For nearly four decades, Brian D. Hinkley has dazzled audiences with his conducting and musical leadership.  Adept at navigating an ensemble through numerous musical styles, Hinkley is capable of transitioning seamlessly from razor-sharp technical passages to intensely dramatic lyrical phrases.  Described as “profoundly passionate,” his baton technique brings a unique combination of audio and visual excitement to the performances that he leads.

Brian received his B.A. (Trombone Performance and Music History) and M.A. (Music Education) from Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio.  His primary trombone teachers were Thomas Cramer (Oberlin), Per Brevig (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra) and Denis Wick (London Symphony Orchestra).  His primary conducting teachers were Robert Baustian and Daniel Moe (both at Oberlin).

A retired music educator, Brian taught in public schools for 38 years.  He taught both elementary and high school bands and orchestras in Maple Heights, Ohio and Frederick County, Maryland from 1986 until 2024.  Hinkley has also been on the faculty at Hood College since 1993.  His duties at Hood College include directing the wind ensemble, teaching applied study for brass instruments and teaching the conducting classes.  In addition to his teaching and conducting duties, Hinkley maintains an active performance schedule on trombone and bass trombone. Brian was named Conductor & Music Director of Spires Brass Band in September 2023.