Scott Whetham

• Instrument: Tuba
• Role: Principal

Scott Whetham began playing tuba in the North Vancouver Youth Band, under the direction of Arthur Smith. Formal training followed with Dennis Miller of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Scott performed as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and a Canada Council Arts Grant enabled further studies at the Eastman School of Music.

Attending classes of Arnold Jacobs, Roger Bobo, Richard Erb and Christopher Leuba provided further inspiration. A period of free lancing in Vancouver included work with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Opera and Ballet Orchestras, Broadway's touring Annie and various brass ensembles. Scott has also performed with the National Symphony Orchestra of Peru.

In 1984 Scott joined the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra as Principal Tuba, and with them has performed the concertos of Vaughan Williams and John Williams. Recording credits include pop/rock artist Olivia Newton-John, the Edmonton Wind Ensemble, folk artists and ALBERTASAURUS, a tuba quartet whose CD recording has enjoyed great success. He has also been broadcast on the CBC as recitalist and composer.

Past performing and teaching includes the Banff International Festival of Bands and Youth Orchestra, Guest Artist ITEC 2000 (an international euphonium and tuba conference), Guest Artist "Brass Days" (University of Saskatoon) and the New Edmonton Wind Sinfonia (performing Edward Gregson and Bruce Broughton concertos).

Outside the orchestra, Scott teaches at the University of Alberta Department of Music, and Musicamp Alberta. In 1995 he founded the Mill Creek Colliery Band, a British style brass band of 25 players.

Newer groups include BASS LINE ROAD - a new music ensemble consisting of bassoon, tuba, three double basses and percussion, the TARRAGON TEA ORCHESTRA - a European style salon orchestra and the ERGON BRASS - a traditional brass ensemble.

Non musical interests include badminton, collecting Pogo books, and camping during Alberta's too short summers.