Stephen K. Charpie was born in Hickman Mills, Missouri.   He received his formal education at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City (awarded an Artist's Diploma) and at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C.    His principal teachers were Mel Broiles of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Adel Sanchez of the National Symphony Orchestra.   Mr. Charpie is a former member of The U.S. Navy Band,   Washington, D.C., serving as first trumpet and occasional soloist.   
   Additionally, Mr. Charpie has been first trumpet in the Disney World Band in Orlando, Florida, a member of the Disneyland Band in Anaheim, CA, a member of the Louisville Orchestra (Louisville, KY), and currently plays with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, Long Beach, CA.
     As a full time trumpet player, Steve has played with everything from the New York City Opera to Mr. Jack Daniel's Original Silver Cornet Band.   
   In Los Angeles, Mr. Charpie is an active free lance musician.   His studio credits are diverse, ranging from Hawaii 5-0 to Hires Root Beer jingles.
    Steve is interested in historic brass band music and early brass bands.   He has a wide range of published music and published articles on American brass bands. Steve recently appeared on the Garrison Keillor NPR "Praire Home Companion" performing the historic brass music of General   Custer's brass band from the National Music Museum.   Also, Steve was the featured traveler in "Sky" magazine, the publication of Delta Airlines, read worldwide by 8 million flyers.
     Mr. Charpie's unfulfilled dream is to play 2nd base for the Los Angeles Dodgers.