News
Stephenson’s arrangement of TAPS featured on PBS NewsHour Memorial Day tribute
Stephenson’s arrangement of “TAPS” was featured on a PBS NewsHour Memorial Day tribute, with anchor Judy Woodruff narrating. The performance featured soloist Master Sgt. Samuel Barlow and the trombone ensemble…
San Francisco Ballet premiere: WOODEN DIMES
See the fantastic trailer to WOODEN DIMES, my new vaudeville-inspired ballet score for the San Francisco Ballet, which premiered in March, 2021. The choreography was done by Danielle Rowe, and…
“Fanfare for Democracy” – commissioned by 51 orchestras!
After “Fanfare for Democracy” was premiered on January 20, 2021 at the United States Capitol for the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, I had the crazy…
Stephenson named “Musical Collaborator” with Grand Rapids Symphony
I have been engaged to create reduced chamber ensemble orchestrations of many standard works, for production for the Grand Rapids Symphony’s new 2020-21 online concert series: Pathwaves. Of particular note…
Current Projects
MAYTUDES – for french horn
For the month of May, I am writing 31 etudes (one per day) for the french horn. Subscribers are receiving the etudes in their inbox every morning, for their own personal “world premiere”! Internationally acclaimed hornist, Gail Williams, has partnered with me, and giving ideas for me to consider for the etudes.
The published book will be available in June, 2020.
San Francisco Ballet score
I am hard at work, sending ideas back and forth with choreographer Dani Rowe.
The ballet is about Fanny Brice, a popular performer of the vaudeville era. (about whom the Funny Girl movie is based).
Premiere is scheduled to be in late May, 2021.
Recent Releases
Upcoming Conducting Engagements
As a conductor, Jim offers a wide variety of options, that can lead to more efficient rehearsal and intimate collaboration. Whether premiering a new orchestral work, or directing several works in a festival/college-residency setting, or simply leading a non-Stephenson program, he offers a composer’s insight that otherwise might go untapped, creating a rewarding experience for both performers and audience-members.
Additionally, with his experience and large catalog as an arranger, you can have Jim conduct your themed Pops concert, and bring all of his own arrangements/original works, making for a complete package deal!
Upcoming Residencies
Increasingly in demand as a college guest lecturer, Jim has appeared at many colleges and universities across the United States, where he presents talks, master-classes, coachings, and lessons in group or individual settings.
In recent years, these appearances include Ball State University, Indiana University, Indiana Wesleyan University, Kennesaw State University, North Dakota State University, SUNY-Fredonia, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, University of Michigan, University of North Texas, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and Wyoming University.
Residencies are tailored to each institution’s needs but they commonly entail the following:
- Conducting the organization’s ensemble(s)
- Masterclasses/lectures with students
- Public/private events with donors and/or board members
- Pre/Post concert talks, engagement
- Private composition lessons (may require additional fees)