Colin J. Brien

Colin Brien was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1981. He, along with his family moved to Idaho in 1992. He began studying piano at the age of 7 and violin and Horn at 12. Colin is currently pursuing his graduate degree at Western Illinois University in wind conducting under Michael Fansler and horn under Dr. Randall E. Faust. Prior to enrolling at WIU, Colin received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID. While at ISU he studied composition with Dr. Jett Hitt and Dr. Thorn Ritter George and horn with Craig Knutson. Colin was the recipient of the outstanding composition student award twice during his undergraduate. He also conducted two world-premier performances of his compositions; The West, with the ISU Symphonic Band, and The Lewis and Clark Expedition commissioned by the Century High School Band and Singers.

After receiving his B.M.E. from ISU, Colin held the position of director of bands at Mountain View Middle School in Blackfoot, ID. In addition to teaching 7th and 8th grade concert bands, he also co-taught the beginning 6th grade band, percussion ensemble and the Blackfoot High School Marching Broncos with high school director Allen Tripp. While director and Mountain View, Colin conducted several high school and middle school honor bands in the area. He thoroughly enjoys working with young musicians. Colin is very happily married to Ingrid Brien, whose loving support has been unfailing.