Bert Howard is one of the stalwarts of Essendon Choral Society having joined soon after its formation 28 years ago.

With a dulcet Baritone voice Bert loves swing music and the crooners from Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby days. With his relaxed and smooth manner Bert is always a great entertainer. Not only does he sing with Essendon but helped form the Huffers and Puffers Brass Band 15-16 years ago. With Bert as compere and singer the band now has 24 members with 7 fixed programs and a full schedule of performances throughout the year. In his teen years Bert and his brother Edward joined the Brunswick Brass Band with Bert playing drums. They followed the bands and dances with a special passion for swing era.

With a family background in music and entertainment Bert has a wide range of experience. His parents formed the Howard Duo with Tivoli Theatre and his aunt also performed with Tivoli. His son Jack was a trumpet player in brass bands and later famous as a member of the group Hunters and Collectors.

Bert also has a younger family of stepbrothers and sisters who have followed a strong music tradition. His stepbrother Leslie Howard is a world class pianist, William plays cello and stepsister Elizabeth the piano.

One of Bert's fondest memories is the opportunity he had to listen to Yehudi and his sister Hephzibah Menuhin practising their music whilst they were staying at the Nicholas' property Burnham Beeches near Sherbrooke.

In his youth Bert found it necessary to learn defence skills so trained as a boxer. However when he met his wife Patricia, no doubt the footwork skills learned as a boxer helped when they became ballroom dancers and they taught students for several years.