A. Michael Brown began playing trombone at the age of nine, but almost became a professional baseball player. After high school, injuries prevented his pursuit of baseball while he continued his study of music and the trombone. Several teachers and colleagues inspired and encouraged him towards a professional music career.

Mr. Brown attended California State University at Northridge, where he studied trombone with Miles Anderson for three years. He stopped school just short of his degree to work in a family cabinet business. Three years later, he returned to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to complete his bachelor’s degree in music performance. His other teachers included Ned Meredith, Mitchell Ross, John Engelkes, Ralph Sauer, and Mark Lawrence.

Prior to joining The Phoenix Symphony in 1986, Mr. Brown served as second trombone for one season with the Oakland Symphony, two seasons as bass trombonist with the San Francisco Ballet orchestra, one season as principal trombonist with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Starting the summer of 1983, he spent nine seasons with the Santa Fe Opera.

Mike and his wife Pam were married on September 1, 1990. They live in Chandler, Arizona with their three children, Josh, Jenny, and Rachel.