Stephen’s musical career began in High School with lead roles in theater productions, and transitioned into a touring vocal trio in the mid-1970’s with his wife and sister. For the next 20 years during which he raised a family of 5 children, Stephen continued to sing as a hobby while making a living in the advertising and publishing industry, in addition to pursuing his love of golf. While business moved the family from Virginia to Massachusetts, to California, it was the allure of golf that brought them to Florida in the fall of 1987.
It wasn’t long before Stephen was once again involved in music and the entire family began singing Christmas carols dressed in Victorian costumes at their church nativity pageant every Christmas. Stephen became an Ordained Minister and produced the pastor’s daily radio program as the Director of Broadcast Ministries at the church. Their oldest son married a young lady who had subbed for his sister when she was unable to sing at the Christmas pageant one year, and The Ditchfield Family Singers became a reality when invitations started coming in for the family ensemble to perform year round. They developed a wide repertoire of family entertainment, and produced their first annual Christmas Show at the Sarasota Opera House in the year 2000.
Meanwhile, Stephen had become a member of a men’s choral group and emcee’d their annual shows at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center for several years before becoming the Assistant Director. Then in 2001, he became the Musical Director of the 100-man Sarasota Chorus of the Keys, taking them to a State Championship in 2004 and qualifying to compete in International Competition in 2005 for the first time in their 55 year history.
It was during this time with the Sarasota Chorus of the Keys that he formed a family quartet with his boys, Nathanael, Michael & David. Appropriately named, “My Three Sons”, the quartet won the Florida State/Sunshine District Quartet Championship in 2003 and competed twice in International Competition, placing as high as 34th in the world, and began accepting invitations to perform on shows from coast to coast.
While their acclaim continues to open doors for My Three Sons and The Ditchfield Family Singers to perform a wide variety of shows and concerts year round, Stephen Ditchfield has become as much in demand as a soloist in major retirement communities, resorts, clubs and churches. As a former co-host of the popular “Homestyle Harmony Restaurant” parlor shows, Stephen developed a warmth and sincerity that resonates with his audiences, and his uplifting performances leave them wanting more!