James Stephenson

The compositions of James M. Stephenson include orchestral works as well as solo pieces and concertos for almost every instrument. Largely self-taught as a composer, Stephenson is also active as a conductor, arranger, and trumpeter. One of Stephenson's first works, Compose Yourself!, was written for young audiences and has become one of his most successful. Some of his early works, such as the solo work Call (2003) and the Bagatelle for trumpet and piano (2004). However, in 2005, Stephenson branched out into new genres, and his works have explored many genres and performance forces. He has written choral music and three symphonies, the third of which was recorded by the Lake Forest Symphony Orchestra and released in 2022. Stephenson has conducted orchestras in South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee, among other cities, and his arrangements have been played by the Boston Pops and Cincinnati Pops orchestras.