Stephen Mason

Stephen Mason is an accomplished educator, performer, and adjudicator whose

career has taken him to stages and stadiums across the globe. He earned his

bachelor’s degree from Mars Hill College in North Carolina and his master’s

degree in euphonium performance from the University of California, Los Angeles,

studying under Pat Sheridan and Gordon Henderson.

Stephen’s teaching career began in 2010 with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps.

The following year, he joined the Carolina Crown brass staff, contributing to three

Jim Ott Awards for brass excellence and a DCI World Championship. His

international work includes leading the Aimachi Marching Band of Nagoya, Japan,

to first place at the 2012 All-Japan Marching Band Competition.

In 2015, Stephen helped launch the WGI Winds division with Rhythm X, later

guiding the ensemble to multiple World Championships from 2016–2019. That

same year, he became Brass Caption Head for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle

Corps, where he played a pivotal role in the organization’s return to DCI Finals

from 2016–2019.

Known for his musical expertise and leadership, Stephen is a highly sought-after

clinician and judge, having worked with programs throughout the United States,

Japan, Indonesia, Costa Rica, and Thailand. He currently resides in Cincinnati,

Ohio, with his wife, Melissa Mason.