Phil Smith

At the age of 6 Phil started to reach up and play notes on his parents’ piano. Keyboard lessons began, shortly followed by clarinet lessons at school.

Having gained his two grade 8’s and music A level Phil set off to music college and then teacher training. He moved to Nottingham in 1985 to become a woodwind teacher and a career that saw him as head of music in three Nottinghamshire schools followed by a Teaching Fellowship at Warwick University

During that time he also became musical director of the Nottinghamshire Education Big Band (The Brassery) and founder and MD of Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra.

He also conducted many other ensembles for the authority and was the MD for the Nottingham Youth Theatre Company. He also conducts for the Nottingham based Music for Everyone.

Whether performing in local orchestras, theatre bands, singing in chamber choirs or conducting classical or jazz, Phil has been immersed in music in the local area since moving here.

Amongst his favourite performances must be an appearance on Blue Peter (yes he has the badge!) numerous gigs at the Edinburgh Festival as well of course as all those local concerts which keep us all enjoying music so much.

When not performing or conducting he can be found snowboarding down the Alps or pottering in his garden!