Biography
Dr. Dereck Scott is a conductor, artistic director, educator, arranger, composer, and trumpeter whose work is centered on creating concert experiences that inspire performers, engage audiences, and strengthen communities. Through imaginative programming, collaborative artistry, and a commitment to musical excellence, he seeks to honor the tradition of the wind band while continually expanding its reach through new music, creative presentation, and accessible performance experiences.
As Music Director of the City of Fairfax Band Association and Conductor of the City of Fairfax Band, Dr. Scott provides the artistic vision for one of Northern Virginia’s premier community music organizations. His work as a programmer and conductor emphasizes the idea that concerts should do more than present repertoire—they should tell stories, build connections, and invite audiences into a deeper relationship with the music. His programs frequently combine traditional wind band masterworks with film music, multimedia elements, historical narratives, and newly commissioned works, reflecting a belief that accessibility and artistic integrity are not mutually exclusive.
Previously, Dr. Scott served as Music Director of the Cathedral Brass and Founding Music Director of the Cherry Blossom Brass Band. With Cathedral Brass, he led performances at the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival, the National Community Band Festival, and the Washington D.C. Temple’s Festival of Lights, helping to expand the ensemble’s regional presence and artistic profile. As Founding Music Director of the Cherry Blossom Brass Band, he helped establish the ensemble’s artistic identity and, in collaboration with its musicians and leadership, guided the group to a second-place finish in the Third Section of the North American Brass Band Association Championships during its inaugural competitive season. The ensemble was also invited to perform as the featured brass band for the Northeast Regional Tuba-Euphonium Conference at George Mason University, collaborating with internationally recognized artists David Porter, Justin Benavidez, Brandon Jones, and Mark Jenkins.
An active educator, Dr. Scott directs bands at an independent school in Northern Virginia, where he was recognized with the Driving Spirit Award in 2023 for excellence in teaching and service. He maintains an active presence as a clinician throughout the region, working with school ensembles to develop musical independence, expressive performance, and ensemble cohesion. His teaching experience also includes appointments at Frostburg State University and West Virginia University, where he served as a graduate teaching assistant in music theory and audio production while teaching applied trumpet.
Before focusing primarily on conducting, Dr. Scott performed professionally as a trumpeter with ensembles including the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, McKeesport Symphony Orchestra, Three Rivers Orchestra, Washington Metropolitan Orchestra, and as Principal Cornet and Soloist of the Rockville Brass Band.
As an arranger and composer, Dr. Scott has created a substantial body of works for concert band, brass band, chamber ensembles, and educational groups. His music is performed by school, community, and semi-professional ensembles throughout the United States and internationally. His arranging work is known for its practicality and idiomatic writing, often enabling ensembles of varying instrumentation and ability levels to access repertoire that might otherwise be unavailable.
A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Dr. Scott is committed to expanding the wind band repertoire through the commissioning and performance of new works. He actively seeks opportunities to support emerging and underrepresented composers, guided by the belief that the future of the repertoire depends on a diversity of voices and perspectives. His commissioning philosophy emphasizes artistic partnership and respect for composer autonomy, ensuring that each new work reflects the composer’s voice rather than the preferences of the commissioning ensemble. This approach is reflected in his recent commission of Nicole Piunno’s Sing of Tomorrow.
Originally from the Pittsburgh region of Pennsylvania, Dr. Scott earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Duquesne University and both the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from West Virginia University.
Whether conducting a masterwork of the repertoire, mentoring young musicians, commissioning new music, or designing innovative concert experiences, Dr. Scott believes that the most meaningful performances are those that continue to resonate long after the final note—sparking curiosity, conversation, and a deeper connection to music within the communities they serve.