Begian, Harry, 1921-

Harry Begian (1921-2010), University band conductor, composer, arranger, and pedagogue, has appeared as a guest conductor and speaker for numerous high school, University, and professional concert bands throughout the United States and internationally. Dr. Begian started his career as a band director during WWII at McKenzie High school in Detroit before he was drafted. After he finished serving in the war, he went on to become the director of the Cass Technical High School Symphonic Band from 1947-1964, making it one of the finest high school bands in the country.

Dr. Begian was director of bands at Wayne State University, his alma mater, from 1964-1967, and director of bands at Michigan State University from 1967-1970 before his 14 year tenure as director of bands at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 1970-1984. After his retirement from the University of Illinois, he went on to become the director of the Purdue University Symphonic Band from 1985-1987.

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