Associate Professor Dr. Sugree Charoensook has made a vital and lasting contribution to the study of both western and ethnic music in the region and also to the advancement of music in Thai society and in our region. He is a highly respected figure in the wider Thai society both for his intellectual and social contributions.
Through his work in establishing the College of Music, Mahidol University, and the Talent Education Research Project and as Chairman of the Sugree Foundation, he has shown himself to be a man of vision and the rare ability to turn this vision into a reality which has a huge impact on our society.
He has touched the lives of many young people, given them opportunities which would have been thought impossible several years ago and brought together global music educators and performers to rapidly develop the music scene and education in Thailand and our region.
Music to develop brain power. Nakhon Pathom: College of Music, Mahidol University, 2550.
Directing imagination. Bangkok: Sugree Charoensook Foundation, 2549.
Talent can be built. Nakhon Pathom: College of Music, Mahidol University, 2548.
Khru Mi-Khaek monument: the forgotten maestro. Nakhon Pathom: Mahidol University College of Music, [2546].
111 Musicians: Lives and works. Portraits by Eed Footpath. Nakhon Pathom: College of Music, Mahidol University, 2546.
Pitch and system of Thai music. Nakhon Pathom: College of Music, Mahidol University, [2546].
Talent education. Bangkok: Music Talks, 2544.
Natural trumpets in honor of H.M. The King. Bangkok: Tourism Authority of Thailand, 2543.
Music of Siam. Bangkok: Dr. Sax, 2538.
Music criticism. Bangkok: Dr. Sax, 2538.
Siamese brass and wind band. Mahidol University, 2536.
History and development of Thai oboes. The Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development, Mahidol University, 2533.
Thai national anthem. 2532. Reprinted. Bangkok: Dr. Sax, 2540.
How to enjoy music. 2532. Reprinted. Bangkok: Dr. Sax, 2538.
99 years of royal anthem. Bangkok: Bansomdejchaopraya Teachers College, 2530.
The art of saxophone playing. 2529. Reprinted. Bangkok: Music Talks, 2545.
In-house Publications, etc.
Excellent Center: Salaya, The Music Capital. Report, on behalf of Commission on Higher Education to cabinet meeting, Nakhon Pathom: College of Music, Mahidol University, [2551].
Competence and vision of College of Music, Mahidol University B.E. 2551-2555. Report, visit of College of Music by President of Mahidol University, January 24, 2551. Nakhon Pathom: College of Music, Mahidol University, [2551].
Fingering method for wind instrument. Graphic poster. Bangkok: Teachers' Council of Thailand Press, 2532.
Transliteration Of Book Titles
Dontri phuea phatthana sakkaya-phap khong samong [Music to develop brain power]
Borihan chintana-kan [Directing imagination]
Phon sawan sang dai [Talent can be built]
Anusawari khru Mi-Khaek: nak dontri thi lok luem [Khru Mi-Khaek monument: the forgotten maestro]
111 khon dontri [111 Musicians: Lives and works]
Siang lae rabop siang dontri Thai [Pitch and system of Thai music]
Phon Sawan suksa [Talent education]
Trae chaloem phra kiat [Natural trumpets in honor of H.M. The King]
Dontri chao Siam [Music of Siam]
Dontri wichan [Music criticism]
Trae lae trae-wong khong chao Siam [Siamese brass and wind band]
Prawat lae phatthan-kan khong pi Thai [History and development of Thai oboes]
Phleng chat [Thai national anthem]
Cha fang dontri yang-rai hai phairo [How to enjoy music]
99 pi phleng sansoen phra barami [99 years of royal anthem]
Sinlapa Khan Pao Saxophone [The art of saxophone playing]
In-house Publications, etc.
Excellent Center: Salaya, The Music Capital
Sakkayaphap lae wisaithat witthayalai duriyanga-sin mahawitthayalai Mahidol phutha sakkarat 2551-2555 [Competence and vision of College of Music, Mahidol University B.E. 2551-2555]
Rabop nio khong khrueang pao [Fingering method for wind instrument]
Bangkok Saxophone Quartet (1992). The King’s Song: Falling Rain. Henri Bok, dir. Ab Schaap and Peter Stam, arr. Kasikorn Bank, sponsor. Role: Founder / Baritone Saxophone / CD Producer.
