Tower and Town, August 2023 (view the full edition)Max Brockman-More - 1956-2023
He was always a father to me but recently, he became a friend too; one that could talk openly, explain and listen to ideas or the matters in hand. He put his heart into everything and I'm so proud of what he's achieved and to say he was and will always be my father. Adam Brockman-More Max was one of those rare teachers who was respected, loved and admired. Students of all ages enjoyed his lessons, not just because of his considerable musical knowledge but also his lively sense of humour and effortless classroom control. He had no need to shout, no need to coerce, as his easy manner created an invigorating atmosphere that students invariably relished. Max's creativity extended to him forming many school choirs and masterminding eight school musicals including Grease, We Will Rock You and Footloose; all to rave reviews. He insisted on very high standards of effort and performance. All participants bought into it. Hundreds and hundreds of students thrived under his tutelage. Mr More will be fondly remembered. Steve Tapper, friend and colleague. At heart Max was a pastoral teacher and as such he was invested in pupil wellbeing; he cared. Max remembered with some pride once being told that he spent too long talking to children. Change the verb talking to listening and you capture the essence of Max the teacher. Of course listening was central to his musical brilliance and it was one element in his love of nature. However, it was Max's gift for seeing what others don't and capturing it in remarkable photographs, combined with his pastoral philosophy and musical talent, that now create his immeasurable legacy. Andy Packer, friend and colleague. From day one Max was able to inspire, to encourage and support every chorister as he introduced his music with his light and lively personality. Choir rehearsals were enjoyable. Yes, we worked hard to learn notes, to learn words as quickly as we could, and develop those rehearsals into concert performances. Max brought real life to the choir's music and performance. His attention to choral detail was intense and the choir went with him. Every concert brought a Max De-brief. He addressed the good bits and commented on the not so good! Concise, honest, frank but never destructive. His manner encouraged each man to improve and give his best. A unique gift that Max possessed. Gordie Smith, Swindon Male Voice Choir |
Max was born in Portsmouth in 1956. Having attained a scholarship, he attended Christ's Hospital School and went on to study for a degree in Music at the University of Birmingham. While a teacher of Music at St John's (1985-2017) he was also Director of Music for Swindon Male Voice Choir (1988-2022). More recently he led the Marlborough Youth Choir to great success as Wiltshire Choir of the Year in 2018 and winning both the classes they entered at the Mid Somerset Festival in 2022. He was also a prize-winning photographer. Impressive though these facts are, they are just that. What was he really like? Let's hear from those who knew him.