Feature Article An Interview with Kathryn Belle Scott
Kathryn Belle Scott, a native of
Alexander City, Alabama, has the distinct honor of being the first female NCAA University marching band director in the nation.
she attended the University of Alabama on a
bassoon
A lover of music since childhood, scholarship,
earning
undergraduate and post-graduate degrees with honors. After just one year of teaching in the secondary school system in Alabama, she was asked to interview for the position of Assistant Director of the University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band. Scott served as Assistant Director
from 1976 to 1983 and, in 1984, made history by earning the title of Director of the Million Dollar Marching Band. Determined to make the band program the best in the nation, Scott was known for putting in long hours, holding demanding rehearsals, and being a stickler for details—all of which are the hallmarks of success. It was under Scott's impressive
direction that the band was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy—the highest
honor for a college marching band. Scott retired with her final performance in 2002 with a tremendous halftime show known as "Halftime of a Lifetime" that stunned and amazed a 98,000 capacity audience at Bryant Denney Stadium. You saw no fans at the "usually packed" concession stands for those 8 and a half minutes! Throughout her tenure at Alabama,
Scott made an indelible mark on countless students and fans. Her legendary work ethic, relentless pursuit of excellence, and extreme determination have placed her in the pantheon of college marching bands, and has made a significant impact upon women entering the field of instrumental music education, leveling the playing field in the historically male-dominated area of college band directing. As part of an Oral History project
at Arizona State University, I asked for an opportunity to talk with Kathryn to find out the pathway of her career, things she learned along the way, and advice to new, current, and future music educators. It was a fascinating conversation for me to be able to
by Amy Spears
have, and I think others will find it interesting, inspiring, and helpful as well.
Amy: Where did you grow up and go to high school? Kathryn: I was born in Alexander City and attended Benjamin Russell High School.
Amy: What college degrees did you receive and from where? Kathryn: I received my Bachelor of Music Education and my Master of Arts in Instrument Music Education from the University of Alabama.
Amy: What is your principal instrument? What secondary instruments do you play? Kathryn: I took piano lessons throughout my life until I went to college. I started out playing tenor saxophone in seventh grade, and my principal instrument in college was bassoon. I marched trumpet and French horn my last two or three years at Alabama.
Amy: How long did you teach in the public schools?
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February 2011
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