One of the world's foremost tuba professors will be joining the North American Brass Band Summer School in Nova Scotia (26th June — 6th July) to add to the world class attractions for delegates on the course.

Scott Watson recently performed with Fountain City Band to help then retain the NABBA National title in Fort Wayne, and this year is also celebrating 40 years as Tuba Professor at Kansas University.

Inspire

Reflecting on those 40 years he told 4BR: "What better professional life is there than to teach and inspire talented students who are also great people?

It's not a 9-5 stay home weekends kind of job for certain, but what a rewarding musical lifestyle it's been, and now I'm looking forward to meeting up with performers from across the world in Nova Scotia."

Scott understands the commitment and drive of players wishing to fulfill their potential and enjoy their music making, as when he first started his faculty position he also worked a night-time shift at a local bakery.

Fantastic students

He added: "It does make you think back on what has transpired in your professional life, but I'm so grateful to those who helped inspire me. That's what pushed me on and why I'm coming to the course. I wouldn't be here if not for them, my brass colleagues throughout my career at KU, the staff and administration, but especially all those fantastic students!"

During a glittering career as performer and pedagogue Scott has performed and taught all over the world — from Melbourne to the Mid-West, and at present he is also working on a book about Studio Teaching with his friend Jerry Young.

However, he revealed that it has been his brilliant brass banding experiences with Fountain City and the Free State Brass Band as conductor that persuaded him to join up with the North American Brass Band Summer School in Halifax.

What better professional life is there than to teach and inspire talented students who are also great people?Scott Watson

Restored faith

"Brass Banding restored my faith in our art,"he added. "It has made me a much better player too, especially those damn test pieces!

Halifax is a great place to be each summer working with such legendary people such as Bob and David Childs, Tom Hutchinson and the rest of the team. I've made so many friends at NABBSS, and I am sure I will make so many more this year too!"

Sign up

To study with Scott Watson and a roster of tutors that also includes David Childs, Tom Hutchinson and Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, why not sign-up to be part of NABBSS 2019 from June 26th — July 6th.

Further details, including an online registration form, can be found at: www.nabbss.ca