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Harvey Phillips passed away two years ago today (Octuba 20, 2010). It might be nice for those who knew him well to post their favorite stories and/or pictures.

I first met Harvey in April 1969 at the SW MENC convention in ST. Louis. He played "Helix" with out Fort Hays Kansas State College symphonic band. I had never heard a CC tuba before and I was not impressed.
In 1978 he was a guest artist at the High Plains Band Camp at Fort Hays State and I went in and played in the faculty tuba ensemble he conducted.
In 1983 or 1984 he was guest artist at the Montana Music Educators Convention here in Great Falls and I took off work to go to his clinic. I introduced myself and he remembered me from Fort Hays State.

I never got to meet him, but the person I first stated taking lesson from was an IU Euphonium Performance major who anytime of mentioning of Harvey Phillips would always say how nice he was.

My association with Harvey began in 1979 as an undergraduate student at Indiana and we remained close the rest of his life. My parents were nearly the same age as Harvey. My father passed in 2006 and my mother about 6 months before Harvey. I remember that day two years ago, learning of Harvey's passing and I remember asking my wife, "who will believe in me now?" During my tenure at Indiana University as Harvey's student and then teaching asssistant, I witnessed one of the greatest men known to me live his life to the fullest. Over the years I've tackled some interesting projects, including starting my own business nine years ago and I attribute everything I've learned to Harvey. I can't imagine where my life would be having not been one of his many students.

If you are a serious student of music, not just tuba, Harvey's new biography "Tuba Man" is a must read. I'm reading it now and can barely put it down. It contains so much wisdom. Havey did more for our instrument than anyone else. So much of what we take for granted now is directly connected to Harvey's vision and virtuosity.
The photo was taken in April of 2002 on a visit to Bloomington. On the table is his book, in progress. This was taken at Harvey's dining room table. On the left is Jeff Anderson, tubist with the San Francisco Symphony (someone else I've known since 1979). I'm on the right. On the table is Harvey's book, in progress.
Ted

Wow- John Swallow, trombonist of the New York Brass Quintet also passed away last night (Oct. 20th). Two legends finishing their final performance together.

Eflatdoubler wrote:Two legends finishing their final performance together.

Or starting an eternity of new ones, depending on what you believe!

Chuck