Stephen is a Jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist and drummer who has devoted over twenty years to the study of the legacy of Jazz . He is a performer,educator and advocate for Jazz. He began his career in Oklahoma where he studied music at the University of Oklahoma and while there formed an award winning band whose members are today prominent Jazz musicians. Stephen is known in the Jazz world to many veteran musicians and educators. He is well known for his association with Jazz great Clark Terry. For years Stephen co-managed Clark Terry Jazz Camps, Workshops and Festivals. From 1993-1997 he was the Director of the Clark Terry International Institute of Jazz Studies at Westmar University in Iowa.
In 1984 Stephen went on the road. As featured soloist he performed with Woody Herman in Woody's big band and with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, touring the United States, Canada and Europe. Throughout this time Stephen also led his own group which was usually a quintet. It was during this period Stephen gained a reputation as an extraordinary performer, teacher and clinician. His command over the flugelhorn is outstanding and his sound is captivating. Stephen has taught and cliniced in high schools and colleges all over the United States as well as given presentations at events including the prestigious Iowa Bandmaster's Association. He is in demand as an adjudicator at Jazz festivals big and small. In 1993 after becoming a finalist in The Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition, Stephen was chosen by Dr. Clark Terry as Program Director / Artist in Residence for The Clark Terry International Institute of Jazz Studies, where he led award winning student groups. His students rank among the finest young Jazz musicians today.
He has taught the legacy of Jazz from California to Maine. Bern, Switzerland - JVC, New York - Houston International Festival - Texas Jazz Festival - Ahrus, Denmark - Kemah Jazz festival - Coleman Hawkins Neighborhood Jazz Festival - Savannah Jazz, Georgia - and the Oklahoma Charlie Christian Festival are among the many Jazz Festivals where Stephen Fulton has performed. His musical associations are rich in tradition and include Sonny Stitt, Al Grey, Clark Terry, Frank Wess, Jimmy Ford and many others. Stephen is an exemplary performer on both flugelhorn and trumpet and is a tireless advocate for the perpetuation of the craft of Jazz Music and the Jazz Language.