Category: UCO

Professor Erickson has been around the world but calls Denver, Colorado home. “I was raised there, and my family is there. It’s where I’m most at home,” Erickson recalls. He has planted roots in Washington state, Florida, and even as far away as Bolivia through his studies. In Washington, Professor Erickson instructed oboe at Central Washington University. Although he spends most of his time on the oboe, his hobbies are far from home.

“I’m an outdoors person; I find myself outside as much as possible. I love camping, biking, hiking, tennis, and even golf… although I’m not great at it.” Erickson laughed when talking about golf. In addition to being outside, he enjoys playing guitar (inside) for his dog, Joey. Joey is a five-year-old rescue from Washington who is claimed to be “the best audience—Joey loves my singing.”

Professionally, Scott Erickson has an extensive resume, performing with the Bold City Contemporary Ensemble in Jacksonville, Florida, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Bolivia, and taught at the National Conservatory in La Paz. During his time in Bolivia, Scott stayed with a host family who helped him brush up on his Spanish, “In Bolivia, concert season lines up with summer break here in the States, so it worked well. During the second year of my doctorate, I went down and stayed with a host family. I learned so much Spanish but came back and haven’t needed it. I’d really love to get back to it.” He also taught oboe lessons while there.

Two student-submitted questions were asked, both comedic and personal. Scott was excited to answer both. The first, “What is your favorite meme?” the frontrunner was, “Oh–! The really excited kid with the clenched fists! I’ve seen that one a lot lately, and I love it!” The second, “NFL season is back—who’s your favorite player, and should they start their own brand of shoes?” This one got a laugh and good consideration. “Raised in Colorado, I’m a Broncos fan. I’ve gotta go with Peyton Manning (one of the greats!). He should definitely start his own brand of loafers.”

Overall, Scott Erickson is enjoying Oklahoma and says the area is treating him well. He mentioned the variety of food and new things to try—including an OKC Dodgers game.

Thank you for your interview, Scott! The full interview is below.**

**Questions have been edited for clarity.

1. Where are you from or claim to be from?

Denver, CO. I was raised there, and my family is from there. I did my Undergrad in Wyoming, Graduate studies in Florida (Florida State University), did teaching in Washington, and even Bolivia. In Bolivia, orchestra season lines up with summer break, so it works well. I . . .  read more