In Memoriam

Mervin Britton
Former Arizona State University School of Music Professor of Percussion Mervin Britton died on October 26 following a brief illness. He had retired from the university in 1997. Britton joined the ASU music faculty in 1956 after serving as Principal Percussionist with the Louisville Orchestra. At ASU, Britton started the School of Music's percussion program with four students and a few instruments. Through his efforts, the program grew into a nationally recognized one that includes three degrees, two faculty members, graduate assistants and hundreds of instruments. Britton was the founder and director of the International Percussion Reference Library, a founding member of the Percussive Arts Society, and former division chairman of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors. He was the host of PASIC '78 in Tempe, Arizona. His professional experience included performing in symphony orchestras and concerts bands, as well as playing chamber music and solo work. He was an active clinician and is the author of numerous books, including Willingness, the Driving Force of Accomplishment and You are Born Creative. The Mervin Britton Memorial Scholarship has been established. Checks should be made payable to the ASU Foundation/Britton Memorial Scholarship and sent to the ASU School of Music, P.O. Box 870405, Tempe AZ 85287-0405.