Dr. Stephen James

Dr. Stephen James is an Orchestra Director in the Conway (AR) Public Schools. Additionally he serves as Visiting Lecturer of Music - Trumpet at Arkansas Tech University and Adjunct Professor of Trumpet at Hendrix College. Having previously earned Bachelor of Arts (Virginia Tech), Master of Music (Western Michigan University), and Doctor of Music (Michigan State University) degrees all in Trumpet Performance, Dr. James then acquired a Bachelor of Music Education degree at The University of Central Arkansas to increase his versatility as a teacher. 

As a performer, Dr. James is a regular substitute  with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and a founding member and Principal Trumpet of the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra based in Branson, Missouri. In addition to his orchestral activities, Dr. James plays cornet with the award-winning Natural State Brass Band in Little Rock, Arkansas. As a soloist, he has recently performed with the Virginia Tech Symphony Band, Natural State Brass Band and Hendrix College Wind Ensemble, competed in the North American Brass Band Association Solo Competition, and given recitals in Arkansas, Louisiana, and at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan. Dr. James also serves as a freelance teacher throughout the central Arkansas region, giving master classes at area schools and teaching private lessons to both high school and collegiate students.