South Dakota trombonist with only 2 fingers wins awards

The 20-year-old Augustana University student has a clear tone, and when the tempo picks up in Gordon Jacob's "Trombone Concerto," Watt shows just how dexterous a young musician can be.

Watt's interest in music started when he was in a children's choir in his hometown of Yankton.

In fifth grade, he started playing trombone and as an eighth grader he participated in South Dakota's middle school All-State band.

When he didn't make All-State again as a freshman in high school, he practiced harder so that he wouldn't miss out again.

Watt also was recently recognized as a Concerto-Aria winner, meaning he'll perform a solo with the full Augustana Orchestra during their spring concert on Sunday at the Washington Pavilion.

The Concerto-Aria winners compete not only against other musicians in their category (winds, brass, percussion, etc.), but they also compete across categories to earn one of four solo spots accompanied by the orchestra.