Southern Miss Names New Visiting Assistant Director of Bands
Mon, 06/14/2021 - 11:02am | By: Mike Lopinto
Eric Scott has joined the faculty at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM)
as the Visiting Assistant Director of Bands, where he will assist “The Pride of Mississippi”
Marching Band, direct the USM Basketball Pep Band, conduct the University Band, and
teach conducting.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for the Pride of Mississippi, which serves
as a musical ambassador for the School of Music and the Southern Miss community,”
said Scott. “As The Pride celebrated their centennial this academic year, I consider
myself extremely fortunate to collaborate with the band’s family of students, alumni,
and directors as the ensemble embarks on its next hundred years.”
Prior to USM, Scott studied wind conducting at Northwestern University where he assisted with the advanced conducting courses, guest conducted the three concert bands and brass ensemble, and worked with the Wildcat Marching Band.
“Eric is a great addition to the USM band faculty and team,” said Dr. Catherine Rand, Director of Bands. “He brings with him a wealth of knowledge that he has gained teaching and has been a tremendous advocate for music, working for the betterment of teacher education in public school systems. We look forward to welcoming him to his new Southern Miss family!”
As a Tennessee native, he taught 10 years of public school in the greater Nashville area. Highlights from his teaching career include wind ensemble performances at the Atlanta Symphony Hall, consistent marching distinctions, and a performance for the opening session at the 2015 National Association for Music Education (NAfME) National Conference. As an advocate for music education, Scott served on the Executive Board for the Middle Tennessee Band and Orchestra Association (MTSBOA), where he coordinated the honors ensembles weekend and facilitated professional development opportunities for educators throughout middle Tennessee.
Scott has completed the coursework for the Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from Northwestern University, as well as received a Master of Music in Conducting at the University of Missouri Kansas City and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University.