Phil has been principal trombone of Kensington Symphony Orchestra for over twenty years. He plays funk with Mr Griff and BoneFunk, and plays chamber music with Slideways trombone quartet and Pipework5 brass quintet. Phil especially enjoys the beauty of the alto trombone in the odd Mozart mass or Requiem. Phil often guests in other top-notch non-professional symphony orchestras of London and Cambridge – noteably “Cambridge Phil” (nobody can resist a chuckle), Corinthian, City of Cambridge, London Shostakovich … On the jazz and funk side, Phil has recently worked with The Gravy Train Trio (funk), Los Orejitos (cuban), Jonners Czernick (songs), Hustle (disco/functions) and is sometimes spotted playing “dinner jazz” on trombone and flugelhorn.

As principal trombone of Kensington Symphony Orchestra, Phil has had great acclaim playing Mahler’s 3rd symphony, Shostakovich 4th, … and in his career it’s difficult to think of any mainstream orchestral work that he has not performed. All symphonies of all major symphonists; All major ballet scores; Turangalila (twice), Thomas’ Hamlet, a Ring cycle (yawn); Stravinsky Agon (what?) … there’s got to be something.

In 2012 he won the multi-instrumental competition for non-professionals: “Office Musician of the Year”

The early days: Phil started to play the trombone at the age of 11, mentored and encouraged by his peer group in the then-locally-famous Thornleigh College Brass Band in Bolton. Quickly climbing through the ranks, via Eagley Band, his Brass Band achievements culminated in a one-year stint, aged 17, as principal trombone of Bass Wingates Band.

Then came Imperial College Symphony Orchestra, IC trombone quartet (the only people to play this live!), Bayswater Blasters, Quartos (“quart”+”os” 😏) Pigotts, The Bag Ladies (funk/originals), Brass Companye (quintet), The Bicycle Thieves (functions), and – as I said – far too many orchestras to mention. And now, Cambridge!