In its 120 year-run, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has become the largest performing arts organization in the southwest,
There are 93 full-time musicians that are a part of the DSO.
One is our neighbor.
Photography by Rae Overman
Stuart Stephenson, Principal Trumpet –Â Merriman Park
How did you end up in our neighborhood?
I’m originally from the Northern Virginia area (right outside of Washington D.C.). Before joining the Dallas Symphony, I was part of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for nine years. After winning the job with the DSO, my wife and I drove around much of the Dallas area and decided that this area would be a lot of fun, close to everything we might want to do, and had really cute neighborhoods.
Why did you choose the trumpet?
I started in fifth grade, when everyone begins in band, and never looked back. I wasn’t necessarily drawn to the trumpet in the beginning, but my father used to play in high school and a bit in college and introduced me to it a day or two before we had to choose instruments. So of course I chose the trumpet.
My favorite thing about the trumpet is the attention it can command, and the versatility of it — from Baroque piccolo playing, to jazz and Latin music, to orchestral playing.
What advice would you give to a young musician?
Know that the road is not easy, even for the most talented. I would readily call myself not extremely talented, but I’ve worked hard to get to where I am. I’ve also been lucky – I’ve never had to fully embrace myself in the freelance culture and come from a family that supported me in my pursuits, both personally and financially.
There are so many great players out there all vying for the same jobs. Keep your head down and keep grinding away until you get to where you want to be.
What do you feel separates you from other musicians?
One thing that I’ve always believed that has separated me has been my sound…now what exactly that is, I’m not sure. I believe I also hold myself well, and sound like I always know what I’m doing -— though there are plenty of times where that’s not the case. I also don’t have one set idea of how things should go, so I think my sound and approach are constantly evolving.
What moments and experiences stand out from your time with the DSO?
The applause that the trumpet section, or brass section receives when we stand at the end of a piece with great brass playing is hard to beat. Also, the Meyerson Symphony Center is a beautiful building to play in, both visually and sonically.
What about your musical career are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my teaching. I teach students all throughout the country, and I love seeing those players do exciting things with their lives, be it winning auditions and landing jobs, or starting solo/chamber careers, or becoming fantastic teachers in their own rights.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
