Robert Darwin Bruce Brown OAM

ROBERT BROWN was a gem of the South Australian musical world. He contributed so much to music in his teaching, playing the flute, and assisting as a member of boards, committees, playing groups and orchestras

Robert was the eldest son of Robert McCallum Brown and Josephine Rosemary June Brown. He grew up in Glen Osmond and attended Linden Park Primary School until grade five when he became a student at St. Peter's College. It was there that he discovered his love of and talent for playing the flute, recorder, and fife, but primarily the flute. He went on to attend the Flinders Street School of Music and became a music teacher. He was always generous with his time, teaching at many schools and providing private tuition. At the same time he became a member of two orchestras, the Norwood Symphony Orchestra and Mitcham Orchestra, the latter of which he was President until illness required him to retire.

A flute radio programme on Community Radio Station 5MBS was produced by Robert, who was also editor of the publication the SA Flute News. He helped form the Gully Winds Quintet with his friends, he performed with "The Music Hall Show", and was also a board member or committee member of the Flute Society, the Flute Teachers' Association, and the Music Teachers' Association. He will be greatly admired for his long term service as a Member of the Board and President of the Eisteddfod Society which provides opportunities for young musicians to present their skills in the public arena.

Robert became a member of the South Australian Genealogy and Heraldry Society, not only contributing to his own family history, but researching and writing books about various South Australian orchestras and the Eisteddfod Society. His books are in the Mortlock Library in the State Library.

An Order of Australia Medal was awarded to Robert in 2019 for Service to the Community through Music.

A gregarious person, Robert was always on the go, but always able to find time for an unexpected request. He loved playing tennis and growing roses, fruit, and vegetables. His family parties were convivial and noisy. His memory is in many people's hearts.

A gregarious person, Robert was always on the go, but always able to find time for an unexpected request. He loved playing tennis and growing roses, fruit, and vegetables. His family parties were convivial and noisy. His memory is in many people's hearts.