Dr. Daniel A. Belongia, associate professor of music and director of bands at Arkansas Tech University, was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Honorary Bandmasters Fraternity during the 43rd annual Arkansas Bandmasters Association Convention July 26-29 in Little Rock.
Belongia earned membership in Phi Beta Mu as a member of the Omicron chapter, which is the statewide chapter for Arkansas. His nomination for membership was sponsored by Phi Beta Mu Omicron Hall of Fame member Hal Cooper, who served as director of bands at ATU from 1979-2011.
Belongia became the fifth director of bands in ATU history on June 1, 2015.
A product of Kenosha, Wis., Belongia earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education and a Master of Music degree in instrumental conducting from the University of Miami (Fla.). He graduated from Michigan State University with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in instrumental conducting.
Before coming to Arkansas Tech, Belongia served as a member of the Illinois State University music faculty from 2005-15.
Founded in 1938, Phi Beta Mu was established by Col. Earl D. Irons. He served as bandmaster and chairman of fine arts at the institution now known as the University of Texas-Arlington.
