Stephen Norrell

Stephen Michael (Steve) Norrell passed away on March 4, 2025 at age 68. Born in Georgia on October 15, 1956 to Mildred "Millie" Garner and Lemuel Norrell, he was a beloved teacher and renowned bass trombonist who touched countless lives with his artistry, dedication, and generosity.
Steve's journey with the trombone began with a simple motivation-wanting to skip class once a week for band practice. However, it quickly became evident that music was his true calling. After graduating from Cedar Shoals High School in 1974, he spent a year at the University of Georgia, before moving to New York City to study at the Juilliard School of Music (though his loyalty to the Georgia Bulldogs remained steadfast). At Julliard, he earned his bachelor's degree in 1978 and his master's degree in trombone performance in 1979.
Upon graduation, Steve moved to Arizona, where he played with the Phoenix Symphony for two years. Managing to make it to the Metropolitan Opera audition in the midst of a blizzard, Steve joined the MET Orchestra as a bass trombonist in 1981, a position he held for 37 years. Between seasons, he played first at the Colorado Music Festival and later at the Grand Tetons Music Festival (GTMF) in Wyoming. Escaping the rush of the city for the serenity of the mountains was a cherished annual tradition.
Steve was a fiercely dedicated teacher; he joined the faculty of Manhattan School of Music in 1988 and mentored countless students both as a faculty member and as a private teacher.
A lifelong supporter of unions and a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians, Steve served on the Executive Board of Local 802 from 2007 to 2009. Despite a demanding schedule, he was a steadfast presence at meetings, rarely missing a Tuesday session.
When not playing, teaching, or talking about music (and sometimes during long rests in performances), Steve could often be found reading.
Steve is survived by brothers, David, Greg and Patrick; daughters, Jesse and Kimmy; and a worldwide community of musicians who were inspired by his talent, mentorship, and unwavering passion for music.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Stephen M. Norrell Trombone Award Fund at the University of Georgia. This scholarship meant a lot to Steve and supports promising trombone students who display excellence in musicianship, dedication, leadership, and service.
https://gail.uga.edu/commit?search=7906300
Alternatively, donations may be made to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge. He really liked cats.
https://rbari.org/donate/
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