09/04/2026
This month, Meet the Members highlights Dr. Scott Roeder, Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. Like many low brass players, Scott’s start on the tuba came down to a practical director’s decision in fifth grade: when he couldn't decide what to play, his band director suggested the tuba because he was the only student in the room big enough to hold it.
Scott built his musical foundation across three notable programs. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois studying with Mickey Moore, a master’s degree in Tuba Performance (with partial studies in Music Theory) from the University of Akron with Tucker Jolly, and his DMA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison under John Stevens. Along the way, he pursued additional studies with renowned pedagogues including Arnold Jacobs, Sam Pilafian, Pat Sheridan, David Kirk, and Neal Tidwell. Each stage provided a distinct pillar for his career: Illinois reinforced the core of fundamentals and ensemble precision; Akron highlighted that "interpersonal skills are really almost as important as musical skills"; and Wisconsin placed musical concept at the very forefront of sound production.
His transition into the profession began after his third year at Akron, when he won the tuba position with the West Texas Symphony and Lone Star Brass Quintet. Spending four years performing in the Permian Basin cemented his affection for Texas and confirmed his desire to teach at the collegiate level. Today, he leads a thriving studio of 28 to 30 majors at UTRGV, directing the Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, coordinating studio activities alongside faculty and graduate assistants, and regularly performing with the Valley Symphony Orchestra.
When asked about his mentors, Scott credits his mother for instilling a "never-quit attitude," alongside his teachers and his students, whom he cites as his main professional driving force to continuously expand opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley. Away from the studio, Scott prioritizes spending time with his 12-year-old son, following college football, collecting sports cards, and traveling.
For the next generation of brass musicians, Scott advises: "First, don't try to be me. Find your own path! If you want to be in the business, chase it with everything you got and always pursue musical excellence." He encourages students to embrace every opportunity: "Go experience as much as you can musically and in life. The best experiences in life are often not convenient, and they are so worth it. If a recital of a big artist is three hours away, go! You never know who you are going to meet there."
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The primary mission of the ITEA College Students Committee is to make the association more relevant and accessible to college students. Our current ongoing projects and objectives include but are not limited to:
- Advising ITEA on how to better cater to college students’ needs.
- Facilitating the establishment of new student chapters.
- Offering support for guest artist and lecturer events.
- Exploring financial aid opportunities for student chapters and individuals, such as travel grants and scholarships.
We also invite all members, especially college students, to share your feedback and expectations via the survey. Let us know how ITEA can better serve and engage with the collegiate community to ensure the association remains relevant and accessible. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2xo2DQNRcLwwjT8qzQWhQCvj1cwjPsuVLA74KoJFOkjOTuQ/viewform
