Cello - Violin - Viola - Piano
Stephen Filer is a proficient string player who has excelled performing in classical, rock, and folk settings. A Cellist since age 11, Stephen spent his childhood steeped in the music of Bach and his baroque contemporaries. It wasn’t long before he formed his own classical trio whereby he played weddings, brunches, and banquet halls throughout his high school career. He went on to study Cello at Anne Arundel Community College and performed in the school’s symphony orchestra under the direction of Anna Binneweg. He is currently a Music Minor at UMBC, where he performs with several chamber ensembles and continues to polish his skills under the close instruction of his mentor Gita Ladd.
In addition to his classical experience, Stephen has earned acclaim playing in various bands in the Baltimore area. He co-founded the folk rock group Big Hoax, in which he pioneered playing standing, strap-up, electric cello, while simultaneously singing harmony vocals and kicking a bass drum. Stephen has helped Big Hoax record two albums and play festivals from as far south as Nashville to as far north as Ottawa. In addition, the band have been interviewed by WRNR Annapolis and WRUR Rochester, and they earned an honorable mention in NPR’s 2015 Tiny Desk Concert Contest.
Stephen contributes his vast and diverse experience to The Music Space by helping aspiring string players learn creative and technical skills on Cello, Violin, and Viola.
Listening To
Eugene Cicero - Erbarme Dich, Mein Gott
Jethro Tull - Bourée
Franz Liszt - Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen
YoyoMa, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer - Fugue No. 18 in E Minor, BWV 548
Kurtag - Gottes Zeit Ist Die Allerbeste