MANSFIELD, PA— Mansfield University President Fran Hendricks awarded the MU Presidential Coin for Excellence to Adam Brennan, professor of Music and director of Bands at MU, on April 29.
The presentation was made at the intermission of a performance by the Concert Wind Ensemble which Brennan was directing. The concert was part of the reopening gala of Straughn Hall.
Brennan has served as director of Bands at Mansfield since 1995. In addition to the Concert Wind Ensemble, he leads “The Spirit and The Pride of Pennsylvania” Mansfield Marching Band, which performs at several parades and band festivals each fall. “The Spirit and The Pride” also traveled to London in 2012 to perform during the Summer Olympics.
“Our Marching Band truly does carry Mansfield’s spirit and pride and draws rave reviews wherever they perform,” Hendricks said. “The Concert Wind Ensemble has had four of its recordings make the Grammy nomination eligible list in 12 categories over the past two years. Through his leadership, Dr. Brennan has brought great honor and prestige to Mansfield University and he is very deserving of this honor.”
Brennan has recorded numerous compact discs with Mansfield University bands. He has been involved in 12 world premieres at MU and has received numerous invitations to state conventions to present papers, clinics and performing ensembles, and is actively involved in commissioning projects both locally and regionally.
An active composer and clinician with over 200 arrangements and compositions and over 150 guest conducting and clinical engagements, Brennan travels extensively serving as guest conductor and clinician at festivals and conventions.
The coin was developed by Hendricks and designed by MU Senior Graphics Designer Andy Worthington. It is awarded selectively to persons who have contributed greatly to the university, using the Mansfield Creed; Character, Scholarship, Culture and Service as a guideline.
The coin bears several symbols representing historical highlights and other aspects of the university that make it distinctive.
For more information on the Mansfield University Presidential Coin for Excellence and to see the gallery of honorees, go to president.mansfield.edu/coin-for-excellence
To learn more about the Music Department at Mansfield, go to music.mansfield.edu