The Torrington High School Band, under the direction of Wayne Splettstoeszer, is proud to present the world premiere of Welcome Home, a new composition by acclaimed composer Dr. Scott Watson, on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM at THS. 

Commissioned to commemorate the opening of the new THS, Welcome Home captures both the excitement of moving into a new space and the nostalgia of leaving a cherished past behind. Dr. Watson, an Associate Professor of Music at Cairn University and a widely published composer, describes the piece as a tribute to the band room as a “home away from home” for students—a place of music, friendships, and belonging.

Adding to the excitement, Welcome Home was recently named the winner of the Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds Composition Contest. The Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds, an elite wind ensemble featuring top musicians from the Philadelphia region, selected Watson’s piece for its exceptional musicality and emotional depth.

Dr. Watson, whose works have been performed at prestigious venues such as the Academy of Music (Philadelphia), the Midwest Clinic (Chicago), and even the White House, expressed his enthusiasm for this project:

“I have to say, I’m more excited about Welcome Home than I’ve been about anything I’ve done recently. Hopefully, this piece serves as a musical ‘welcome home’ for Torrington’s students and band program for years to come.”

THS Band Director encourages the public not to miss the performance on April 3, saying it will be an “incredible musical event!”

For more information about Dr. Scott Watson and his compositions, visit www.scottwatsonmusic.com.