2021 Mayor's Arts Award Nominee: Scott Watkins
Why are the arts important in Muncie? What do the arts do for the community?
The arts provide depth to our everyday living and working in our communities. They help to unite people with shared experiences that inspire, lift and even challenge our views. They can also drive economies. When people come together to enjoy art they can spend money in our community. They can also provide unique solutions to everyday problems.
Many people make decisions on where they live, work and play based on what is offered in the community. They would much rather work and live in a community that offers inspiring, thought-provoking art.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have been involved in the music industry as musician, educator, and as Executive Director of many orchestras for the past 20 years. During that time I have successfully led organizations working with a wide variety of musicians, boards, civic leaders, community and businesses. I love working with people and making an impact on people’s lives through art and culture.
How did you become interested in the arts?
My parents were both involved in music. It was important in our family to be a creative performer. I sang in many choirs and played clarinet and saxophone. These experiences were life changing as I had the opportunity to perform with many great people.
What is your favorite arts memory? An amazing event? An experience? A place?
There are far too many favorites to list here. One of my favorites was when I lived in El Dorado, Arkansas. I was able to bring together the Orchestra, Arts Center, and El Dorado High School to collaborate on a performance of Les Miserables. My friend (Craig Schulman, Broadway singer) directed and sang in the production. I played in the pit with other Orchestra members. One of my daughters was Eppinine, another was Gavrosh, and my wife was Hair Hag #3. I remember thinking what a tragedy it was for my family since Eppinine and Gavrosh die and my wife was a prostitute. But, what a life-changing event for everyone. They won't forget this production. The production was a huge success and we netted $80,000 in the small town of 18,000.
Another was when I was playing clarinet for the Scottsdale Symphony in Arizona. It was the 4th of July outdoor concert. We were playing the 1812 Overture with usually ends with cannons. There was a very long section for the clarinets that required us to take a deep breath just to make it through this section of music. So I mentally prepared, took a deep breath, and in flew a fly! I started to play realizing that my part was important and I was trying to impress the conductor. At the same time, the fly was buzzing around in my mouth. I made it through the music, turned, and spit the fly out.
Throughout all of the performances I have seen or played, when truth and beauty come together the musicians, audience, guest artist and conductor are elevated.
Who is your favorite creative inspiration or Arts hero (can be anyone/anything)? Why?
If I think of arts leaders, my favorite, is David Hyslop. He has helped turnaround orchestras all over the country. Sting is a create inspiration for songwriting along with Bach. Yo Yo Ma is such a great cellist along with Joshua Bell on violin.
If you could change one thing about the arts in Muncie, what would it be?
We need to use the arts to create, heal, unify our city. We have been so silo-ed out through the pandemic. Certainly we have been tainted by politics. Music can bring us together in ways that we have forgotten.