Bangkok Saxophone Quartet (1993). Farang Ram Taow. Manat Khaoplum, AnuchaBoripun (percussion), Chop Keakit (tenor sax). Surapol Pairojtanachai, arr. Surathip Nakhonkanj Company, sponsor. Role: Founder / Baritone Saxophone / CD Producer.
Bangkok Saxophone Quartet (1994). Khlun Krathop Fang. Manat Khaoplum,
Anucha Boripun (percussion). Surapol Pairojtanachai, arr. Kasikorn Bank, sponsor. Role: Founder / Baritone Saxophone / CD Producer.
Bangkok Saxophone Quartet (1995). Hand in Hand for Thailand. Denny Euprasert(piano), Timothy Hauff (double bass), Rustam Karlmov (drum), Henri Bok (bass sax). Ab Schaap, Kitti Sripaoraya, Vichit Jitrangsan, arr. Surathip Sriburin Company, sponsor. Role: Founder / Baritone Saxophone / CD Producer.
Bangkok Saxophone Quartet (1997). Poo-Yai-Lee. Suthas Kaewkanok, ChaichanaTe-Uan (percussion), Henri Bok (bass sax), Miguel Bernat (marimba). Twatchai Narkwong, Stefan Hakenberg, Kitti Sripaoraya, arr. Role: Founder / Baritone Saxophone / CD Producer.
Bangkok Saxophone Quartet and The Saxophone Orchestra (1995). Long Live The Great King. Eugene Corporon, cond. Surapol Pairojtanachai, arr. Kasikorn Bank, Nestle, Bangkok Bank, sponsors. Role: Founder / Baritone Saxophone / CD Producer.
Banteay Srei Traditional Music Band (2007). Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University. (Banteay Srei Temple, Angkor Wat, Cambodia. 21 - 23 May 2007) . Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Dr. Sax Chamber Orchestra (2000). Together. Sittichai Pengcharoen, cond. Multi- Guests. Bangkok: Talent Education Research Project. Enfagro, sponsor. Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Dr. Sax Chamber Orchestra (2001). Blue Danube. Hermann Dechant, cond.
Koranont Adipat (saxophone). Bangkok: Talent Education Research Project. Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Dr. Sax Chamber Orchestra (2002). Sri Ayutthaya. Hermann Dechant, cond. Multi- guests. Prateep Suphanrojn, arr. Bangkok: Talent Education Research Project. Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Dr. Sax Chamber Orchestra (2003). Kridapiniharn. Prateep Suphanrojn, Juris
Madrevich, cond. Hans Georg Jacobi (oboe). (2CDs) Bangkok: Talent Education Research Project. Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Dr. Sax Chamber Orchestra (2004). Classic Suntaraporn (Kanchai Boonpan’s 5 cycles). Prateep Suphanrojn, cond. Pairoj Saitum, prod. Bangkok: Talent Education Research Project. Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Dr. Sax Chamber Orchestra (2004). The Four Seasons. Johannes Mertl, cond. Tanis Sriglindee (Thai flute) Prateep Suphanrojn, arr. (Thai songs). Bangkok: Talent Education Research Project. AIS, sponsor. Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Dr. Sax Chamber Orchestra (2005). Samanachan. Prateep Suphanrojn, cond. Multi- guests. Patama Leeswadtrakul, prod. Bangkok: Talent Education Research Project. SSP Group, Arnoma Hotel, sponsor. Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Dr. Sax Chamber Orchestra (2006). Great Compositions for Chamber Orchestra (1.Preis Edition). Gudni A. Emilsson, cond. Hrólfur Vagnsson, eng. Bangkok: Dr. Sugree Charoensook Foundation (Talent Education Research Project). Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Fine Arts Department Thai Traditional Ensemble. (1994). Traditional Music of Siam.Manat Khaoplum, dir. Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University. (7 CDs: 1-3. Tham Boon; 4. Bai-Sri Su-khwan; 5. Wai Khru; 6. King Rama VII’s Centennial; 7. Nang Hong: Sip-Song Phasa. Bangkok Municipal Thai Traditional Ensemble, perf. Bunyong Ketkhong, dir.) Role: Project Director / Coordinator & CD Producer.
