Brendan McBrien

Brass Methods + Arranging + University Mentor

Brendan McBrien began playing horn in Sunnyvale, California in fourth grade. He moved to Southern California and attended California State University, Long Beach, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music composition and conducting. In 1988, he began teaching in Irvine Unified School District where he directed bands and orchestras at Irvine High School, Venado Middle School, and Rancho San Joaquin Middle School. He was awarded Middle School Teacher of the Year for the Irvine Unified School District and Orange County Department of Education.

Additionally, Brendan worked as a professional French horn player in Los Angeles and Orange County areas in symphony, television, movie, and theater orchestras for 30 years. As an active composer, his compositions and arrangements for band and orchestra are performed worldwide and are published by Alfred, Belwin, Kendor, and Kjos Music Companies. He currently adjudicates, clinics, conducts honor bands, and presents workshops at state and local conventions in addition to serving on the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) board for six terms.

After 34 years of teaching, Brendan retired from IUSD and currently teaches music arranging and brass methods as well as supervises music student teachers at CSULB. He also teaches instrumental methods at UCLA.

Decidedly, Brendan’s greatest joy is being married to his wife, Karen, and fathering Kevin, Megan, and Patrick—all of whom are passionate musicians.