Holiday Selections by Scott Watson

Chamber Music

This playlist contains some of the Grade 1 - 1.5 music I've written for Alfred Publications and others. 

For more information, please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com, or www.jwpepper.com.

Music for Young Band

For more information, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com

Concert Band, Wind Ensemble

This set contains a sampling of intermediate (Grade 1.5-2.5) concert band music by composer, Scott Watson. Most music is published by Alfred, with others by Barnhouse, Hal Leonard, and Wingert-Jones. Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more, or www.jwpepper.com to purchase.

Intermediate Band

Aesop's Fables (Grade 5, Alfred Publications) was commissioned by the West Chester University Wind Ensemble, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Dr. Kenneth Laudermilch, Director. 

Movement 1, "The Tortoise and the Hare," from Scott Watson's AESOP'S FABLES. Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

Aesop's Fables, movt 1 (The Tortoise and the Hare)

"Fantasy On An Old English Air," by Scott Watson (distributed by Hal Leonard, available at J.W. Pepper: http://www.jwpepper.com/2475543.item#.UgJuf1MlMts). Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

Fantasy On An Old English Air

"Lion of Ireland," by Scott Watson (Alfred Publications, Grade 3). An exciting concert piece based on "Brian Boru's March," a traditional Irish tune named for the legendary 11th-century ruler. Framed by dramatic opening and closing statements, the rustic Celtic tune gives way to original material, all in a showcase for band that reflects the valor and glory of the storied "last high king" of Ireland. Published in Alfred's Young Symphonic series, and selected for the 2011 Bandworld Top 100 list.  Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

Lion Of Ireland

"Tu Ungane" (Come Together), by Scott Watson (Alfred Publications). Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

Tu Ungane

"Appalachian Hoedown," by Scott Watson (Barnhouse). Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

Appalachian Hoedown

"Hercules vs. The Hydra," by Scott Watson (Alfred Publications). Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

The Greek hero, Hercules, was sentenced by the Gods to endure 12 seemingly impossible "labors" in order to redeem himself. Hercules vs. the Hydra portrays the second of these tests, his battle with a nine-headed water serpent with deadly venom and the ability to grow back two heads for every one cut off! The piece begins with the Hydra's half-step motive, which quickly builds and multiplies into the music of the epic fight. The blows of Hercules' club and sword, rhythmic accents in the music, land hard on the beast but to no avail. Hercules regroups to a slow, hopeful theme, encouraged as his nephew Iolaus shares the secret to defeating the Hydra. Hercules rejoins the contest with new resolve, reflected in the exciting merging of two of the piece's themes, which lead to a victorious climax! 

This Alfred Challenger Series piece was a 2013 J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice" and is available in SmartMusic. 

Hercules vs. The Hydra

"Coney Island Rag," by Scott Watson (Grade 2, Alfred Publications). Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

This lively, nostalgic piece will musically transport players and audience alike to the iconic amusement parks of turn-of -the-century Coney Island (near Brooklyn, New York). The sweet, cheerful sounds that flowed from the carousels and bandwagons of a time gone by infuse this characteristic, but level-appropriate, work. Ragtime feel is achieved via accessible syncopations, chromatics that lie well on the instruments, and sectional form. Novel percussion, including a slide whistle, adds to the fun! Alfred Challenger Series. 

Coney Island Rag

"Up On the Haunted Housetop," arr. by Scott Watson, with optional narrator (Alfred Publications). Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

Up On The Haunted Housetop

"Awake the Iron," by Scott Watson (Alfred Publications). Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

"Desperta ferro!," or "Awake the Iron!" was the battle cry of Medieval Spanish soldiers called the Almogavars. In the dim light of dawn, as they prepared for battle, these fierce soldiers would beat their swords on rocks shouting this phrase. The sparks that flew from the rocks in the eerie light of dawn, together with the soldier's call to arms, would give any enemy pause. Awake the Iron, with its insistent unisons, energetic rhythms, modal themes, and powerful percussive writing, mirrors the ferocious intensity of the medieval battlefield. This Alfred Debut series piece is a J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice," available in SmartMusic, performed at the 2010 Midwest Clinic, and was selected for the 2010 Bandworld Top 100 list!

