Brian McCarty joined San Francisco Ballet Orchestra in 1977 and has been a member of San Francisco Opera Orchestra since 1980.

McCarty grew up in the Bay Area and is a product of local school music programs and youth orchestras, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He was able to participate in College of Marin Band, Orchestra, and Opera productions in high school. He went on to attend California State University at Hayward and has studied with Jerry Merrill, Ralph Hotz, A. David Krehbiel and David Sprung.

McCarty has been a member of Anchor Chamber Players, Marin Symphony, and has freelanced with many of the Bay Area’s chamber and orchestral ensembles.

McCarty and his wife, Coleen, have three children. They all enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and beachgoing.