Bio
Stephen Stone is a classically trained percussionist with an interest in world music and contemporary styles. He has averaged around 100-150 performances per year for many years, performing as a soloist and playing with a variety of groups such as orchestras, bands, dance groups, chamber groups, choirs, world music ensembles, groups in worship settings, musicals and military bands. Currently this number is less given greater teaching commitments. He plays drums, mallet percussion instruments, timpani and enjoys percussion of other cultures as well. Stephen graduated from the University of Alberta in 2009 and is the only percussionist there to have ever won two university concerto competitions. He has twice visited South Korea where he has taught English and studied Korean traditional drum and dance. Additionally, he was a reserve military musician for eleven years, performing with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, the Royal Canadian Artillery Band and the Band of the Ceremonial Guard. From 2014-16, Stephen returned for further musical studies at Grant MacEwan University where he focused on pop, rock and jazz with drum set. Stephen has also ran classes, workshops and lessons for adults, all school grades and the Cadets Canada program. Stephen began an after-degree in education in fall 2017 at the University of Alberta, with the intention of having a broader reach as an educator alongside continued performance pursuits. Stephen has now been teaching in Alberta's Education system since May 2019, in mostly part-time, substitute and temporary full-time positions, in balance with performance objectives.
While Stephen currently takes supporting roles with other groups, he is the leader of
-Sticks and Stone: A trio centered around the marimba, but often including drum set, vibraphone, glockenspiel, hand drums and auxiliary percussion. Open to every style of music: pop, rock, jazz, ragtime, classical, world...
-Freelance gigs. Especially (but not exclusively) classical
Outside of his musical life, where time can be found, Stephen enjoys learning languages, strategy board games (he is a past chess instructor), sports, hiking, dancing (especially swing) and distance running.