Brian Stratton Obituary, Death – The passing of Brother Brian Stratton, who was a member of Delta Omega in 1979 and Alpha Alpha in 2010, took place earlier today. Brother Stratton, also known as “The Godfather” among Sinfonians, served as a Collegiate Province Representative in the year 1982, a delegate to the transformational Assembly in the year 1985, Province Governor of Province 14 from 1995-2017, and National Vice President from 1997-2000. In addition, he was a National Vice President from 1997-2000. Sinfonians from all over the country are talking about how Brother Stratton taught them what it really meant to love Sinfonia and how they are sharing their tales.
At the 2012 National Convention, where he was serving as a conductor for the Men of Song Chorus, a few of us from the CIAAA had the privilege of meeting Brother Stratton. He was an inspiration. It would be an understatement to suggest that he did not make his mark on anyone he came into contact with, especially Sinfonians. Brother Stratton “distinguished himself as a musician of international reputation and brought honor to Phi Mu Alpha by displaying an outstanding commitment and dedication to his profession, demonstrating himself as an inspiring role model as both a man and a musician, helping and encouraging others to realize their potentials, and representing Sinfonia’s ideal of the’manly musician and musicianly man.'” These are the words of former National President John Mongiovi.
There is a time for everything under the heavens, including a time to be born and a time to die; a season for everything, and a time for every purpose. I’ve been trying to come up with the words for the past few hours, but I just can’t seem to get them out of my head. This evening I learned that a person who was one of the single most significant figures in my life in terms of music had passed away. The soul of Brother Brian Stratton has now found rest. My inner musician was hidden, but Brian showed me how to find it. He shaped me into the vocalist, conductor, macho musician, and man who is skilled in music that I am now.
We have spent MANY, MANY years together, traveling the United States and making music with some of the most talented individuals I know!! Brian and I have been together for a very long time. When Brian and I conducted the first Men of Song chorus together, we had the distinct impression that we were onto something special. Those moments spent in rehearsal and performance were some of the most enjoyable of my life. I am grateful to you, Brian.
