of Harrison, AR

April 16, 1946 - November 25, 2023

Philip Daniel Brittain, age 71, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away on November 25, 2023. He was born to Arthur Loflin and Frankie Marie (Cherry) Brittain, in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 16, 1946.

Music was Dan's life. He began piano lessons in grade school and played brass instruments throughout school. While a student at Hardin-Simmons University, he served as president of their world-famous Cowboy Band. He earned the Bachelor of Music (music education) and Master of Music (theory and composition) degrees.

Upon graduation, Dan received his Army commission and began his twenty-year Army career. During his career, he had the opportunity to serve as a Staff Bands Officer in Heidelburg, Germany, as assistant commandant of the US Armed Forces School of Music, and as Commander of the Continental Army Band. While serving, he continued to study and earned a diploma of Fine Arts in Music (conducting) from the University of Calgary.

Following retirement from the Army, Dan directed the Peninsula Band in Virginia and briefly taught at Christopher Newport College before moving the family to Cazenovia, New York. There he and his wife, Myrna, served St. Peter's Episcopal Church as director of music and organist, respectively.

Later, moving the family to the Harrison area, Dan taught band in Green Forest and Jasper until his second retirement. After this retirement, he became a daily presence at Harrison High School where he taught private instrumental lessons, substituted for the directors when needed, and served as an aid and resource person. He also composed several pieces, especially for the Harrison band.

Dan was active with the local Sacred Harp singers and taught shape-note singing classes around the USA and Europe. He also volunteered as music director at St. John's Episcopal Church and was an active and enthusiastic member of the Ozark Mountains British Brass Band.

Dan lived his life for his family. He leaves Myrna, his wife of 54 years; his children, Jason (Deborah), Andrea (Chris), and William; his grandchildren Marq, Xander, Nathan, and Zachariah; and his sister, Barbara Crocker. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Kenneth.


The Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 22, 2023, at St. John's Episcopal Church, Harrison, Arkansas. The service will be live-streamed and posted online.


In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to the Sacred Harp Musical Heritage Association at SHMHA, 8021 Randall Road, Huntsville, AL 35802; or the music ministry of St. John's Episcopal Church, 707 W. Central Avenue, Harrison, AR 72601; or the Ozark Mountains British Brass Band.

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