One of the brass band movement's most recognisable musical personalities has been presented with an honorary degree from the University of West London (UWL)'s London College of Music.

Remarkable musical career

At the annual graduation ceremony at Wembley Stadium, Frank was presented with his Honorary Doctor of Letters alongside 1,700 graduates, in recognition of a remarkable musical career that has seen him rise from being a back row cornet player with Black Dyke to become the youngest person to hold the dual roles of Principal Director of Music for the Army and Director of the Royal Military Music Kneller Hall.

He has also become a hugely successful conductor, presenter, broadcaster and writer, with a professional life that includes being the voice of Radio 2's 'Listen to the Band', presenting the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award, being Principal Conductor of the British Concert Orchestra and compere of Brass in Concert and the Butlins Mineworkers Championship. He has just started a new venture entitled 'Frank Renton's Brass Machine'.

Pleasure

On receiving his award, Frank Renton (HonDLitt), said: "It gives me tremendous pleasure to accept this honorary award for having spent a lifetime doing something that I love. My many years in military music proved to be most enjoyable, and the last five years as the Army's Principal Director of Music, and Director of Kneller Hall, were a rare privilege.

Then my new career as a writer and presenter of BBC Radio 2's Listen to the Band has proved to be the greatest fun and continues to be so. More recently I have been able to pursue my passion exploring new repertoire with the finest young brass players in London with Frank Renton's Brass Machine."

It gives me tremendous pleasure to accept this honorary award for having spent a lifetime doing something that I loveFrank Renton (HonDLitt)

Select list

The graduation ceremony marks the end of the academic year for the University and Frank joined a very select list in receiving and honorary award, such as Lord Daniel Finkelstein, Associate Editor at The Times and member of the House of Lords, Prof Jeremy Levy, Consultant Nephrologist, Clinical Lead for Health Education England North West London, and Lord John Lytton, Chartered Surveyor, Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Professional Engineers.