s faculty in 1995 and has served as the artistic director for the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir for 10 years.

Stark gained confidence in his chosen career from his piano teacher, Gerald Stofsky, during a study-abroad program. Stofsky suggested Stark become a conductor.

“Hearing that from somebody who had been a professional musician and had played with major orchestras around the world made me realize I could do this,” Stark said.

Above his desk is a poster advertising his Carnegie Hall debut in 2002, where he conducted a performance with a mix of choirs and an orchestra.

“I was walking by Carnegie Hall with that poster blown up on the side, and it stopped me in my tracks. I thought, ‘Wow.’ Then I realized the cab drivers were looking at me looking at my picture on the side of the building,” Stark said