NEWS
The University of Oklahoma will honor its senior class and honorary ring recipient Brian Britt, director of The Pride of Oklahoma, during its Fall 2022 Ring Ceremony, scheduled for 3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4, in historic Holmberg Hall, 550 Parrington Oval, on the OU Norman campus.
Britt, a two-time OU alumnus who marched in The Pride during his years as a student, has dedicated his career to serving communities and universities in Oklahoma and Texas as a band director and fine arts administrator. In addition to serving as director of The Pride of Oklahoma, he currently serves as the associate dean of the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, director of Athletic Bands and holds the Gene Braught Chair in Music.
“All of Sooner Nation benefits from Brian Britt’s genuine enthusiasm and love of the University of Oklahoma,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Everything about his leadership style is first-class, but most importantly, he is a tremendous advocate for his students – not just as band members, but as individuals. He is an integral part of the OU Family, and we look forward to celebrating him as our honorary ring recipient.”
The OU ring was adopted in 2000 through a student initiative to create a symbol that would capture the true essence of the university’s history and tradition. The OU ring honors graduating seniors and alumni from all classes, highlights students’ commitment to higher education and recognizes the heritage of the OU community. At each Ring Ceremony since the tradition began, an honorary ring has been presented to a distinguished member of the OU Family in honor of their longtime service to the university. Honorary ring recipients are nominated by the members of the Student Alumni Board and ultimately selected by the university president.
Britt, who earned a bachelor of music education and a master of music from the University of Oklahoma, joined The Pride as a student in 1983 and played the snare drum. He stayed on as a percussion graduate assistant in 1987, when The Pride received the prestigious Sudler Trophy, an award that recognized excellence, innovation and tradition in collegiate marching bands nationally.
Britt was first named director of The Pride of Oklahoma in 2001 and again upon his return to OU in 2014. Among the band’s many performances during his tenure include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Under his leadership, The Pride has also made 17 bowl game appearances, with six of the appearances occurring in conjunction with the BCS National Championship game or the College Football Playoff.
“It has been an absolute joy to serve my alma mater as director of The Pride of Oklahoma,” Britt said. “For over 20 years now, I have worked every day with highly committed, hard-working students and the best creative, instructional and support teams in the world. Together, we have worked tirelessly to be first-class ambassadors at hundreds of university events, to relentlessly support the Sooners all over the country and to engage and inspire everyone who ever hears or sees us, whether in person, on air or online.”
Outside of OU, Britt is a highly sought-after clinician, guest conductor, lecturer, adjudicator and consultant. He has presented sessions and served on panel discussions at the Oklahoma and Texas music educators associations state conventions and the College Band Directors National Association National Convention and National Athletic Band Symposium.
His professional associations include the College Band Directors National Association, Oklahoma Music Educators Association, Oklahoma Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Tau Beta Sigma and Kiwanis International.
For additional information about the Ring Ceremony or for accommodations, email thardage@ou.edu or call (405) 325-1710.
The University of Oklahoma will honor its senior class and honorary ring recipient Brian Britt, director of The Pride of Oklahoma, during its Fall 2022 Ring Ceremony, scheduled for 3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4, in historic Holmberg Hall, 550 Parrington Oval, on the OU Norman campus.
Britt, a two-time OU alumnus who marched in The Pride during his years as a student, has dedicated his career to serving communities and universities in Oklahoma and Texas as a band director and fine arts administrator. In addition to serving as director of The Pride of Oklahoma, he currently serves as the associate dean of the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, director of Athletic Bands and holds the Gene Braught Chair in Music.
“All of Sooner Nation benefits from Brian Britt’s genuine enthusiasm and love of the University of Oklahoma,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Everything about his leadership style is first-class, but most importantly, he is a tremendous advocate for his students – not just as band members, but as individuals. He is an integral part of the OU Family, and we look forward to celebrating him as our honorary ring recipient.”
The OU ring was adopted in 2000 through a student initiative to create a symbol that would capture the true essence of the university’s history and tradition. The OU ring honors graduating seniors and alumni from all classes, highlights students’ commitment to higher education and recognizes the heritage of the OU community. At each Ring Ceremony since the tradition began, an honorary ring has been presented to a distinguished member of the OU Family in honor of their longtime service to the university. Honorary ring recipients are nominated by the members of the Student Alumni Board and ultimately selected by the university president.
Britt, who earned a bachelor of music education and a master of music from the University of Oklahoma, joined The Pride as a student in 1983 and played the snare drum. He stayed on as a percussion graduate assistant in 1987, when The Pride received the prestigious Sudler Trophy, an award that recognized excellence, innovation and tradition in collegiate marching bands nationally.
Britt was first named director of The Pride of Oklahoma in 2001 and again upon his return to OU in 2014. Among the band’s many performances during his tenure include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Under his leadership, The Pride has also made 17 bowl game appearances, with six of the appearances occurring in conjunction with the BCS National Championship game or the College Football Playoff.
“It has been an absolute joy to serve my alma mater as director of The Pride of Oklahoma,” Britt said. “For over 20 years now, I have worked every day with highly committed, hard-working students and the best creative, instructional and support teams in the world. Together, we have worked tirelessly to be first-class ambassadors at hundreds of university events, to relentlessly support the Sooners all over the country and to engage and inspire everyone who ever hears or sees us, whether in person, on air or online.”
Outside of OU, Britt is a highly sought-after clinician, guest conductor, lecturer, adjudicator and consultant. He has presented sessions and served on panel discussions at the Oklahoma and Texas music educators associations state conventions and the College Band Directors National Association National Convention and National Athletic Band Symposium.
His professional associations include the College Band Directors National Association, Oklahoma Music Educators Association, Oklahoma Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Tau Beta Sigma and Kiwanis International.
For additional information about the Ring Ceremony or for accommodations, email thardage@ou.edu or call (405) 325-1710.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information visit ou.edu.
