Brian Holmes received a B.A. from Pomona College and a Ph.D. (in experimental low temperature physics) from Boston University. While in Boston, he studied horn with Harry Shapiro. He has performed professionally with the San Jose Symphony and Opera San Jose. In addition to the Mission Chamber Orchestra, he plays with the Peninsula Symphony, the Menlo Brass Quintet, and the Altos Brass. He is active as a composer, with many performances and dozens of commissions, publications, and awards to his credit. He is retired from the San Jose State Department of Physics and Astronomy, where he taught a course on the physics of music.