EXETER, N.H. – Irving Forbes of Blue Hill, chairman emeritus of the Philips Exeter Academy music department in New Hampshire, received the annual Founder’s Day Award on May 19.

The Founder’s Day Award recognizes individuals who have done an exceptional service for the school.

Forbes was a faculty member for 27 years, and directed the glee club, choir, band and orchestra. He also served as chair of the music department from 1971 until his retirement in 1987.

He played bassoon in the Portland Symphony Orchestra for many years and also served as conductor of the Rockingham Choral Society.