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Performances

As a seasoned musical director, arranger, and saxophonist, I have had the privilege of leading and performing with a variety of ensembles, from full jazz orchestras to intimate combos. My work blends traditional jazz influences with contemporary styles, resulting in performances that are both innovative and deeply rooted in jazz history. Whether conducting original arrangements for the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective, collaborating with symphony orchestras, or featuring as a guest soloist, my goal is to create an engaging and dynamic musical experience for both musicians and audiences alike.

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of arranging and directing tribute concerts, holiday performances, and educational events, all of which have been met with enthusiastic responses and critical acclaim. Each performance offers a chance to explore the rich possibilities of jazz, ensuring that every show is as memorable as it is musically challenging.

Below are some of the selected performances that highlight my work as a performer, arranger, and conductor.

Selected Performances


Musical Director, Arranger, and Saxophonist, "Pops!: A Tribute to Louis Armstrong" with the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective (September 14, 2024)

Directed the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective as Musical Director, Arranger, and Saxophonist in an exciting tribute to the legendary Louis Armstrong. This program explored many of Armstrong’s famous songs, presenting them in both traditional and contemporary jazz styles. The concert captured Armstrong's spirit, with original arrangements that honored his legacy while adding fresh, modern twists. My role involved conducting the ensemble, playing saxophone, and guiding the musicians through an in-depth exploration of Armstrong’s extensive repertoire.


Musical Director, Arranger, and Saxophonist, Tribute to Stevie Wonder with the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective (June 8, 2024)

Directed a 17-piece jazz orchestra in an exhilarating tribute to Stevie Wonder. This concert featured my original arrangements that fused elements of jazz, funk, and soul, breathing new life into Wonder's classic hits. I conducted the ensemble, performed as a saxophonist, and crafted extended improvisational sections, showcasing the talents of our soloists. Held at the Babcock Theater, the concert drew an audience of 360, who responded enthusiastically to the dynamic solos and creative interpretations, making it a highlight of the season.


Guest Conductor, Composer, Arranger, "Christmas on Broadway" with the Billings Symphony Orchestra (December 16, 2023)

Arranged and conducted 11 new pieces for this festive holiday concert, blending the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective with a full string section and a vocal duo from New York City. As a saxophonist and conductor, I brought to life original arrangements of holiday classics, combining jazz with orchestral elements. The performance was held at the Alberta Bair Theater and was the best-selling show of the 2023–2024 season, with approximately 1,200 tickets sold.


Featured Guest Artist, Sheridan College’s Annual Jazz Day Event (March 17, 2022)

Served as the featured guest artist and clinician at Sheridan College’s Jazz Day event, performing with their student ensembles and leading clinics that provided educational guidance to student musicians. The event culminated in a nearly sold-out performance at the Whitney Center for the Arts, where I connected with and inspired young jazz musicians through my improvisational work and ensemble leadership.

  • Testimonial: "Scott brings a distinctive constellation of skills as a scholar, music professional, and educator to the art, craft, and science of teaching. He could easily enjoy a robust professional career in any major recording and performance center (e.g., his documented record of success in Los Angeles). His artistic integrity in multiple musical styles and media is highly respected." – [Eric Richards - Director of Band at Sheridan College]


Musical Director, Arranger, and Saxophonist, Tribute to Henry Mancini with the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective (September 10, 2022)

Invited by members of the Henry Mancini estate, I arranged, conducted, and performed as a saxophonist in a full jazz orchestra tribute concert. The performance included classic compositions like "The Pink Panther" and "Moon River," reimagined with intricate jazz arrangements. This invitation-only project showcased my ability to honor Mancini's work while infusing it with modern jazz sensibilities, and it was received enthusiastically by audiences and critics alike.

Guest Artist, "UM Holiday Swing" with the University of Montana Jazz Ensemble (December 11, 2021)

Performed as a guest artist with the University of Montana’s student jazz ensembles and faculty jazz combo during their annual fundraising event. The concert included two sold-out shows, where I collaborated with both students and faculty, sharing the stage and contributing to a dynamic, educational performance.

  • Testimonial: "Scott has the incredible gift of being able to bring together musicians to create not only a high level of

    musicianship but also providing a mentorship opportunity for younger musician." – [Rob Tapper - Chair of Jazz Studies at the University of Montana]

Saxophonist, Arranger, "PBS Great Performances - We Love Ella: A Tribute to the First Lady of Song" (May 2007)

Performed with Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Pa^ AusUn, Wynona, George Duke, Ledisi, Ruben Studdard, and James Moody. Contributed arrangements performed by Natalie Cole (“A Tisket A Tasket”), Ruben Studdard (“Do Nothin’ Til You Hear From Me”), and Ledisi (“Blues in the Night”).

Upcoming Performances

Musical Director, Arranger, and Saxophonist, Tribute to Frank Sinatra with the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective (October 17, 2024)

We will be performing a tribute to Frank Sinatra for the Montana Music Educators Association Annual Conference. This concert will feature arrangements from Sinatra’s legendary collaboration with Count Basie, "Sinatra at the Sands." The Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective will bring these classic tunes to life with a big band sound, paying homage to Sinatra's timeless contributions to jazz.

Musical Director, Arranger, and Saxophonist, "Hollywood Magic" with the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective (June 14, 2025)

In this performance, the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective will showcase all-new arrangements that I am currently writing based on songs originally composed for movies. The show will feature classics such as "Pure Imagination," "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," and Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For" from the Barbie Movie. This concert promises to blend jazz, film music, and storytelling in a captivating and cinematic experience.

Musical Director, Arranger, and Saxophonist, "Eurythmics Tribute" with the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective and Kristen Korb (October 11, 2025)

The Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective, in collaboration with bassist/vocalist Kristen Korb and myself, will perform all-new jazz arrangements of the iconic music of the Eurythmics. This show will blend the band's classic pop hits with fresh jazz interpretations, creating a unique fusion of genres that celebrates the Eurythmics' legacy.

 
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