Awake The Iron

"Troika," from Lte. Kije Suite, arr. by Scott Watson (Alfred Publications). Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

"Troika," from Lte. Kije Suite, Prokofiev, arr. by Scott Watson

Regal Fanfare & March was commissioned jointly by the Derry County Middle School Band (John Gabriele, Director) and the Hollidaysburg Middle School Band (Melissa Ott, Director) and is published by Alfred (Grade 1, Debut Series). It is a JW Pepper Editor's Choice.

The published version of the piece is for Grade 1 band, but I created additional (optional) trumpet descant parts after publication which I've used with my own band and when guest conducting. The descant parts are appropriate for high school players. I've posted PDF's of the trumpet descant parts for free download at my website: www.scottwatsonmusic.com in the MUSIC --> School Publications area.

Regal Fanfare & March, with Trumpet Descants

The 14th-century carol, “Personent hodie,” is both mysterious and powerful. On This Day Earth Shall Ring (Alfred Publications, Grade 3), a festive processional on the ancient melody, explores both aspects. Beginning quietly, the modal tune emerges over a chant drone with rustic, medieval percussion. Before long, the piece takes on the joyous character alluded to in the tune’s most familiar English text setting, “On This Day Earth Shall Ring” (written by composer, Jane Joseph, a student of Gustav Holst). As the work draws to an ebullient close, all the stops are pulled with resounding brass and ringing metallic percussion!

To learn more, please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com

On This Day Earth Shall Ring

You’re cool, likable and confident. You don’t walk, you strut. When you enter a party, a hush falls over the room and heads turn because you have a certain je ne c’est quoi! People say you’re “the Bee’s Knees” and “the Cat’s Meow.” You’re “Awesome Sauce” and this piece is the soundtrack of your life!

With its fun, bluesy melody and cool rock beat, Awesome Sauce (Alfred Publishing, Grade 1) is sure to be a player favorite. The limited chromaticism, accessible-yet-jazzy rhythms and style-important articulations, however, offer important teaching moments for the director.

Awesome Sauce

Aquatica (Grade 4, Alfred Publications) was commissioned by the Salisbury High School Concert Band, as a musical tribute and remembrance of band director and school superintendent, Robert Gross, and reflects both his enjoyment of life and water sports. 

Aquatica opens atmospherically in tranquil beauty – like a serene lake, a calm sea, or an eerie underwater scene. After a brief, meditative transition scored for four solo instruments (representing Gross’ immediate family), the piece bursts into a spirited 6/8 theme that suggests both water creature and craft moving playfully through the waves. This material is developed and recapitulated in a stirring way to convey the fun and adventure Gross found in his family, work, and play! 

Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more, or www.jwpepper.com to purchase.


Aquatica

In Dorian Haiku (Alfred Publications) by Scott Watson, two centuries-old cultural artifacts - one Western (the Dorian mode) and one Eastern (Haiku poetry) - are fused together, resulting in an engaging and beautiful composition for intermediate band.

The piece begins with the ensemble in unison, chant-like, on a Dorian mode melody with three phrases: 5 notes, 7 notes, and 5 notes (the haiku). After some development, a contrasting section - another 5-7-5 Dorian haiku - follows; exotic percussion suggestive of Eastern music accompanies. After a brief percussion soli, the opening haiku returns fully-scored in a broad, gorgeous climax. Finally, fragments of the haiku sound as the piece winds to a peaceful, somber close.

A unique work, Dorian Haiku offers many wonderful opportunities for teaching both musical and cross-curricular concepts.

Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more, or www.jwpepper.com to purchase.

Dorian Haiku

El Cid (Alfred Publications) by Scott Watson musically portrays the thrilling adventures and conquests of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, a nobleman and military leader in medieval Spain. Called "El Cid" ("the Lord") by the Moors and "El Campeador" ("the champion") by Christians, his military prowess and epic exploits have made him the national hero of Spain.

El Cid is a rewarding work that allows directors to put something different in terms of key and meter before their developing instrumentalists. After an exciting introduction, an infectious Spanish rhythm ostinato (3+3, 2+2+2 in ¾ time) undergirds the main theme, driving the piece as it builds. Ample percussion, including an important tambourine part, contribute to the Spanish feel. 

Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more, or www.jwpepper.com to purchase.

