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

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

Appalachian Hoedown

"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

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

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

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

Snow Day Adventure (Grade 1.5, Alfred Publishing) by Scott Watson. 

The alarm clock sounds on a cold winter morning. Youngsters wake and peer outside to find the ground covered with deep snow. It's going to be a "snow day" off from school! The fun-filled adventure which ensues, replete with sledding, snowmen, forts, and snowball battles is musically portrayed in this delightful, colorfully scored seasonal work for young band.

For more information, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

Snow Day Adventure

Call to Valor (Grade 1.5, Alfred) musically invokes both the resolute strength and quiet courage required to face difficulties and the unknown. The piece begins with a brief, animated introduction followed by a bold fanfare theme. A quieter, contrasting section alternates bugle calls with field drum solos, but then builds to the return of the opening material. A perfect fanfare opener or exciting closer for your next concert. 

According to Charles R. Groeling's review in The Instrumentalist magazine (Nov. 2012), "This piece would make an excellent program opener or closer." This Alfred Challenger series piece is a 2012 J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice," and available in SmartMusic. 

For more information, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

Call To Valor

March of the Tin Soldiers (Grade 1, Wingert-Jones), employs themes from Leon Jessel's popular march, "Parade of the Tin (or Wooden) Soldiers." Jessel's originally composed the piece for piano in 1897, but it was then later published for orchestra in 1905. Shortly after this, the song gained international acclaim as choreographers in Russian, France, and finally here in the United States on Broadway began using it in militaristic and holiday themed shows. Perhaps it’s most famous recent use is by the Radio City Music Hall "Rockettes" dancers as part of their Christmas Spectacular show in New York City. 

This well-crafted, approachable setting by arrangers Mark Syslo and Scott Watson makes Jessel's beloved march accessible for young band. For more information, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.


March Of The Tin Soldiers

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

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

Super Hero

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

This is a cool shuffle groove, with lots of repeated (but fun) rhythms. A J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice," Director's Pick, Alfred top seller, and one of my most-performed pieces for young band (Debut series). 

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

Walkin' Cool

Celebratory Fanfare (Alfred Publications, Grade 1). 
This bright, festive fanfare is the perfect concert opener for winter or spring and can lend its jubilant air to any celebration or observance in which your band plays a part. Hopeful and triumphant, this brief fanfare is written well within the ability level of developing players. You’ll be able to program this useful gem again and again in a variety of different performance situations. (2017 J.W. Pepper Editor's Choice)

To learn more, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

Celebratory Fanfare

Movin’ On, with its infectious gospel-rock groove, captures musically the spirit of stepping out with optimism to the next step in life’s journey. Sure, there might be some melancholy leaving a place we’ve grown used to, but moving on - advancing to the next grade, graduating, changing jobs, or even retiring at the end of a long career - is an adventure we can look forward to with hope! Movin’ On was commissioned for the Collegium Charter School (West Chester, PA) to honor the retirement of band director and music teacher, Mrs. Theresa Sundwall, to whom the piece is fondly dedicated.

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

2018-2019 Belwin & Alfred Concert Band New Releases

Movin' On

The galliard is a vigorous, athletic dance in triple meter, characterized by leaps, jumps, and hops. Popular in France, Spain and England during the Renaissance, it was a favorite dance of Queen Elizabeth I of England. The galliard was normally danced by couples at balls and other courtly entertainments, but could also be a showpiece for men to display their best jumps and turns.

Galliard presents this iconic dance form through the filter of contemporary wind and percussion writing, employing ¾ meter and mixolydian mode. The work’s bold ensemble statements are juxtaposed against more lightly scored sections which feature various instruments, bringing the atmosphere of a lively Renaissance dance party.

Alfred Music, Challenger Series, Grade 2. For more information, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

2019-2020 Belwin & Alfred Concert Band New Releases

Galliard

This lighthearted selection puts a warm musical spin on an activity so many find themselves doing every holiday season - shopping! A “call bell” in the percussion section - the kind you find on the counter of an old-fashioned store or hotel (which can be substituted with Triangle if necessary) mimics the cash register and signals each purchase in this fun, musical shopping trip.

Alfred Music, Sound Innovations Series, Grade 1. To learn more, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

Holiday Shopping

Just Add Music provides the notes and rhythms, but no tempo, character, dynamics, or articulations. Those missing items are the “music” that you and your students pencil in to make this piece your own! 

Perhaps students will choose a brisk march tempo or an easy-going moderato. The introduction could begin boldly like a fanfare or start softly then build. Which do you prefer for the accompaniment notes: charming legatos or light staccatos. It’s all up to you!

All the notes and rhythms you need for a great concert selection are included in this recipe for hands-on learning and creativity...Just Add Music!

Alfred Music, Sound Innovations Series, Grade 1. To learn more, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.

Just Add Music (Concert Band, Grade 1)

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.

Music for Young Band

Dr. Scott Watson