A native of Chicago, Mr. Kreines came to Florida as associate conductor of the Florida Symphony Orchestra in Orlando, where he served for four years. Subsequently, he was conductor of the Brevard Symphony, associate conductor of the Florida Orchestra in Tampa, and musical director for numerous opera and musical theatre productions. He has served as clinician and guest conductor with some 300 bands, orchestras, and choruses throughout the state, also appearing as accompanist at numerous recitals and festivals.

Mr. Kreines has composed a number of original works for various media and has made myriad transcriptions for concert band and brass choir. He is particularly well-known for those of the music of Percy Grainger. In addition, he has authored Music for Concert Band, a selective annotated guide to band literature.