A very pleasant, friendly gentleman, Alan Brooks of McCalla simply loves music. Music has had a profound influence on him all of his life.
Alan has been music director at Hueytown Methodist Church since January of 2025. He is the former music director at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in McCalla, having served for 22 years.
An antique car collector, Alan, originally from Birmingham, is a McCalla resident. Alan has been a choir director for 54 years, and his first church was Reform Methodist in Reform, Alabama.
He is a well-read and adaptable man with an affection for jazz, bluegrass and 60s and 70s music. Alan continues singing with the Alabama Civic Chorale and directing the Birmingham Community Concert Band.
He was band director at Mountain Brook High School for nine years and held the same position for six years at John Carroll High School.
This multi-talented man enthusiastically shares his passion for music with all.
What is the criteria for selecting Sunday service hymns?
Alan: I select the hymns based on the sermon title and the scripture readings appointed for each Sunday. I also incorporate music associated with holidays and remembrances.
What are your duties as music director?
Alan: I help with the design of the Order of Worship: choose music and hymns for the services, I also direct the Handbell Choir and the Chancel Choir.
What is your educational background?
Alan: I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1972 from the University of Alabama and earned my Master’s degree in Music Education in 1978 from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Who are your favorite composers?
Alan: My favorite composers are Charles Wesley, John Wesley, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst and John Williams.
What is your favorite meal?
Alan: My doctor would not approve, but I love fried pork chops or a grilled rib eye with carrot salad, cream potatoes, butter beans, and I have never met a dessert I didn’t like.
You are a member of what organizations?
Alan: I am a member of the Alabama Bandmaster Association, Phi Beta Mu, a band director’s honorary fraternity and the Cahaba Trombone Ensemble.
What instruments do you play?
Alan: I play the trombone, euphonium, string bass, electric bass, some guitar, flute, sax and clarinet.
What has been a highlight of your career?
Alan: I am a director of the Birmingham Community Concert Band and this year we were invited to play at the D-Day Memorial Service in Normandy on June 6.
Tell me about your family?
Alan: I am the son of the late Leon and Gladys Bryan Brooks, and I have been married to Peggy Branon Brooks for 55 years, and we have three children and six grandchildren.
