Dr Robert Childs has joined an illustrious line up of guest professors at the Senzuku Gakuen College of Music in Japan.

Honour

The institution bestowed the honour on the former Cory Band Director of Music on his recent visit, where he now joins guest professors that include the great Russian pianist and conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy who accepted his title in 2012.

Commitment

College Professor Takeo Yamamoto told 4BR: "This is not only a great honour for Professor Childs but it also signifies the commitment the college continues to make to its British Brass Band Course."

One of Japan’s leading music institutions, the Senzuku Gakuen College of Music has been running the course, instigated by Professor Yamamoto for six years.

There are currently 150 students enrolled with a further 1400 students undertaking various other music courses.

I've been coming to Japan on a regular basis for the past five years and to have this honour is tremendously humblingDr Robert Childs

Honour

Speaking about his appointment Dr Childs added: "I've been coming to Japan on a regular basis for the past five years and to have this honour is tremendously humbling."

He added: "The ceremony was amazing. I walked on stage to a Wagner fanfare played by eight trumpets especially arranged for the event."