Brian,
who was born and still lives in Portsmouth, England, studied piano from the age
of eight and took up the organ at the age of 12 whilst at grammar school,
winning two scholarships. At the age of fifteen, he was appointed organist and
choirmaster at Milton United Reformed Church. He took up a place at the
Portsmouth College of Education, training to be a teacher, continuing his piano
and organ studies. Whilst at college, he also started singing studies
eventually passing Grade 8 with distinction. The time at college also afforded
opportunities to study Double Bass and Percussion and he participated in many
concerts, both classical and contemporary and also several Gilbert and Sullivan
productions.
In 1974, he
was appointed Organist and Choirmaster to the Parish Church of St. James,
Milton, a post which he held until November 1992. During that time, his
teaching career continued with his appointment as Deputy Headteacher at Solent
Junior School. He has subsequently been Organist and Choirmaster to the Parish
Church of St. Thomas, Bedhampton and currently is Director of Music at the
Church of Resurrection, Cosham.
His association with the Milton Glee Club began in 1975 when he joined as a singer with his wife Mary. However, within a short time, the regular accompanist fell ill and he was appointed Honorary Accompanist. He continued in this capacity until the untimely death in 1986, of the founder conductor, Stanley Mortimore. He was then appointed Musical Director, a post he continues to hold. This has afforded opportunities to conduct other choirs, the London Concert Orchestra, The Central Band of the Royal British Legion, The Band of H.M. Royal Marines, The Mantovani Orchestra, The London Show Orchestra and the Highbury Area Band.