Mr. Stephens has been a band director in Georgia for the past fifteen years teaching in Fulton and DeKalb counties. During that time he has taught on the elementary, middle school, high school, and collegiate levels.
Mr. Stephens was the executive director of the Atlanta Youth Jazz Orchestra for 5 years. He has been performing professionally for over 30 years. He toured the United States and Japan as a member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and has appeared and contracted for such artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Natalie Cole, Max Roach, Dr. John, The Four Tops, Temptations, Yanni, Mary Wilson, Drifters, Columbus Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Macon Civic Chorale, Michael O’Neal Singers, the Atlanta Lyric Opera and shows throughout the Southeast.
In 1991, Mr. Stephens was one of four artists to compete in the International Trumpet Guild’s Jazz competition and has served as a contributor to the International Trumpet Guild’s Journal. Mr. Stephens has served in the Georgia Music Educators Association and Georgia Association of Jazz Educators.
Mr. Stephens enjoys teaching privately and strives for the success of each student in his studio. Mr. Stephens teaches all beginning instruments and intermediate to advanced brass. He has served as adjunct faculty at Gainesville State College and Truett McConnell College. Many of his students regularly participate in Governor’s Honors, All-State, and District Honor Band.
Mr. Stephens is an excellent teacher with all instruments and a very knowledgeable pedagogue. Having him in my classroom has been a valuable addition to my students education. I have a few students that take privately with Mr. Stephens and they consistently sit at the top of their sections. His students have technical ability, musical knowledge and great rehearsal etiquette. A huge addition to any band program!
– Devin Reid, Band Director Lanier Middle School