Brian G’froerer, a true gentleman of the horn, graced the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra from 1974 until his well-deserved retirement in 2008. His journey began as the Assistant Principal and later ascended to the positions of Third and Associate Principal Horn in 1980. His musical reach extended beyond the VSO, as he also served as the principal horn of the CBC Radio Orchestra from 1976 until 2008. His contributions were immortalized in their numerous CBC recordings and regular national radio broadcasts.
Brian was an active teacher over the years. In the early 1970s, he was a high school band instructor and then a horn teacher at the Vancouver Academy of Music, the University of BC, the University of Victoria, and numerous local colleges. Summer programs in which he has been involved include NYO Canada, the Courtenay Youth Music Camp, the Saskatchewan Summer School of the Arts, and CAMMAC at Shawnigan Lake, BC.
In memory of his life and dedication to music education, along with support from friends and family, the Brian G’froerer Memorial Horn Scholarship honours his legacy and awards scholarships to young horn players with financial needs who have been accepted into NYO Canada for years to come.