El Cid

Five Carols for Flute and Piano (or Harp) by Scott Watson (Trillenium Music Company): http://www.trillmusic.com/component/virtuemart/manufacturer/2012-05-25-03-46-381413740610

04 Silent Night

03 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

02 The Holly & The Ivy

01 O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Movement 3, "The Dog and the Bone," from Scott Watson's AESOP'S FABLES (Alfred Publications). Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

Aesop's Fables, movt 3 (The Dog and the Bone)

Movement 1, "The Tortoise and the Hare," from Scott Watson's AESOP'S FABLES (Alfred Publications). Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more.

Aesop's Fables, movt 2 (The Boy Who Cried "Wolf!")

Dreidl Adventure (Grade 2, Wingert-Jones) arr. by Scott Watson.  

Imagine playing the dreidl game at Hanukkah is more than a game - it's and adventure! Strategy is plotted, risks are taken, the battle is on. That is the premise of this epic, rhythmically charged setting of the beloved Hanukkah tune, "S'vivon" (The Dreidl).  A string orchestra version (different key) is also available from Wingert-Jones.

For more information, please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

Dreidel Adventure

Music from Scott Watson's new/original score to the 1921 Buster Keaton silent film comedy, THE GOAT. For more information, please visit: https://www.scottwatsonmusic.com/compositions/the-goat

THE GOAT: Opening Titles & Millionaires Row

Silent Night, Holy Night is a dramatic and beautiful arrangement that will help performers and listeners rediscover the sacred in this all-too-familiar Christmas carol. Nonetheless, it is technically accessible and is very performable by 2nd (and certainly 3rd) year bands.

Available from TRN Music Publisher. For more info, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com


Silent Night, Holy Night

Inspired by the German Romantic poem by Goethe, this Grade 2.5 concert piece takes the listener on a father and son's spine-chilling horseback ride through a dark, misty forest - full of "Gothic" excitement!

Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more, or www.jwpepper.com to purchase.

Der Erlkonig

Please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com to learn more, or www.jwpepper.com to purchase.

Secret Agent Sugar Plum

O Happy Day

Super Hero

Morning Star

In this setting, the tune "Good King Wenceslas" appears in a rustic, lively 13th century style. This Alfred Debut series piece is a J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice," and available in SmartMusic. 

For more information, please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com or www.jwpepper.com.

At The Feast Of Stephen

Sound Off! is based on a familiar military cadence call (sometimes called the "Duckworth Chant") used by drill instructors and their soldiers as they march in formation, set against a jaunty, military drum beat. Hal Leonard Discovery Series. 

For more information, please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com or www.jwpepper.com.

Sound Off!

The spooky sounds of haunted houses and Halloween come to life in this fun piece for young band. The piece gives your low brass and woodwinds some prominent melodic material, makes clever use of novel percussion, and even includes a flute section "scream". This Alfred Debut series piece is a J.W. Pepper Editor's Choice, available in SmartMusic, and is one of my most-performed pieces for young band. 


For more information, please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com or www.jwpepper.com.

Ghosts In The Graveyard

This new work musically conveys both reflection and joy with colorful scoring and expressive writing. This Alfred Debut series piece is a J.W. Pepper Editor's Choice, available in SmartMusic. 

For more information, please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com or www.jwpepper.com.

Hanukah Is Here

A Joyous Celebration (Alfred Publications, String Orchestra with Timpani, Grade 2.5) - with its bright, hopeful melody and infectious rhythms - is the perfect piece to open or close your concert, or to program for any celebratory occasion. Optimistic harmonies and recurring syncopations in the opening section give way to broad, expansive strokes in a brief, contrasting section. A fortissimo climax leads to the welcome return of the jubilant opening theme. The joyful music drives to a sparkling finish, conveying the feeling that anything is possible!

To learn more about Watson's music and activities, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

2017-2018 Belwin and Highland-Etling Orchestra New Releases

A Joyous Celebration

DARK CHASE was awarded 2nd Place in the 1992 Percussive Arts Society Percussion Composition Contest (Large Ensemble) has been performed by percussion ensembles at Temple University, University of Delaware, West Chester University (this recording) and others. It was originally commissioned by the Whitehall High School (PA) Percussion Ensemble, Rick Hilborn, Director for their performance at the 1992 PMEA State Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.