Dendang Asli Ensemble, Pattani province (1994). Rong Ngeng. Wan Dir Wan Deng, dir. Saeng-Arun Arts Centre, sponsor. Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Mahidol University Faculty Jazz Ensemble (1999). Music of H.M King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University. Role: Project Director.
Sombat Simla & Buaphan Sananmueang (2002). Mahatsachan Lam Khaen Daen Siam. Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University. (2 CDs: 1. Sombat Simla: Phuthao Hua Tok Mon; 2. Mo Lam: Mo Khaen). Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (2007). National Music Series. Gudni A. Emilsson, cond. Hrólfur Vagnsson, eng. The Stock Exchange of Thailand, sponsor. Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University. (4CDs 1. Thai Traditional Music; 2. Thai Folk Songs; 3. King’s Composition; 4. Royal Music). Role: Founder / Music Director / CD Producer.
Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (2007). Songs of Honor. Gudni A. Emilsson, cond.Hrólfur Vagnsson, eng. The Stock Exchange of Thailand, Thai Beverage, sponsor. Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University. Role: Founder / Music Director / CD Producer.
Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (2009). ASEAN Suite (15th ASEAN Summit, Cha-am, Thailand 2009). Prateep Suphanrojn, cond. Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University. Role: Founder / Music Director / CD Producer.
TPO Chamber Orchestra (2008). “Away from Home” (Centennial: Following the Royal trip of King Rama V). Prateep Suphanrojn, cond. (soundtrack for Thai PBS documentary). Role: Founder / Music Director / CD Producer.
Various Artists (1993). Traditional Folk Music of Siam. Plan Group, sponsor. Bangkok: Saeng-Arun Arts Centre. (5CDs: 1. Folk Music of Laan Na; 2. Folk Music of Southern Region; 3. Ceremonial Music; 4. Folk Music of Central Region; 5. Folk Music of Esarn). Role: Project Creator & Coordinator.
Various Artists (1996/2005). Siamese Lullaby. Bangkok: National Institute for Brain-based Learning & College of Music, Mahidol University. Role: Project Director / Field Sound Recorder & CD Producer.
Various Artists (1997). Thailand: Ceremonial and Court Music from Central Thailand. James Upton, rec. Vermont, U.S.A.: Multicultural Media. (Bangkok & Central Thailand. January - February 1995). Role: Recording Project Director & Researcher.
Various Artists (2000). Traditional Music Of Luang Prabang. Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University. (Luang Prabang, Loa PDR. 25 - 27 August 1999). (2CDs). Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Various Artists (2003). Music of Khru Mi-Khaek: Master Musician of the Kingdom Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University. (4CDs: 1. The Legend of Oboe Master; 2. The Lover’s Abduction; 3. The Sorrowful Departure; 4. The Eclipse Affairs). Role: CD Producer.
Various Artists/ Buddhist Monks (1996). Buddhist Chants: 1000 chants and Dasana Mahachat. Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University & Buddamonthon, Ministry of Education. (Buddamonthon, Nakhonpathom 18 – 20 September 1996). (10CDs). Role: Project Coordinator & CD Producer.
Various Buddhist Monks(2005). Buddhist Chants. Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University. (6CDs). Role: Project Director / Researcher & CD Producer.
Yusoh Bothong Dikir Hulu (2007). Dikir Hulu. Nakhonpathom: College of Music, Mahidol University. (CD & DVD). Role: Project Director & CD Producer.
Thai Symphony Orchestra (2019). "Diang Sa" Music for Children. Prateep Suphanrojn, cond. Piyawat Louilarpprasert, arr.
