Bio (Long version)
Stephen Stone is a classically trained percussionist with an interest in world music and contemporary styles. He often performs 100-150 in a year, 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. Sometimes this number is less with 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 completed an after-degree in education from the University of Alberta in 2019. Since then, he has been teaching in mostly part-time, substitute and temporary full-time positions, in balance with performance objectives.
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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. The group plays a little of every style of music: pop, rock, jazz, classical, world...
Outside of his musical life, where time can be found, Stephen enjoys learning languages, strategy board game, (he is a past chess instructor), sports, hiking, dancing (especially swing) and distance running.
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Short bio (for music programs):
Stephen Stone is a classically trained percussionist with an interest in world music and contemporary styles. He often performs 100-150 in a year, performing as a soloist and playing with groups of a variety of styles. 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 completed an after-degree in education from the University of Alberta in 2019. Since then, he has been teaching in mostly part-time, substitute and temporary full-time positions, in balance with performance objectives. Stephen is currently best-known for leading Sticks and Stone Percussion, a trio concept centered on the marimba that plays a bit of every style of music for every kind of occasion.