GARY CLIFFORD DENNIS BRAIN,

Born in Palmerston North, New Zealand, on 12 August 1943, Gary showed an early aptitude for music beginning the piano at the age of four.

He later played the cello, horn, trumpet, timpani and percussion including drums in the school pop group.

He was a foundation member of the Manawatu Youth Orchestra before joining the NZ National Youth Orchestra which he was a member of throughout his teens. Gary is the only member to have ever conducted this orchestra, later in his career.