Project Director and/or Principle Investigator: Dr. Sugree Charoensook
Building Database and Information System for Music Research
Project Period: 2009 – Present
Project Sponsorship: The Commissioner of Higher Education
Creation of Southeast Asia Music Encyclopedia
Project Period: 2009 – Present
Project Sponsorship: Goethe Institute, Thailand
Development of the Music Research System Innovation
Project Period: 2009 – Present
Project Sponsorship: Thailand Research Fund
The Establishment of Southeast Asian Music Museum
Project Period: 2008 – Present
Project Sponsorship: Research fund of College of Music, Mahidol University, 2008
50 Year of Music Development in Thailand
Project Period: November 2005 – October 2006
Project Sponsorship: Thailand Research Fund and research fund of College Music, Mahidol University
Music to Develop Brain Power
Project Period: 2004 – 2007
Project Sponsorship: National Institute for Brain-based Leaning, Office of the Prime Minister
Buddhist Chant in South East Asia
Project Period: 2004 – 2006
Project Sponsorship: Mahidol University Research Fund
Khru Mi-Khaek Monument: Unacknowledged master musician
Project Period: 2003
Project Sponsorship: Donation and College of Music, Mahidol University
Research for Pitch and System of Thai Music
Project Period: January 1995 – December 1996
Project Sponsorship: Thailand Research Fund
Talent Education Research Project
Project Period: November 1995 – present
Project Sponsorship: Self-supported by participants and families until 2004 by donation through Sugree Charoensook Foundation
Chinese Music and Rituals in Nakhon Si Thammarat*
Project Period: January 1995 – December 1996
Project Sponsorship: The Poh Teck Tung Foundation
*A research paper in “Research in Response to Royal Intention Regarding Nakhon Si Thammarat” by The Huachiew Chalermprakiet University Council
The Status of Research in Performing Art in Thailand
Project Period: October 1992 – 2000
Project Sponsorship: Tourism Authority of Thailand
1952 Born October 29, to a peasant family in a rural village of ChianYai district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, south of Thailand.
1958 Attended various elementary schools (Grade 1st – 7th) in ChianYai area: Ban Plai Khlong School, Wat Kaeo Khao Wichian School, Bangwa Witthaya School.
1962 Won ChianYai district scholarship for six academic years (1962 – 1968)
1965 Left home for the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat to attend Srithammaratsuksa School (Grade 8th-10th); living as monk attendance at Buranaram Temple.
1967 Started playing saxophone with a country music band, Dao Rung Nakhon and on tour with them during school break; receiving a twenty-five bath stipends.
1968-70 Continued study at Nakhonsi Thammarat Teacher Training College (now Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University).
1970-72 Was chosen to attend a two-year music program at Bansomdejchaopraya Teacher College (now Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University) in Bangkok on a donor’s grant; playing music with the college’s Chongkho Band, etc.
1972-74 Pursued undergraduate program (Education majoring Thai Language) at Srinakharinwirot University (now Thaksin University) in Songkhla province, on a grant from Ministry of Education Department of Curriculum and Instruction Development.
1972 Started music career playing saxophone at nightclubs in Had Yai.
1974-77 Started music teaching career at Chandrakasem Teacher College (now Chandrakasem Rajabhat University) in Bangkok.
Worked as saxophonist with different bands at various nightclubs in Bangkok and Pattaya.
1978 Entered monk-hood for a month at Wat Kaeo Khao Wichian in his hometown.
1978-80 Pursued higher education in the US (leaving March 12, 1978) studying at School of Music, College of Performing and Visual Arts, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado. Graduated with Master of Music/Education.
1981 Moved briefly (one semester) to Denton, Texas for a trial of doctoral program at College of Music, University of North Texas, later resumed at UNC.
Worked as TA in History of Western Music class (1981-83) and Saxophone class (1983-84).
1984 Completed doctoral course work and visited Thailand briefly before working in the U.S.
Married Ariya Manomaiphiboon.
Taught Band Conducting at Central Wyoming College in Riverton, Wyoming.
Started writing for Matichon daily newspaper.
1985 Graduated with Doctor of Arts (Woodwind Performance and Pedagogy) and returned to Thailand.
Taught music course at Bansomdejchaopraya Teacher College.
Juckrit, a son was born.