Scored for 10 players (mallets and battery), it is now available in a beautifully-prepared published edition from Trillenium Music Company (www.trillmusic.com). Reviewing the piece, Cort McClaren of Percussive Notes (journal of the Percussive Arts Society) wrote, "Dark Chase is an excellent opener or an exciting show-piece in the center of a concert. Percussion ensemble conductors and performing musicians will find time spent on this piece very rewarding." The published edition was reviewed in the April, 1998 Percussive Notes by John Raush, who said: "Watson's score is well-crafted and imaginative."

Dark Chase

Terracotta Warriors (Alfred Publications, Grade 2.5) was inspired by the extraordinary “spirit army” of clay statues - numbering more than 6,000 - created in the third century B.C. for the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, first emperor of China. This astounding array of armed sculptures was placed in the emperor’s tomb, along with hundreds of terracotta horses and chariots, to protect the emperor in the afterlife. The music begins with a brief, plaintive folk chant summoning the army from their centuries-old sleep. The faithful warriors respond, coming to life to protect their emperor with musical representations of uniform marching and weapons display. Terracotta Warriors captures the legend and grandeur of the Qin dynasty in this striking and unique piece for band. 

Terracotta Warriors was commissioned by the Albemarle County (Virginia) Middle School Honors Band, premiered November 2016.  Alfred Young Symphonic Series and 2017 J.W. Pepper Editor's Choice.

To learn more, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

Terracotta Warriors

Secret Agent Sugar Plum (String Orchestra, Alfred Publications, Grade 2.5)
Have the cookies left out on Christmas Eve mysteriously vanished? Does it seem like the nutcracker and toy soldier figurines have moved by themselves overnight? Are you experiencing strange visions of holiday confections dancing in your head? There’s only one operative with the right skill set for holiday capers like these: Secret Agent Sugar Plum of the Holiday Sweets Division of WinterPol!

This clever holiday "mash up" arrangement for string orchestra and percussion fuses themes from Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" (from The Nutcracker) with classic spy music idioms, all set to a driving rock beat. Sure to be a player and audience favorite in your holiday concert!

To learn more, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

Secret Agent Sugar Plum (String Orchestra, Percussion)

A Golden Legacy (Wingert-Jones, Grade 4.5) was commissioned by the Lehigh County (Pennsylvania) Bandmasters to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Lehigh County Honor Band Festival. The 50-year legacy mentioned in the title refers to the significant impact those band teachers had on the lives of their students all those years, passing the love of music from generation to generation. The legacy is golden because it marks a musical tradition held so dear.
 
The music for A Golden Legacy reflects both the joy and reverence many of us feel in our role as transmitters of cultural art, of the band tradition.  The piece alternates between two themes: one a fanfare that becomes a purposeful march, the other a chorale (or hymn tune) that undergoes several variations.  The last of these variations erupts in celebration with full woodwind scoring, brass fanfares, and exciting runs by the bells and chimes.

To learn more, please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com

2017 Wingert-Jones Concert Band Final

A Golden Legacy

A macabre figurehead on the prow of a medieval Norse warship, followed by its large sail adorned with a mythical beast, slowly emerges from the mist on the cold, dark sea. The rough voice of the ship master and the beat of the drum call the boat’s oarsmen to strenuous, rhythmic movement as they bear down on their prey. Full of dread, the smaller ship attempts to outrun their Viking attackers, using the fog to evade capture. For a time neither ship sees the other; there is an eerie quiet. But these cold waters belong to the Norsemen of the Dragonship, who skillfully and stealthily maneuver through the shadowy fog. The Dragonship suddenly appears from the mist, its terrifying bow looming right above! It is too late! 

Dragonship uses inventive harmonies, accented modal melodies, and colorful, aggressive percussion scoring to convey the mythical tale of a fearsome Norse warship.

Alfred Challenger Series, Grade 1.5. For more information please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

2018-2019 Belwin & Alfred Concert Band New Releases

Dragonship

Balkan Seven gets its inspiration from the lively, often rhythmically asymmetric, dances of the Balkan region of Southeastern Europe - encompassing countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia and Croatia. ⅞ is the most popular uneven dance rhythm in all of Balkan music, especially in Macedonia, where a line dance with a 3+2+2 subdivision is prevalent. 

