The Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Mu presented Ben Hingle, Director of Bands at Cheraw High School, with the South Carolina Young Band Director Award on March 14, 2015. Phi Beta Mu, a professional Bandmasters Fraternity, was established in 1938 as a result of the respect and appreciation our founder, Colonel Earl D. Irons, had for his professional associates, school band directors. Col. Irons was Bandmaster and Chairman of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Arlington, then known as North Texas Agricultural College. He envisioned an organization that would honor outstanding band directors whose dedication and devotion to their profession was paramount, but whose admirable traits and services were not necessarily known nationally.
