Full Bio

Teaching and conducting professionally since 1985, Horace Scruggs is an active musician, conductor, composer, educator and documentary film maker. Mr. Scruggs holds Bachelor’s of Music Education with a concentration in voice from Longwood University, and a Master’s in Music Education with a choral conducting concentration from Shenandoah Conservatory.  He also holds a Certificate in Music Production from Berklee College of Music. 

Over his 35 years as a music educator Mr. Scruggs’ has had a varied experience.  He has taught all grade levels (K-12) and has worked professionally with school, community, and church choirs and ensembles.  He has also conducted all-county and all-district choirs throughout Virginia.  A multi-instrumentalist and a recording studio owner, he has produced recordings for many local musicians, bands, and choirs.

His educational experience has included teaching 4 levels of choral music, Class Piano, Guitar, and Music Technology at the High School level.  Mr. Scruggs has also been an adjunct faculty member at Piedmont Virginia Community College where he conducted the PVCC Chorus, and taught classes in Music Appreciation, and the History of Jazz.  A choral composer and arranger Mr. Scruggs’ publications focus on authentic renditions of African – American music. He has also taught classes for the University of Virginia’s Osher Life-Long Institute. 

Mr. Scruggs also leads “Odyssey of Soul”, a group a musicians who perform lecture - concerts that provide in-depth presentations on the History of African – American Music and Culture.

Upon retiring from public education in 2020, Mr. Scruggs produced a documentary film on the African - American History of Fluvanna County. This work was featured by the Fluvanna County Arts Council, The 2021 Montpelier Juneteenth Celebration, and 2021 Maupintown Film Festival in Charlottesville Virginia. He is currently working on two other films for the Virginia Department of Humanities which focus on the social, cultural, and economic impact of American Slavery on central Virginia which is the land of his ancestors.  Making quick study of the art of documentary film production, Mr. Scruggs’ use of both traditional and drone cameras provides scenes that are personal and impactful.  He also uses his cameras, both still and moving, to support the historical efforts of other local organizations including the Fluvanna Historical Society, The Fluvanna NAACP and One Shared Story.

Mr. Scruggs lives in Palmyra Virginia with his wife Theresa.