Not surprisingly, the percussion section plays a special role in creating and sustaining the feel of a rustic folk dance. The score calls for a minimum of seven different players (some covering multiple instruments). The high-low tom part approximates the sound of various 2-headed folk drums used in Balkan music (e.g. tupan, daouli, davul, doumbek). Optional percussion doublings - hand drum(s) with the snare drum part and finger cymbals(s) with the triangle part - are indicated and encouraged if players are available. In measures 98-117, the wind players create additional percussive energy by clapping and (for some) stomping. Balkan Seven was commissioned by the Orefield Middle School 7th/8th Grade Band (Orefield, PA), Mr. Peter Zimmer, Director and premiered May 2018.

Alfred Publications Young Symphonic Series, Grade 3. For more information, please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

Balkan Seven

Enter the steampunk world of Jules Verne, H.G. Wells and others whose fascinating, limitless view of the future - from a Victorian vantage point - presented all sorts of fanciful contraptions: forward-looking modes of transportation, time travel, weaponry and more!

Two themes alternate, one conveying the wonder of these futuristic marvels (and the mysterious laboratoriums where they are hatched). A second raucous, energetic theme portrays the steam, gears, sprockets, and pulleys mechanically powering them. 

Alfred Music, Young Symphonic Series, Grade 3. Commissioned by the Clayton High School (NJ) Concert Band, David Dashefsky, Director. To learn more, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

2019-2020 Belwin & Alfred Concert Band New Releases

Extraordinary Machines of Clockwork and Steam

Written on the heels of the success on "Five Carols for Flute and Piano (or Harp)," this collection features contemporary settings of five MORE old world carols for solo flute and piano (or harp) accompaniment. Order here: https://trillmusic.com/online-catalog/flute/five-more-carols-detail

To learn more about the music of Scott Watson, please visit scottwatsonmusic.com.

Good Christian Men Rejoice

This performance, the premiere, is by the Temple University Symphony Orchestra, Luis Biava, Music Director, with trumpet soloist Terell Stafford (Oct 2001, Academy of Music, Philadelphia). "Prayer" is the 2nd movement of the Concerto (marked "Calmo").

In his International Trumpet Guild Journal review of the Concerto (Jan. 2000), Randy Grabowski writes: "The calm, free second movement (4:20) is a "beautiful, serene song for trumpet" that offers a floating melody over an easy orchestral accompaniment. The only difficulty for the soloist might be in holding out the long last note while the orchestra slowly resolves to the ending...Watson's Concerto for trumpet and Orchestra is a distinctive composition that should prove challenging and absorbing for the performers as well as interesting and captivating for the audience."

Performance materials available from the composer. To learn more about Scott Watson, please visit scottwatsonmusic.com

Academy Concert

Movt. 2, "Prayer," from Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra

Light Up the Sky (Alfred, Young Symphonic Series, Grade 3) was composed for the South Hunterdon Regional High School Concert Band, Gabe Stephens, director in Lambertville, New Jersey. Lambertville, NJ and New Hope, PA sit opposite one another on the Delaware River just north of Philadelphia and are older, but beautifully-restored towns that attract tourists with their artisan eateries, upscale shops, small performance venues, and bed and breakfast inns.  A summer highlight for these neighboring communities is “Friday Night Fireworks.” As the sun sets on the picturesque Delaware River, members of both communities come together to see the fireworks (launched from a barge out on the river) illuminate the night sky.

Light Up the Sky reflects the thrill and excitement of these dazzling pyrotechnic displays. Contributing to the excitement are lively syncopated rhythms, mixed meter, and energetic, colorful (and at times explosive!) percussion. 

To learn more, please visit scottwatsonmusic.com

2020-2021 Belwin & Alfred Concert Band New Releases

Light Up the Sky

Rock Solid (Alfred, Challenger Series, Grade 2) is a tribute to the workers and enterprise that made Northampton, Pennsylvania the “cement capital of the world.” The piece takes you back to the town’s bustling factories at the turn of the century. A moderate rock feel, various percussion, and gritty, somewhat dissonant harmonies combine to portray the sound of industry: work gangs laboring with machinery whirring, clanging, grinding, and banging. 

In addition to several unison, vocal shouts from the band, the scoring includes optional electric/pad bass (which may be played on bass guitar or keyboard synth) and factory whistle (cued sound effect suggested).

Rock Solid was commissioned by the Northampton Area Konkrete Kids Education Foundation, Northampton, Pennsylvania for the Northampton Area Middle School and High School Bands, Connor Barz and James Sansone, Directors.

