Stephen Fineman has been playing trumpet with the Band since 2000. He grew up in Edison, New Jersey, graduating from J.P. Stevens High School. He has a BA in Chemical Physics from Rice University in Houston, Texas and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
The Early Years: Stephen grew up in a musical family where his mother played piano, one older sister played flute, and another played both clarinet and piano. As a young child he often attended local football games and band competitions and became enamored with the trumpets and the musical parts they played.
Career Highlights: Since obtaining his Masters degree in teaching, he has been a Chemistry/Physics teacher at Parkway North High School in St. Louis, Missouri, Millburn High School in Millburn, New Jersey, and for the past six years, at Chatham High School in Chatham, New Jersey.
Musical moments: Stephen talks about two equally amazing musical moments. The first was in 1992 when he played with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps for 30,000 screaming fans, and performing Bugler's Holiday (Leroy Anderson) with Roger Widicus, Principal trumpet Ridgewood Concert Band and Philip Smith, Principal Trumpet New York Philharmonic, at the September 25, 2009 RCB series concert.
Instrument: Stephen plays a Bach Stradivarius, model 37. He says,” It's the ‘standard’ for a reason. It’s a good solid horn that blows freely and slots well in most places.”
Music Mentors: Nick Marino, Andy DeNicola, Phil Ruechtenwald were Stephen’s most influential teachers and the strongest influences on his playing. Mr. Marino was the teacher who set him on the right musical path. Mr. DeNicola never allowed him to get cocky or complacent and Mr. Ruenchtenwald, who played with the New York City Opera, polished his playing.
Benefits of playing with RCB: Stephen says, “Playing with RCB is a great opportunity to play great music with an outstanding group of musicians, plus it forces me to ‘stay on my game.’”
Other interests: Trivia (Stephen appeared on Jeopardy in 2008, winning the first round and coming back for a second match), crossword puzzles, volleyball, watching the Yankees & college sports, running (well, sometimes)