Dr. Howard Burnell Brockington, 99
Dr. Howard Burnell Brockington, composer/theorist, transitioned to be with the Lord on Thursday April 7, 2022. Howard was born on October 21, 1922, in Lansing, Michigan to Hezekiah and Ruth Floyd Brockington.
He graduated from Lansing Central High in June 1941 and severed in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. He received a Bachelor of Music in 1951 and his Master of Music in 1953 from Michigan State University. In 1963, he earned a Ph.D. in music composition from the University of Iowa. Howard had a career as a music professor spanning over 40 years, teaching at several historically black college. He came to Delaware State University in 1963, to become the Chairman of the Music Department. The department's notoriety flourished when he developed a community choir, which combined the department's faculty and students with talented members within the communities. This unique approach along with a new curriculum structure elevated the program significantly and allowed the department's national accreditation to remain in place. While he loved teaching, his first love was music composition and theory. He composed many classical compositions. In 1976, he was commissioned by the State of Delaware to compose an original piece of work to celebrate the State's bicentennial. The composition "Dover 76" was performed by the Dover Symphony Orchestra. In addition to being a classical composer he was a very accomplished pianist and trumpet player. He retired in 1991, after nearly 30 years of chairing the music department. Although he had retired, he stayed connected to DSU as an adjunct professor for several years. He also kept busy during his retirement years playing piano as part of a jazz trio. He also served on the Board of Directors for the State of Delaware's Arts in Prison Program and the Campus Community Public Charter School.
Preceding him in death are his parents; his wives, Anniece Jackson Brockington and Gloria Venita Brockington; and his sister, Bernice Brockington Kent.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his sons, Howard Brockington II, Kelvin Brockington, Jason Brockington; his daughter, Debra Brockington Mosley (Troy); and granddaughter, Elaniece Brockington; as well as several generations of cousins and a host of friends and colleagues.
Viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday April 23, 2022, at The Delaware State University Theater, Education & Humanities Building, 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, Del.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that you donate to the Delaware State University Dr. Howard Brockington Scholarship Fund (www.desu.edu/giving) or call (302) 857-6055.
Condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.benniesmithfuneralhomesdelaware.com
Services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home of DE