Dr. Stephen Parsons
With more than 25 years of academic and administrative experience at Illinois State University, School of Music Director Dr. Stephen Parsons will retire from the University at the end of May.
Parsons joined Illinois State University in 1994 as the artist teacher of trombone. He took the role of acting director of the School of Music in July of 2007, with his appointment to director beginning in July of 2008. Parsons also serves as the president of the Association of Illinois Music Schools, 2012 to current.
Before coming to Illinois State, Parsons served as trombone soloist and assistant principal trombonist with the United States Army Field Band in Washington, D.C. While in Washington, he performed with the Field Band’s Brass Quintet and served as that organization’s clinician for both high school and college settings.
Parsons is a member of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Peoria Symphony Orchestra, and Heartland Festival Orchestra, and has performed with the Tulsa Philharmonic, the St. Louis Symphony, the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Sinfonia da Camera, the Prairie Ensemble, and the New Sousa Band.
Other than music, his favorite activities are visiting his children and playing with his grandchildren.
An online retirement reception honoring Stephen Parsons will take place Thursday, May 14. Please email FineArts@IllinoisState.edu for additional information.
