Hartt's Honorary Degrees Given in the 2000s

Between 2003 and 2009, Hartt awarded 5 Honorary Degrees.  The recipients were: Wynton Marsalis; Oscar Ghiglia; William Anthony Waters; Henry W, “Hank” Jones; and Donald Sinta.



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2003 Wynton Marsalis

I don't think Mr. Marsalis needs an introduction.

Here is a link to Mr. Marsalis' website.


2004 Oscar Ghiglia

Oscar Ghiglia, an Italian classical guitarist, spent time in residence at Hartt.
  

 Additional information on Mr. Ghiglia can be found on his Wikipedia page.


2005 William Anthony Waters

Maestro Waters was a truly deserved recipient of the honorary degree from Hartt after his many years as a leader in the Connecticut arts community (which is not to say his music career and talents were limited to Connecticut, as he enjoys a career well-beyond the borders of the Nutmeg State).

Additional information about Maestro Waters can be found here.

Hartt’s Honorary Degrees Given in the 1990s

In past posts, I have highlighted the honorary degrees awarded by Hartt during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

In the 1990s, Hartt awarded two honorary degrees.  The first was to pianist Grant Johannesen in 1993.

More information about Mr. Johannesen can be found here.

   
The other was awarded to Hartt alumnus (‘51) and composer Jack Elliott in 1997.

This photo was taken of Mr. Elliott during a masterclass at Hartt.  If you are not familiar with Mr. Elliott’s name, you certainly have heard his music.  I encourage you to check out his Wikipedia page here. 

Also, Mrs. Bobbi Elliott donated a significant amount of Mr. Elliott’s materials to Hartt, which now holds The Jack Elliot Collection.  More information about the The Jack Elliott Collection and The Jack Elliott Legacy Project to follow in a later post.

Hartt's Honorary Degrees Given in the 1980s

Prior to the 1980s, the honorary degrees Hartt awarded focused on professionals in the classical music arena and the benefactors without whose help Hartt would not have been possible.

The 1980s, however, had a different focus.  Jackie McLean started the Department of African American Music in 1980.  Some prominent jazz artists were awarded degrees and even some of the "classical" musicians were clearly within the sphere of the jazz world.  For example, David Amram is difficult to categorize as a classical composer, especially since he has well-known as a jazz french horn player, who appeared regularly with Dizzy Gillespie.  Even Yehudi Menuhin recorded some jazz collaborations.

Nevertheless, here is the next installment of the Hartt Honorary Degree Recipients.

1982 - John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie

Hartt's Honorary Degrees Given in the 1970s

Continuing the series of entries on the honorary degrees that Hartt has awarded over its illustrious history, here are the honorees from the 1970s.  All links are to wikipedia.

1970     Mary Primrose Fuller

1970     Martha Blake Walcott
 
1971     Isaac Stern

Hartt's Honorary Degrees Given in the 1960s

Hartt Underwent some significant changes in the 1960s.  Perhaps, most importantly, Hartt moved into the Fuller Center on the campus of The University of Hartford.  Nonetheless, Hartt awarded honorary degrees to the following individuals.  (All links are to wikipedia except where noted.) 


1960     Eileen Farrell

Hartt's Honorary Degrees Given in the 1950s.

In the 1950s, Hartt awarded honorary degrees to the following people.  Not a bad list.  All links are to wikipedia.

I enjoyed reading about these individuals.  These early years at Hartt must have been very exciting with the people at the school.

1952	Alfred C. Fuller
1952	Howard Hanson
1953	Wanda Lendowska
1954	Warren Lawson
1955	Harrison Keller
1956	William Schumann
1957	David Boyden
1957	Richard Burgin
1958	Marian Anderson
1959	Aaron Copland