Weston Sprott | Staff Portrait

Dean of the Preparatory Division

In May, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra trombonist and Juilliard Pre-College and Music Advancement Program (MAP) teaching veteran Weston Sprott was named dean of the Preparatory Division. Sprott, who grew up in Spring, Texas, describes this new position leading Pre-College and MAP as overseeing everything from faculty and programming to budget and admissions. “In a broader sense, the dean is responsible for the overall vision and direction of the programs, which provide an extraordinary educational experience to nearly 400 talented students,” he says, adding, “we are incredibly fortunate to have truly committed staff members and faculty who work tirelessly to make these programs operate successfully."

We’ve been celebrating the Pre-College centennial and MAP’s 30th anniversary is coming up—what do you hope will have been achieved by the next big prep ed anniversary?
There are several ways we can build on the established Pre-College and MAP excellence. Now that both fall under the Preparatory Division, it’s important to build equity between them. Increased equity relates to the depth of student experience, internal and external visibility of the programs, diversity of our student and faculty personnel, and much more. Moving in this direction should lead to more opportunities for intersections between the programs, external partnerships, and an enhanced educational experience.

Why did you become a musician?
Music was always my favorite subject, and I loved it endlessly. The cycle of exploration, preparation, and performance continues to be enjoyable and demanding. It’s a privilege to be able to commit to something so rewarding.

Is there a particular teacher who mentored you?
I have been advised and mentored by so many amazing people. One of the many transformational lessons Wynton Marsalis (’81, trumpet) has given me over the years is to not be embarrassed to ask for help when you are in need. I’ve also found that the more you achieve, the harder it becomes to admit you don’t always have the answer. My wife, parents, friends, and teachers are tremendous resources who have all allowed me to lean on them for support.

What other pursuits are you passionate about?
I love teaching and trying to help people, and I believe everyone deserves a chance. My desire to see classical music move in a direction of accessibility and equal opportunity flows from that. A considerable amount of my energy has gone to working on EDIB initiatives in the orchestral space and support for young musicians, in both the U.S. and South Africa. Beyond music, I really enjoy traveling and playing poker. I’m trying to keep the pace of at least one new country visited per year lived, and I would love to find a blank week in the schedule to just sit at the poker table and see what I can do.

Strangest or most memorable job?
Strangest—the American Wind Symphony tour summer of 2001. Eight weeks of playing on a riverside barge in every small town imaginable along the Mississippi River, staying with host families, and driving half the country stuffed in 15-passenger vans full of students and instruments. We had to stop a show midperformance because the stage was swarmed by mayflies. A musician threw the conductor’s shoes into the river upon learning he was fired. My life flashed before my eyes at least once. I laughed. I cried. I made lifelong friends. It was unforgettable. Most memorable—opening night at Carnegie Hall with the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2004. This was my first time ever getting to play with a world-class orchestra, and Renée Fleming (’86, voice) and Yo-Yo Ma (Pre-College ’71; Professional Studies ’72, cello) were the soloists. I’ve been fortunate to play many great performances with great orchestras since, but it’s only the first time once!

Any meal, prepared by anyone, what is it?
I’d like Dan Barber from Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Luke Dale-Roberts from Test Kitchen in Cape Town, and Grant Achatz from the Office to join forces for the most insanely amazing chef’s tasting, cocktail/wine-paired meal ever.

What might surprise people about you?
Although I’ve been a very active teacher for more than a decade, I’m the only person in my family without a degree in education [he has a bachelor’s in trombone performance from Curtis].

What are you reading/listening to/watching/following?
Reading: The Heritage: Black Athletes, a Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism by Howard Bryant; listening: Anderson Paak; watching: MasterClass; following: NBA basketball

What do you always get asked?
Has anyone ever told you that you look like Barack Obama?

What do you wish you’d get asked?
Who’s better, Jordan or LeBron?