Scott Woodard selected to lead the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra
The new music director for the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra was selected from 130 qualified candidates, the BPO board of directors says.
Scott Woodard answered the posting on the Conductor’s Guild website, met with a search committee, and auditioned just before the 2020 pandemic started.
During his interview process he spent time with outgoing maestro Paul Stanbery and said he knew the BPO was the right fit for him.
“I was thrilled with the musicians, the board members, the search committee and all the patrons I met. My time spent during that week with Maestro Stanbery helped me to see the organization in its historical context. What an amazing regional ensemble has been created here in Butler County, and I am so proud to be able to write my chapter in its story.”
Woodard’s musical journey started when he was a trumpet player in a school band and orchestra in Huntington, West Virginia.
“ As a young musician, I knew I wanted to teach and to conduct. From my earliest days, I had amazing teachers who recognized my desires and gave me more opportunities to conduct live ensembles of musicians; more opportunities than I am sure I deserved,” Woodard said.
He went to college at Marshall University. Since no degree in orchestra conducting exists, he took private lessons throughout his undergraduate years.
“When no ensembles were available to conduct, I formed my own opera company,” he said.
What resulted was a student-led production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Sorcerer,” Woodard said.
While studying for his Master’s degree, he began studying with Dr. Paul Beshaw, who encouraged Woodard to enter international conducting competitions.
“When I hesitated, he took the initiative and sent applications for me without my knowledge,” he said.
“Those were incredible years which convinced me that a career in professional conducting was my goal, and ultimately set my feet on the path which has led me to Hamilton. In addition to my work with the BPO, I continue to conduct the West Virginia State Philharmonic Orchestra, which I founded in 2014 in Institute, West Virginia,” Woodard said.
He expects that the future for the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra is a bright one.
“ As the world continues to struggle with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 virus, the BPO will be embarking upon a new 5-year strategic plan which will capitalize on the successes of the past 25 years under Maestro Stanbery,” Woodard said. “At the same time, we must look to build the audience of tomorrow. As a conductor/educator, I am anxious to use our position as the premiere regional orchestra in Butler County to influence and impact young people through the medium of classical music. I see the BPO expanding its musical offerings to include family and educational programming which educates, enlightens and entertains,” he said.
“I believe that the arts will roar back into the lives of people all over the world as a force more relevant than ever before … beginning in Butler County, I expect the BPO to lead that charge.”
Learn more about the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra and Butler Philharmonic Chorus online at butlerphil.org.