Harry Begian was born on April 24, 1921 in Pontiac, Michigan. He and his two brothers were first generation Americans born to Armenian immigrants. Dr. Begian served as the third Director of Bands at The University of Illinois from 1970 until his retirement in 1984. A charter member of American School Band Directors Association, he was also Past-President of American Bandmasters Association, College Band Directors National Association, Omicron Delta Kappa, and honorary member of Phi Beta Mu and Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association.

His professional affiliations include memberships in Phi Mu Alpha and Phi Delta Kappa, and honorary memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.  Dr. Begian was recipient of the NBA Citation of Excellence, ASBDA Edwin Franko Goldman Award, Notre Dame St. Cecelia Award, Grainger Medallion, was elected to the Academy of Wind and Percussion Arts, and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors. His more than 60 recorded performances with the University of Illinois Symphonic Bands comprise one of the largest and finest collections of recorded band performances in existence.  Dr. Begian's legacy lives on with the University of Illinois Bands, and the significant imprint on band history he forged while at Illinois will forever be remembered. 

Messages to the family can be sent to:

Bannan Funeral Home (Click to send online condolence message)
222 S. Second St.
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-8411

Donations to the University of Illinois Bands in honor of Dr. Begian will be placed into an assistantship fund to honor the visionary intern program he lovingly started during his time at the University of Illinois. The Begian family will be notified of your gift in his honor.

Begian Assistantship
University of Illinois Bands
1103 South 6th Street
Champaign, IL 61820

A special tribute as been added for Dr. Begian to start the first Illinois Wind Symphony Concert of the academic year.
Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 3:00pm, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Other interesting links.

Obituary, Detroit Free Press

Obituary/Article, July 28, 2010: Champaign News-Gazette

Obituary, July 29, 2010: Champaign News-Gazette

Foellinger Great Hall Illinois Alumni Association presents "The Illinois Legacy", highlighting the history of the University of Illinois Band. This segment features the third director of bands, Harry Begian. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f9f6FwoJcY

Memories can also be shared on a Facebook page dedicated to Dr. Begian: Dr. Harry Begian, Music Director/Conductor/Educator.