1986 Founded and published Thanon Dontri, a monthly music journal.
1987 Transferred to work at Mahidol University, in Cultural Study Program (through the Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development).
Kamolmas, a daughter was born.
1988 Closure of Thanon Dontri music magazine.
Tapalin, a daughter was born.
1989 Started graduate program, Master of Arts in Cultural Study music emphasis, under the Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development.
Appointed Assistant Professor.
Opened an instrument repair shop called “Dr.Sax” on Mahachai road.
1990 Formed Bangkok Saxophone Quartet (BSQ) and played baritone saxophone in public spaces.
1992 Expanded and renamed the graduate program to Master of Arts in Music, concentrating in Music Education and Musicology.
1993 Dr. Sax music repair shop grew into a music school, which later renamed Aum-Aree Music School located at Central Pinklao Shopping Center.
1994 The birth of College of Music (Project), Mahidol University and his title was Director.
Published Plengdontri Music Journal.
1995 COM opened Music Campus for General Public at Seri Center.
Appointed Associate Professor.
Originated and conducts Talent Education Research Project.
1997 Created and architected Dr. Sax Chamber Orchestra, a showcase of Talent Education Research Project.
COM launched SET [Thailand] Youth Musician Competition.
Recipient of University of North Colorado Alumni’s Honored Alumni International Award.
1998 COM offers a full undergraduate program (four-year); launched Asian Symphonic Band competition (now TIWEC).
2001 COM started a Pre-College (10th-12th grade) music program.
2002 Completion of the College’s first building (A) of Bhumibol Sangkeet Buildings.
2003 COM launched Southeast Asian Youth Orchestra and Wind Ensemble (SAYOWE) music camp; constructed Khru Mi Khaek Monument.
2004 Completion of the College’s library and 353-seat concert hall buildings.
2005 COM offers Doctoral program, the first in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Founded Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) acting as music director.
Hosted International Trumpet Guild.
Dr. Sax Chamber Orchestra won the First Prize at the International Youth Chamber Music Competition (IYCC 2005) in Interlaken, Switzerland.
2006 COM opened second Music Campus for General Public at Siam Paragon shopping complex.
2007 Awarded by the Stock Exchange of Thailand Foundation’s Social Contribution Project” as one of the six recipients receiving cash prize of 2 million Thai baht allotment yearly.
2008 COM was chosen as an Outstanding Institution by Thailand’s National Identity Committee; launched The 1st Southeast Asian Music Director’s Conference; Thailand International Piano Competition, etc.
Presented with a medallion of J.W Goethe by Goethe Institute Thailand.
2009 COM was officially recognized as a “College” and his title was officially–Dean; celebrated the 15th anniversary (September); listed in Rhinegold World Conservatoires 2009; completed the second phase of COM’s Bhumibol Sankeet Buildings; hosted World Saxophone Congress XV (July 7-12); offers undergraduate Music Education Program with scholarships from Mom Dusadi Paripatra na Ayudhya.
Led Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra to the first oversea concert in Tokyo, Japan (October).
Awarded “Khon Di Si Nakhon” Awards by Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, on the same occasion of Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra performing for ASEAN Day Celebration.
2010 Foundation stone-laying ceremony for the building of Southeast Asian Music Museum.
Music Campus for General Public at Seri Center Relocated to Season Square Shopping Complex.
2011 Tendered his resignation as Dean as a protest of OHEC’s refusal to authorize B.M. degree of 2 of 7 music programs. After 3-month-heated debate in the media (5-year delay), COM got the rights.
Led a team to save Mahidol University Salaya campus from the “great floods” inundated the whole area of Salaya and Western Bangkok.
2012 Foundation stone-laying ceremony for the building of Pre-College Boarding School.
2013 COM opened third Music Campus for General Public at Seacon Bangkhae shopping center.
2014 Prince Mahidol Hall opens.
COM offers Master of Music Education (Special Program) for music teachers.
2015 Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra moved to perform at Prince Mahidol Hall.
2019 - present
Retired from COM, and works with Sugree Charoensook Foundation with Projects for children, musicians and everyone