After leading the Roosevelt Jazz Bands for almost four decades, longtime RHS Jazz Director Scott Brown is set to retire following the end of this school year. Throughout his 38 years of instruction, Brown has connected with countless students, garnered critical acclaim, and brought prestige to the Roosevelt music program. With a tremendously impressive record, he leaves Roosevelt with a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Right out of college, Brown acquired a part-time job at Roosevelt teaching the jazz band. He says, “It soon ballooned into all kinds of after school hours, and the program grew and grew.” Now, he oversees all parts of the Jazz program, ranging from symphonic band to wind ensemble.
Under his management, Roosevelt has dominated the world-renowned Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival for the last two decades. According to the Seattle Times, since 1999, Brown has led Roosevelt Jazz to the Essentially Ellington finals 22 times out of 24. During this period, the jazz band placed in the top three of the competition 11 times.
Scott Brown, RHS Band Director
Regardless, competition isn’t what holds the band together: Brown says, “I think the more important achievement has to do with the lives of the students who have gone on and been successful and happy.”
He expects to greatly miss “the day to day connection with students and their antics and their craziness. And their passion about making music and just being together.” […] “It’s been the biggest blessing in my life.”
Since becoming the steward of Roosevelt’s jazz department, Brown has had the opportunity to witness the immense evolution of the program. He says that during his years “there’s been a tremendous amount of growth. And that’s both in the size of the program, but more importantly in the depth of what I’m able to offer as a teacher.”
From taking the marching band to play in Ireland and touring with a concert band through Europe, to playing with the music students of Mazatlan, Mexico, Brown has redefined the limits of what a high school music program can be.
Brown is hopeful for the future of the Roosevelt Jazz Program; no matter where it goes, he says, “I want them to continue to thrive, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be the same as what it has been. I hope it’s not.”
