University of Kansas “Reunion of Friends” Celebration Honors Roger Stoner’s 80th Birthday

On October 31, 2025, 177 trumpeters, teachers, current and emeritus professors, conductors, composers, heads of department, deans, orchestra managers, and business and community leaders, gathered in Lawrence, Kansas to celebrate and honor legendary Emeritus Professor of Trumpet Roger Stoner.

“KU Reunion of Friends” marked Stoner’s 80th birthday celebration and included a formal dinner, expansive reunion, and musical tribute.

Los Angeles–based recording artist Jon Lewis (B.M. ’81) joined seventeen University of Kansas alumni trumpeters in performances of works written and arranged for the occasion. The ensemble was conducted by James Barnes (B.M. ’73; M.M. ’74), Professor Emeritus of Composition and University Bands at the University of Kansas. Lewis, along with Chuck Seipp (B.M.E. ’80), Emeritus Sergeant Major of The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” and pianist Ellen Sommer, also presented a recital featuring works by Arban, Gershwin, Shchedrin, Vivaldi, Williams, and others.

The evening honoring the continuing influence, impact, and legacy of Roger Stoner concluded with the KU Alumni Trumpet Ensemble performing Leroy Anderson’s “Bugler’s Holiday” followed by a recording of James Barnes’ arrangement of “Home on the Range.” (Source: David Burt)