Phil started his playing career with the Haydon Bridge Silver Band on Eb Bass whilst still at school until moving away to study chemistry at Oxford University.

Phil moved back home to Haydon Bridge and joined the Ovington Tynedale Band on Eb Bass and was soon persuaded to become the Band Secretary, a position he held for many years. During Phil's reign as Band Secretary he saw the Band qualify on three consecutive occassions as Regional Champions for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. This is an acheivement he is very proud of.

Unfortunately, in 2001 Ovington Tynedale disbanded. Phil was approached by Felling to join on Eb Bass and in 2005 became the Band Manager. Once again Phil has had the midas touch with his unique organisational skills and already had one Regional win as Band Manager - he hopes the Band can make it another two in a row!

Out of the banding scene, Phil is a renowned tubist/sousaphone player specialsing in early jazz and ragtime music. He is a member of the New Century Ragtime Orchestra, the only orchestra in the UK to specialise in early 20th century music in the jazz and ragtime genre and The West Jesmond Rhythm Kings. Phil covers thousands of miles a year travelling both in the United Kingdom and abroad playing as a guest artist for many orchestras and jazz bands.

Out of the music scene, Phil is a housing officer working for Tynedale Council and lives in Acomb near Hexham.