Houghton Professor of Jazz Studies, Russell Scarbrough was named the recipient of the ASCAP Plus Award for original works performed during the year 2020. This marks the tenth consecutive year Dr. Scarbrough has received this honor. ASCAP is the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers and their awards program seeks to award ASCAP writer members of Concert Music, Children’s Music,  and Jazz and Musical Theater with value beyond the scope of performance surveys.

In addition to being the assistant professor of jazz studies, Dr. Scarbrough also serves as the director of Houghton’s orchestra and jazz band. He has had his works performed by many musical groups including but not limited to the American Jazz Composer’s Orchestra, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the US Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, and the US Naval Academy Next Wave Jazz Ensemble.