Director of Symphonic Band/Instructor
Biography
Scott W. Campbell is joining the faculty at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University as the Assistant Director of Bands where he conducts the Symphonic Band. Prior to this appointment, Campbell taught for 36 years in a variety of public-school positions, working with band students in grades 6-12. Most recently, he taught at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School for 28 years, where he conducted the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Varsity Band, Jazz Ensemble I, Jazz Ensemble II, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra for musicals, and Marching Band. His goals at Sauk Rapids-Rice were centered on offering opportunities for students to enjoy growing musically through their instrument.
Campbell received his Bachelor of Music degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and his Master’s in Education from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. He values performing and currently substitutes with the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra on horn when needed. He has served as the President of the Central Minnesota Band Directors Association and as the Vice-President of Bands for the Minnesota Music Educators Association. While at Sauk Rapids-Rice, he served as the music department chair, the music representative on the construction committee for the building of the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, the Performing Arts Center chair, the high school schedule committee chair, and was faculty advisor to the Sauk Rapids-Rice Music Boosters.
As a high school band director, Campbell led the commission of a musical work celebrating Central Minnesota. This piece, titled “Heart of Minnesota Suite,” is a four movement work composed for wind ensemble by J. Robert Hansen. It captures the essence of St. Cloud’s culture and history through music—from the pride of St. Cloud’s Scandinavian heritage, to the importance of its granite, to the traditions of Saint John’s Abbey through musical imagery.
Campbell’s vision for the Symphonic Band at CSB/SJU is to provide a welcoming opportunity for students to continue to explore music-making beyond high school. Membership in this ensemble allows students to connect to a community on campus where music is the focus. All are welcome to come and take this journey together as a member of the Symphonic Band.
Education
- B.M., Concordia College Moorhead
- M.E., College of St. Scholastica