CIE Researcher of Distinction, February 2019
Stephen McLean
Each month, the Center for Inclusive Education showcases the outstanding research being conducted by one of our talented scholars in our Research Café series. In addition, we recognize this scholar as a Researcher of Distinction and share the details of his/her journey to becoming an accomplished scholar. This month's Researcher of Distinction is Stephen McLean, DMA student in Music Performance. Stephen presented his work, ‘The Evolution of the Modern Brass Quintet’ on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.
STEPHEN'S PATH INTO RESEARCH
Stephen began studying trumpet with a private instructor during his senior year at New Rochelle High School. He received his Bachelor’s degree in music performance and history from SUNY Buffalo State College, where he studied with John Maguda and Kyle Resnick. He went on to serve as the graduate teaching assistant at the Pennsylvania State University where he earned both a Masters in Orchestral Performance and Professional Performance Certificate, studying under Dr. Langston Fitzgerald III. In fall of 2017, he began pursuit of a Doctoral of Musical Arts at Stony Brook University. In addition to graduate studies and private teaching Stephen can be seen performing in various professional settings including pit orchestras, churches, jazz combos, big bands and orchestras throughout Pennsylvania, and the Buffalo and New York City areas.
STEPHEN's Current Research
Describe the work you presented for your Research Café.
The brass quintet, consisting of two trumpets, one horn, one trombone and one tuba/bass trombone is currently a staple in the landscape of contemporary chamber music. The versatility of this instrumentation lends itself to styles and genres spanning from the renaissance and romantic periods to jazz and modern music. This talk will outline musical and historical developments that contributed to the brass quintet’s current prominence. Musical examples will be performed with the aid of the Stony Brook Brass Quintet.
What was the deciding factor for you to come to Stony Brook for your graduate studies?
The deciding factor in coming to Stony Brook was to study with Kevin Cobb, the current trumpet instructor.
Are there any other projects, beyond your Research Café work, that you are currently working on?
I am currently preparing a solo and quintet recital, as well as a lecture recital on the Trumpet Concerto in F minor by Oskar Bohme.
What are your future goals?
My future goals include performing and composing as well as teaching at the university level.
What do you enjoy most about research?
I most enjoy researching because understanding historical context allows me to prepare and perform music with authenticity, as well as have a greater appreciation for the long tradition of my instrument.