Del Mar College Recognizes Distinguished Service and Contributions of Retired Music Professor Philip Hii, Board of Regents Approves “Professor Emeritus” Status Today
Guitarist, recording artist and former DMC educator leaves legacy of influencing innumerable students and music world during 35-year career with College’s Music Department
Article by Melinda Eddleman
The Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents unanimously approved the distinguished designation of “Professor Emeritus” to retired Professor of Music Philip Hii during today’s regular monthly meeting. Hii began his exceptional career with the College in September 1988 as a full-time, tenure-track Instructor and retired as a tenured Professor in July 2023, leaving a legacy of artistic and scholarly contributions as part of his time with the DMC Music Department.
College officials commended Hii for the 35 years he demonstrated commitment to innumerable students, his colleagues, the College, the community, the Coastal Bend and most notably the music field.
Originally from the largest state in Malaysia, Hii found his way to the United States in 1983; and five years later, he joined the DMC Music faculty. His own education includes earning a bachelor’s degree from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, completing further studies in England and Germany, earning a jazz-arranging diploma from Berklee College of Music in Boston and then acquiring a Master of Music degree from the renowned program at the University of North Texas.
Hii had planned to become a lawyer before winning a national competition in his home country, changing his own path from studying law to studying music. And, that journey has changed the lives of many Del Mar College guitar students.
While with Del Mar College, Hii dedicated countless hours recruiting prospective students for classical guitar training and preparing current students for general performances and those for DMC and community fundraising events. He also contributed several musical arrangements for guitar ensemble that were created to fit the musical and pedagogical needs of his students.
Hii also provided pedagogical training to high school students during summer guitar camps, expanding the foundation these young musicians had already built and preparing them for advanced training at the College level.
As an advisor and educational leader, the professor mentored students during their own journeys to become accomplished musicians and educators. Colleagues and former guitar students alike recognized Hii for generously sharing his experiences and expertise, specifically to students-turned-teachers who now instruct flourishing guitar programs at area high schools.
Additionally, Hii contributed to the music world not only with performances across the United States and around the globe but also by authoring articles for professional journals such as Soundboard, Guitar International, Gitarre and Laute, and American String Teacher. As a recording artist, Hii’s career has included releasing critically-acclaimed Compact Discs, or CDs, featuring his transcriptions for guitar of works by classical composers Bach and Chopin as well as his own compositions.
Prior to today’s Board of Regents meeting, Hii returned to campus earlier this year on April 18 as part of a celebratory concert, “Fiesta! Philip Hii,” honoring his 35-year career at Del Mar College. (read more about his story and accomplishments)
June 11, 2024, marks a different celebration. Philip Hii’s title is now “Professor Emeritus.”
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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