Saxophonist, band director and school principal James Phillips, an old musical colleague of mine,
has passed away. I knew him at the University of Oregon around '89-91, when he was the tenor player for the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. He was involved in several of my creative projects that set the pattern for what I have done since. I think the high point was a concert at the time of the beginning of the first Gulf War, which featured a free piece that opened with James reading from Brave New World, and ended with him smashing a TV set with a giant pipe. After that he held the venerated position of band director at South Eugene High (always a great music school), and mentored several excellent musicians in those years, including saxophonist
Ricky Sweum and composer
Yati Durant. That's James with the goatee. RIP.
7 comments:
I am in shock about this. I thought our paths would cross again some day. Life is too short.
I just found out about this and I too am in shock. Tim Vian was my band director at Churchill and told me that I had to get lessons from this new tenor player at the U of O. I was 14. James was my teacher, mentor, and friend from thereafter. I'll always miss him. I remember the TV smashing thing. So interesting coming from such a mild mannered guy. I loved it.
I just found out about James' passing. I am so sad to hear this. It was a privilege to know him. I knew him when he helped with Churchill's marching band when Tim Vian was the band director. He helped out with the summer marching band camps.
Sorry Bobbi-- he had a lot more to give.
I think about Mr. Phillips ALL THE TIME! And he was my band teacher about 20 years ago. What a kind and loving soul. He was an incredible sax player. I miss him dearly even today. I loved reading this and seeing that he went to the same school I went to! I graduated with a music degree from UO in 2015. Had no idea he went there. Rest easy, Mr. Phillips. You will not be forgotten.
What a Legend
My brother. Always loved music. I miss you every day!
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