Scott Richardson was nine when he knew he wanted to be a musician, and initially he went back and forth between the clarinet and trombone. He also played saxophone and flute but he was more accomplished on the clarinet.

Richardson grew up in Las Vegas and the proximity to world famous talent had an impact on his senses and led to his professional choice. He began taking private lessons in eighth grade with James Clark. “The instructor invited Ralph Gari to play and he played classical and jazz equally well and he was able to double tongue. I was impressed with his technique. He was amazing and that’s the style I wanted.”

What helps a musician play professionally? 
Is it more practice, better private tutor, harder music?  “More than anything, it is experience,” Richardson says. He earned a masters in music performance at USC but didn’t feel he was quite where he wanted to be. He continued playing individual gigs and taking private instruction. His journey included four seasons with the Las Vegas Symphonic Orchestra and the Nevada Opera Theater and says he learned a lot that improved his overall musicianship.

Eventually Richardson auditioned for an Air Force Band in California and later was transferred to the Air Force Academy Band in Colorado Springs at the Air Force Academy.

Since retiring he has played with Arizona Philharmonic, Sedona Symphony, the Prescott Pops, the Flagstaff Symphony, and sometimes the Prescott Chorale.

He says he believes God directs his professional choices in retirement, and likes that he’s playing with different organizations, though his bread and butter is playing in orchestras. “I love playing musical theater. I’ll be playing with Yavapai College in November for “Singing in the Rain, and in September, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat,” in Prescott at the Elks Performing Arts Center.

“But, AZ Phil is the number one orchestra and by far the best orchestra I’ve played with." - Scott Richardson

Volunteering is a Family Affair
Sandy Farrell, AZ Phil Event Coordinator and Newsletter Editor

We came upon two women volunteers having a very good time, laughing with each other, and it was clear they were well acquainted. It was AZ Phil’s opener Ruth Street Theater and excitement was a little high anyway.

Turned out they are mother and daughter, Juanita and Kea, and this was their first volunteer event with AZ Phil.

“We got tickets to a master chorale and Kea was my date and we had a wonderful time and we gave everyone our email addresses to volunteer,” Juanita explained about how they came to volunteer with the symphony. “This [volunteering] is so fun to do with my daughter. We are having such a good time and it’s a nice way to meet people as they enjoy themselves, and we are seeing people we know.”

Juanita said she grew up with classical music in her home. Her mother played timpani and her dad played French horn. After that enriching experience Juanita believed her children should be offered music lessons. Kea played clarinet and wanted to play the saxophone and her son played drums.

Juanita said the September 10 concert was their first volunteer experience with AZ Phil. “I loved the performance, loved the second graders work. I love that AZ Phil is based in Prescott and it is such an impressive symphony. Classical music really does transform me.”

Join the party and volunteer here!

Abby Coffey, Scott Richardson and volunteer photo credit Blushing Cactus Photography,

We invite you to come to one of our monthly Volunteer Introduction meetings.

Upcoming Behind the Podium Newsletters will include:

• Musician Interviews
• News updates