Indiana State University Newsroom

Brian Kilp, professor of music at Indiana State University, has received an honorary doctorate degree from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Thai university recognized Kilp for his efforts throughout the past seven years during which he led several music groups to Thailand to host music workshops in schools and perform in concert halls.

"I am deeply honored to have been given this award, and am more encouraged than ever that these partnerships will lead to more rewarding outcomes for faculty, students, staff and administrators on both sides," Kilp said.

Kilp's affiliation with Thailand has influenced other ISU academic units to nurture beneficial relationships, ISU International Programs and Services Director Jacques Fuqua said.

"In many respects, Brian's efforts have served as the vanguard for ISU's presence in Thailand," Fuqua said. "As a result, the university presently pursues activities across a spectrum of disciplines that involve our faculty, staff and students in conferences, workshops, exchanges and academic and programmatic agreements."

Learning about the role music plays in Thailand's culture has altered Kilp's perspective and his teaching, he said.

"Working there has taught me that it is not resources, money or talent, but rather the desire to work and to learn that is the key for success in music," he said. "Music is everywhere and there are people everywhere that want to play and sing."

A hornist, Kilp joined ISU in 1998. Four years later, he spent a summer in China as visiting guest professor of horn at the Shenyang and Dalian Conservatories of Music, and in 2006, served as visiting guest professor at Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University in Thailand.

Kilp also serves as the principal horn for the Terre Haute and Danville, Ill., symphonies, and works as a freelance hornist in central Indiana. A native of the Pittsburgh area, he earned his doctorate of musical arts in horn performance from the University of Arizona.

More international travel is on Kilp's upcoming schedule. He plans to tour in China with the New Sousa Band in December and will return to Bangkok with ISU officials in January to kick off the university's first overseas alumni club.

An international faculty travel grant from ISU partially funded Kilp's first two trips to Bangkok. As much as $2,000 is available for faculty pursuing research interests and university goals.

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/Events/faculty-woodwind-performance/facultywoodwind00020/143184020_ytnhu-D.jpg Brian Kilp, center, performs with a group of ISU faculty during a 2010 concert (ISU Photo/Tony Campbell).

Contact: Brian Kilp, professor of music, Indiana State University Music Department, 812-237-2759 or Brian.Kilp@indstate.edu.

Writer: Nick Hedrick, media relations assistant, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3773 or nhedrick2@indstate.edu.