There is a new hand guiding the baton that directs all West Virginia University bands.
Scott Tobias has assumed the role of WVU Director of Bands.
Tobias is currently an assistant professor and director of bands for the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He’s previously served as associate director of bands at the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University and director of bands at Sumter High School in Sumter, S.Ca. and Central High School in Macon, Ga.
“Throughout his career, Dr. Tobias has been known for his excellence as a teacher, musician, and leader,” said Keith Jackson, director of the WVU School of Music. “We are proud of the traditions of the WVU bands, and we’re excited to begin this new chapter in our continued evolution towards becoming one of the premiere programs for wind bands in the United States.”
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of the West Virginia University faculty,” Tobias said. “The history of the program, the resources and facilities, and the potential for continued growth all made the position very appealing.”
The Director of Bands is responsible for oversight of the five ensembles in WVU’s band program, which include the Mountaineer Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Pep Band. Tobias will be involved with all of the bands in various capacities, but he’ll primarily be conducting WVU’s Wind Symphony.
Initially, he’ll acclimate himself to WVU and its School of Music. “I believe the first step in charting a course forward is understanding where you are and from where you have come,” he said.
“As with most university marching bands, the Pride of West Virginia is easily the most visible ensemble within the School of Music and serves as a vital ambassador for the University,” he said. “I look forward not only to helping maintain the level of excellence enjoyed for many years by the Pride of West Virginia, but also to helping the ensemble continue to develop as one of the premiere college marching bands in the nation.”
But he’s also dedicated to fostering the “outstanding concert band components of the program in such a way that the WVU bands are recognized throughout the region and nation as a model, comprehensive university band program known for excellence in all facets of performance and education. I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with the WVU Wind Symphony as we present engaging musical performances both in Morgantown and throughout the region,” Tobias added.
Bands under his direction have performed nationally and internationally at events such as the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival, the Western International Band Clinic, the London New Year’s Day Parade, the Cabalgata de Reyes in Madrid, the University of Georgia January Festival, and the University of South Carolina Band Clinic.
Tobias has been awarded the “Citation of Excellence” from the National Band Association on three occasions and has been named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers on six separate occasions. While at Appalachian State University, he was awarded the Student Government Association’s Outstanding Faculty Member Award on four occasions and received the Hayes School of Music Outstanding Teacher Award. In 2009, Dr. Tobias was named a recipient of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award.
He earned his Bachelor of Music from Furman University and his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Georgia. He’s a member of the National Association for Music Education, Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Dr. Tobias currently serves as the 2nd Vice-President of the National Band Association.
Tobias replaces John Hendricks as WVU’s Director of Bands. Hendricks has served in the position since 2005, after 12 years as assistant director of bands and as director of the Mountaineer Marching Band since 1998. Hendricks has accepted a new administrative position with the College of Creative Arts.
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CONTACT: David Welsh, WVU College of Creative Arts
304.293.3397; David.Welsh@mail.wvu.edu
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