Scott Roberts has to have music in his life. And because the 21-year-old Rainy River Community College student has such a passion for the art, he makes sure to find time for music — despite a challenging schedule.
“Music is part of who I am,” Roberts explained.
Roberts first instrument was a trumpet, which he received when he was in fifth grade. The trumpet soon became the young musician’s native instrument and he perfected his ability during the rest of his schooling years.
“I would practice (the trumpet) instead of going out for recess,” Roberts admitted. “I knew I was just OK, I wanted to be able to play better.”
After graduating in 2008 from Falls High School, Roberts learned of the Rainy Lake Orchestra. Unfortunately, Roberts was told there was no need for a trumpet player in the orchestra, but John Faith, a well-known local musician, spoke up and said Roberts could play the French horn, an instrument the group lacked.
“I never played the French horn a day in my life,” Roberts said with a laugh.
Nonetheless, he wanted to be part of the orchestra and accepted learning to play the French horn as a personal challenge.
“I learned it and that is what I played,” Roberts said.
Learning the art
The teenager’s interest in music grew as more avenues were explored.
“I was never an avid classical music fan,” he said.
However, while participating in the Rainy Lake Strings workshop in Ranier one summer, an opening performance of a classical song almost instantly changed his mind.
“(Hearing that) was a very spiritual moment for me as far as music goes,” Roberts said.
The following year, Roberts stood up in front of the very same workshop and directed the program that summer.
“I think I am a little more animated up on the stand when it comes to directing,” Roberts said with a grin.
He attributed his animation to his biggest inspiration, Leonard Bernstein — an American composer, conductor, author, music lecturer and pianist.
“Bernstein is hands down one of the greatest directors on this planet,” Roberts said of his idol.
A busy schedule
In the fall of 2010, Roberts organized a brass quintet — The Basement Brass — with the help of Faith, who quickly became one of Roberts’ mentors.
“The Basement Brass is made up of myself, John Faith, Chris Foreman, John Dutton, and Aron Bohnert,” Roberts said. “What an amazing group. I am lucky enough to get area music directors together for this ensemble.”
Roberts laughs when he describes the schedule of all the musical groups he belongs to: Mondays he has three rehearsals — city band, Rainy Lake Community Orchestra, and The Basement Brass; Tuesdays — Borderland Community Orchestra in Emo, Ontario; Wednesdays — city band and church choir; and Thursdays — Faith and the Believers II.
“I don’t have much time to rest,” he said. “I work overnights at the hospital Friday through Sunday and have class every day during the week until noon. But, I have to make time for music.”
Future plans
As Roberts looks into the future, he admits music will not be something he does professionally. In the fall, he will cross the state line to attend North Dakota State University to study chemistry.
“Music will always be part of my life and I’m struggling with the fact that it’ll be taking a back seat to school,” he said. “Music won’t be a job, but it will be something I escape to.”
Roberts said he is content with the musical level he has achieved this far in his life.
“Nancy McBride once told me I’m an amateur,” he said. “By definition, amateur is a French word that means ‘one who loves.’ That is totally me. I’m not a great musician, I’m OK, but I absolutely love it and that is all that matters.”
