Bruce T. Pearson

Double St. Cloud State commencement ceremonies May 10

Saturday, April 26, 2008

ST. CLOUD, Minn.

Two honorary doctorates will be awarded by St. Cloud State during the ceremonies on May 10.

The afternoon ceremony will be the occasion for bestowal of an honorary doctorate upon Bruce T. Pearson '64. The internationally known author, composer, clinician and conductor is best known as the author of the "Standard of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method" music series, first published in 1993 and used worldwide to teach music and to teach students to play musical instruments. His first series, "Best in Class," was published in 1982. Since that time he has published hundreds of music text books, including the "Standard of Excellence" series. He has published no fewer than a dozen other Standard of Excellence texts, has made conference presentations and conducted educators' clinics all over the world and has appeared as a guest lecturer at more than 100 colleges and universities. Pearson's numerous awards include two nominations for the Minnesota Business Foundation Excellence in Education awards, a Most Outstanding in the Field of Music Award for the state of Minnesota, and the prestigious Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor. In 2001, he received the St. Cloud State Distinguished Service to Music Award and he received the St. Cloud State Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007.