Brian Gray shares his life in song .
The
Music
Man
Brian Gray shares his life in song .
BY PAMELA PALONGUE
Famous TV host Dick Clark used to say , “ Music is the soundtrack of your life .” In Brian Gray ’ s case , he creates his own soundtrack , playing the accordion , keyboard synthesizers , organ , guitar , baritone , trombone , bagpipes — and he also sings !
His enchantment with music began in the second grade when he joined the children ’ s choir at his church . In fourth grade , he began taking baritone lessons . He wanted to play the tuba , but the instrument was too heavy for him to hold at that age .
Years later he attended Edinboro University and majored in trombone and euphonium , which is like a baritone with a “ sweeter , more melodic sound ,” says Brian .
After graduation , he realized there wasn ’ t a huge demand for euphonium players . This led to several unfulfilling jobs before he decided to follow his dream of playing music full time .
Brian plays in several bands and teaches band students at Harbor Creek High School . Music even led him to his wife , Jill , who is an English teacher at the school .
He doesn ’ t just teach kids , however . He ’ s also the director of the Millcreek Area Community Band for adults , where the average age is about 68 years old , with the oldest band member being 93 ! The band is open to anyone with some playing experience , and is made up of woodwinds , brass and percussion . In the winter months the group plays music in area nursing homes . Brian especially loves this because it means so much to the residents .
He ’ s also a talented keyboardist and is the church organist at Faith Lutheran Church in Harborcreek .
Brian ’ s music reflects his Celtic heritage . He recently traced his family history and found he ’ s almost 100 percent Scottish on his father ’ s side — and one of his ancestors was a bagpiper . Brian is the first piper in his family in six generations . He plays the pipes at weddings and other events . In fact , he even played them on the bow of a sailboat in his kilt as he wed Jill ( the photo featured on our cover ).
Brian also plays in a punk rock band , The Tradesmen , which combines the sound of electric guitar , bass and bagpipes .
On his mother ’ s side , he is part Irish . He has YouTube videos that feature him playing the guitar and singing traditional Irish folk songs . You can almost close your eyes and imagine you ’ re on
Grafton Street in Dublin when you hear his authentic Irish style . He has even learned one song in the notoriously difficult Gaelic language .
Brian plays in an Irish band as well , called the CraicJacks . The name is a play on the Irish Gaelic word “ craic ,” which means having a good time . These talented musicians play the cajon ( a type of snare drum ), guitar , violin and accordion . All four members sing , combining sweet melodies with more raucous renditions . You can follow them at facebook . com / CraicJacks .
Anyone at any age can learn to play an instrument . Brian says , “ Anybody who is thinking about learning to play an instrument , it will be very hard for a very long time . But then , suddenly , things will click . And it ’ s so worth it ! There ’ s just nothing like having people singing and dancing along with you .”
He feels at home onstage : “ It ’ s where I ’ m happiest . It ’ s not about me , and it ’ s not the size of the crowd — it ’ s about the music and the people I ’ m playing with .”
You can also find Brian online at facebook . com / briangraymusic . n
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