To learn more, please visit scottwatsonmusic.com

Rock Solid

The tropical island volcano, known to natives as “Thunder Mountain,” has lain dormant for years. Superstition has it that the last time Thunder Mountain erupted was the last time outside explorers trespassed up its sacred slopes. Now, as an unaware party of adventurous researchers work atop the legendary mountain, it begins to shake with pre-eruption tremors! Amid seething smoke and simmering magma the party races to safety. Will they make it down in time before it blows? You be the judge!

Escape from Thunder Mountain (Alfred, Sound Innovations Series, Grade 1.5) takes you, musically, on a harrowing, life and death thrill ride that ends dramatically in a thunderous explosion of sound!

Escape from Thunder Mountain correlates to Book 1, Level 6 of Sound Innovations for Concert Band.

To learn more, please visit scottwatsonmusic.com

Escape from Thunder Mountain

Cooked up with instruments found in the kitchen, Kitchen Musicians (Alfred, Sound Innovations Series, Grade .5-1)  is a lively feature for members of the percussion section performing as soloists on pots and pans. The pot and pan part is fun and showy, yet so easy-to-play you could invite special, non-musician guests (cafeteria workers, parents, teachers or administrators) to join as soloists. To lend a theatrical flair, dress your Kitchen Musician percussionists as chefs for the performance. Kitchen Musicians serves up the perfect recipe for a tasty, entertaining musical treat! 

Kitchen Musicians correlates to Book 1, Level 3 of Sound Innovations for Concert Band.

To learn more, please visit scottwatsonmusic.com

Kitchen Musicians

The opening movement of Scott Watson's Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra. Premiered October 2001 by Temple University Symphony Orchestra, Luis Biava, conductor and Terrell Stafford, trumpet soloist at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

To learn more, please visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra - Movt. 1 (Allegro moderato)

Scott Watson has composed for concert, radio, and theater and received recognition for his work from ASCAP, the American Composers Forum, the American Music Center and others.

Watson's music for band is published primarily by Alfred Publications, for whom he an exclusive composer for the Challenger Series. Other music for concert band is published by Wingert-Jones Publications, TRN, C. L. Barnhouse, Hal Leonard, Concert Works Unlimited (a division of Shawnee Press, now distributed by Hal Leonard), and Jon Ross Music. His string/orchestra music is published by Wingert-Jones Publications Publications, and his chamber music is published by Trillenium Music Company.

About Watson's music, The Instrumentalist says "outstanding...with beautiful melodies and interesting harmonies" (Mark Hosler, 2004), Percussive Notes says "written with supreme craft" (Cort McClaren, 1993), the Allentown Morning Call says "Watson exhibited a great deal of skill in managing the resources of the orchestra...a very well-crafted piece...he will very likely become a force to be reckoned with" (Philip A. Metzger, 2000), and PMEA News says "Watson skillfully transforms his zest for life into his own brand of unique musical exuberance. His scoring for winds, brass, and percussion is excellent" (Kenneth Laudermilch, 1998). His music for band has several times been named to Bandworld Top 100 and Japan Band Clinic Yamaha Recommends 100 Pieces for Band listings. Recent projects include Youth/Student Concert performances of his Aesop's Fables by the Allentown Band, with dance choreographed by Repertory Dance Theater, as well as commissions by MusicAlliance Honor Band Camp (Cleveland, Ohio) made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Lehigh County (Pennsylvania) Bandmasters Association, Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association (Spring 2007, concert band and chorus); an American Composers Forum Continental Harmony project commission, Magic Valley, (2004, concert band); Figurations (for winds and percussion), commissioned by the West Chester University Wind Ensemble, Kenneth Laudermilch, Director; Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, for the Temple University Symphony Orchestra, Luis Biava conductor and Terell Stafford, trumpet soloist; and Hymn and Declaration, commissioned by the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra, Donald Spieth, Director. Watson has been pleased and honored to serve as guest conductor and adjudicator at various band festivals as well.

Watson teaches instrumental and elective music in the Parkland School District (Allentown, PA), and serves as adjunct professor teaching music education/music technology courses for Villanova University, Cairn University, and Central Connecticut State University and Applied Composition for Valley Forge Christian College. His book, Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity, focuses on project-based, creative music learning facilitated by technology, and is published by Oxford University Press.

Dr. Scott Watson

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