Happy Birthday...Harvey Phillips

[Ken Herrick]

December 2, 1929 and a star certainly was born; Harvey G Phillips, a legend of the music world joined human kind.

I know it has all been said before, but having studied with Harvey and spent a lot of time with him and his family, I can say from first hand experience that all the honours and praise given him are more than well deserved.

Even more than his amazing abilities as a musician, who just happened to play tuba, his outstanding abilities and dedication as an innovator and administrator, it is his kind and helpful personal nature that has always stood out in my mind as the true mark of a great man. To have known Harvey is to know the true meaning of the word "Mentor". The time I spent with him gave me many guides to life as a whole.

I have just spoken to Harvey and Carol and in just a few minutes it was like being back home. I know this might be just a bit early but, here in Australia it is already 2 December and thus Harvey's Birthday - truly a day to celebrate.

At the milestone of 80, this should be not merely Harvey Phillips Day - but for tubists in particular - Harvey Phillips Year.

[Bill Troiano]

I would like to echo Ken's sentiments. I studied with Harvey after I complete my MM in 1975. I lived on his ranch part of the time and he treated me like a son. We had many good times together in Indiana and in NYC when he would come to town. I'm looking forward to seeing him at Tubachristmas on the 13th. Happy birthday, Harvey!

[GC]

Congratulations, Mr. Phillips.

[Eric B]

Our paths crossed when I was a camper at Philips University Band Camp in Enid, Oklahoma in 1988. Dr. Phillips inspired me to major in music. He is a very influential person.

[brianf]

Today, December 2 is Harvey Phillips' 80th birthday. In celebration of this, I have a cyber birthday card to Harvey at http://www.windsongpress.com/harvey.htm" target="_blank
here is Harvey's Bio, sound clips, a special message from Arnold Jacobs and tributes from several of his friends. I invite everyone to look at this. If you would like to add a tribute, please email it to me at brianf@windsongpress.com" target="_blank

[Roger Lewis]

I studied with Mr. Phillips at Indiana university in the late 80's, but have counted him as a dear friend and mentor since the late 60's in New York city. Again, echoing much of the other posts, he has always been a huge influence on my playing, my thinking ("it takes just as much energy to think big as it does to think small") and in how I live my life and treat others.

Harvey - a most happy birthday to you, many hugs, and much love. I'll try to get down there after the holidays to see you. All the very best on this great day.

Roger

[brianf]

In Brian's birthday greeting to Mr. Phillips in the link above, he mentions that he never took lessons, but he considers himself a student of Mr. Phillips. There isn't a tuba player alive who should not feel the same way.

It is interesting that I stole this line from Harvey - he said the same thing about himself and Arnold Jacobs! In recognition of this, I call myself a student of Harvey Phillips although I never had a formal lesson. The last time I was at the TubaRanch, I was in his office for over two hours. Driving out of town I talked with someone on the phone describing that I got an important lesson on life from Harvey - and it was free! There were only two people that gave me lessons like that, Arnold Jacobs and Harvey Phillips.