Bill Brian - Obutuary
by Sheena Kelman
B&F April 2011
It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Bill Brian, a long time member of the Forres Accordion & Fiddle Club and conferred a life member about 20 years ago. Bill suffered a stroke a few weeks ago and unfortunately fell victim to another one on Sunday 6th March and died in the early hours of Tuesday 8th.
Bill’s musical career spans many years and saw him play in several Scottish Dance Bands; leading the Forres A&F Club players; and entertaining at umpteen venues the length and breadth of the country. He was an accomplished composer as well as being the winner of The Golden Fiddle Award some year ago. Bill was the Musical Director and Conductor of the revived Elgin S&R Society, and I’m sure many people will remember him as the colourful conductor of the Elgin Fiddlers Rally which is held annually in September. He was also a dedicated fiddle teacher to pupils of all ages, and I for one feel privileged to have had the benefit of his tuition and expertise recently.
Many trips to other countries have taken place through Elgin S&R Society and also exchange visits by musicians from overseas to the Moray area and as a result, Bill was known worldwide.
He was a man who put his heart and soul into everything he did and, being a perfectionist himself, expected perfection from his Society members. Bill will be remembered with great respect, and will be sorely missed in many musical circles.
Bill’s musical career spans many years and saw him play in several Scottish Dance Bands; leading the Forres A&F Club players; and entertaining at umpteen venues the length and breadth of the country. He was an accomplished composer as well as being the winner of The Golden Fiddle Award some year ago. Bill was the Musical Director and Conductor of the revived Elgin S&R Society, and I’m sure many people will remember him as the colourful conductor of the Elgin Fiddlers Rally which is held annually in September. He was also a dedicated fiddle teacher to pupils of all ages, and I for one feel privileged to have had the benefit of his tuition and expertise recently.
Many trips to other countries have taken place through Elgin S&R Society and also exchange visits by musicians from overseas to the Moray area and as a result, Bill was known worldwide.
He was a man who put his heart and soul into everything he did and, being a perfectionist himself, expected perfection from his Society members. Bill will be remembered with great respect, and will be sorely missed in many musical circles.