While Phil loves living in Nampa, he’s proud of his midwestern heritage. He grew up in the small town of Harlan, Iowa, as the youngest of five kids. He attended Harlan Community High School, where he was “super-inspired” by all of his band and music teachers. The school was known for its outstanding music programs and was a two-time state champion for jazz band while he attended.

“My experience in music and with my teachers, from elementary through college, really inspired me to teach,” he said.

That memory serves as a guide for his own teaching experience, where he counts his relationships with students and colleagues as the most rewarding aspect of his job.

Outside of spending time with his family, Phil loves the outdoors. He likes to hunt and fish, alpine ski and golf. Another perk of living in Idaho? “I’ve golfed and skied in the same weekend!”

If he had the opportunity, he wouldn’t mind doing some serious traveling. Thanks to his time performing in instrumental ensembles at Luther College, he’s already ticked off a number of popular travel destinations.

In addition to playing all across the upper and lower Midwest, he toured internationally three times, including a monthlong residency in Vienna, two weeks in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, and two-and-a-half weeks in Japan and China. In 2008, he traveled as a faculty advisor for the Iowa Ambassadors of Music on a tour of London, Paris, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Venice and Germany.