Phillip McCann, one of the greatest cornet players in the history of the worldwide brass band movement, received yet another proud accolade recently, when he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of the University of Huddersfield.
Advocate
A university spokesperson told 4BR: "Dr. McCann has been a long time advocate of education and developing young talent, and served for almost thirty years at the University, including a distinguished period as Head of Brass and Woodwind."
They added: "In this time Dr McCann developed the brass band and wind orchestra into cornerstones of the music department.
Many of the students mentored by him occupy significant positions within today's brass band community as performers, conductors, composers and arrangers. His Doctorate is therefore given in recognition of his outstanding contribution and inspirational work."
At the Graduation Ceremony, the award was presented by Vice Chancellor Professor Bob Cryan CBE with the oration given by Dr Simon Lindley, a friend and colleague of Dr McCann.
I feel to say the least, extremely proud and at the same time extremely humble at being honoured with this DoctoratePhillip McCann
Sparke
In response Dr McCann told 4BR: "On receiving this award, my mind took me back to when, as a 7 year old watching the local band marching in the street, standing on a pavement in my home town of Bo'ness holding my grandfather's hand.
That was then that the spark was ignited to play a musical instrument that was in turn, to lead to me being fortunate enough to perform on some of the world's greatest stages from Sydney Opera House to the Royal Albert Hall.
Proud
He added: "In my own teaching I have always striven to encourage students to use their imagination, on the basis that if you don't imagine something in the first instance you won't be able to achieve it.
Having said that, I could never as a 7 year old, ever imagined achieving this wonderful honour. I feel to say the least, extremely proud and at the same time extremely humble at being honoured with this Doctorate."
