MI
USA
734-429-0004
Email:
Website:
www.phillipsfiddlers.com
Travels to: Anywhere
Biography:
Bob Phillips is renowned both as a string educator and an innovator in string education. With over twenty-five years experience in a public school classroom, as well as over fifteen years as a teacher trainer, Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and a sense of humor to his workshops. Bob is co-author of the of the new string method, "String Explorer" and composer of accompanying performance music. An expert in the use of folk fiddling and jazz in the string orchestra, Bob is also co-author of the successful series of books "Fiddlers Philharmonic", "Fiddlers Philharmonic Encore!", and "Jazz Philharmonic" all published by Alfred Publishing. These arrangements of traditional American fiddle repertoire grew from a need for material for his own string classrooms and in his performing groups.Pam Phillips, after spending a number of years running her own business and raising three musicians, has turned her full time energies to the arts. She has served as the arts administrator for the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic and has extensive experience in arts development. She also assisted in the graphic design and development of the publications. Pam has organized and developed the Phillips Family Fiddle Camps in the 1990s and the String Alternatives Workshop.
Bob taught twenty-seven years in the Saline Area Schools building a string program with over 700 students that is a model of excellence in both classical and alternative music. Bob’s groups have performed at national and state conferences and consistently achieved top ratings at festivals. He founded the nationally renowned folk fiddling ensemble, Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, which under his direction gained an international reputation annually performing more than 100 shows.
Bob graduated from the University of Michigan with both Bachelor and Master Degrees in Music Education, where he studied under Lawrence Hurst, Elizabeth Green, James Froseth and Bob Culver. He has been elected "Teacher of the Year" nine times by professional associations and has been invited to present clinics in more than thirty states and in seven foreign countries as well as at numerous national conferences. Bob has conducted a variety of youth symphonies, honors orchestras and camps.
In 2000 the city of Saline recognized Bob and Pam Phillips as Citizens of the Year. In 2002 the they were honored for their work with the Fiddlers by both the House and the Senate of the State of Michigan. They have three daughters who have taught at the Phillips Family Fiddle Camps and the Michigan ASTA camps. Two daughters, who are string teachers, also give fiddling clinics in their regions. The third daughter, a math teacher, continues to teach at summer music camps and play bass on the side.
Elementary, middle school and high school strings instructional techniques -
How to start heterogeneous large classes, rote, reading and rhythm, materials and technology to use, rehearsal techniques and conducting for older groups, building skills in middle school, non-verbal teaching, movement in the orchestra.
Bass in the classroom
Build skills to equal the high strings in heterogeneous settings.
Program development and consulting
Recruiting, retention, scheduling and curriculum.
Alternative Music - fiddling and jazz for the classroom
Guest conducting and student workshops
Publications - String Explorer Method Book, Fiddlers Philharmonic and Jazz Philharmonic series, performance music through Alfred Music We will also help you organize your workshop or event for maximum effectiveness for the students or teachers.