William J. Phillips
Captain, United States Navy (Retired)

In Capt. Phillips' long and distinguished career, he served the Navy Music Program in almost every capacity. Indeed, he was the first to hold the Navy Music Program's top four billets, including Officer in Charge of the U.S. Navy Band; Director of the U.S. Naval Academy Band; Head of the Bureau of Naval Personnel's Music Branch; and Commanding Officer of the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek, Virginia.

Capt. William J. Phillips, a native of North Carolina, enlisted in the Navy as a trombone instrumentalist in 1957 and reported to the School of Music when it was still located at Naval Station Anacostia. He served with Navy bands at sea and ashore working his way up the ranks. He was advanced to Chief Petty Officer in 1964, promoted to Warrant Officer in 1967 and became the leader of the Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet Band in 1968. He was commissioned a CWO2 in 1969 and shortly thereafter was promoted to Ensign and reported to the U.S. Naval Academy Band as Assistant Leader. In March of 1972 he became the leader. As leader of the Academy Band, Phillips initiated the concept of "totally integrated programming." His philosophy was to present band concerts as thematic concepts complete with scripts and narration. As Capt. Phillips said, "Our concerts are directed toward capturing the audience's interest from beginning to end."

Capt. Phillips carried this concept to the Navy Band when ha was appointed Leader in December 1978. He was the first to combine the Concert Narrator and featured vocalist when he named Musician First Class Chuck Yates to that position. Other notable innovations included mini versions of operas and Broadway musicals. This integration of the Sea Chanters that was now a mixed chorus opened new opportunities to showcase the band's many talents. Phillips also believed providing Navy Band recordings of all band units was necessary to give more Americans the opportunity to hear Navy music.

During his time at the Navy Band, many high profile national events took place. The Navy Band played for the arrival of Pope John Paul II in 1980; the return of the 52 American hostages from Iran; the state funeral of Omar Bradley, last of the five-star World War II generals, and the welcoming celebration of the first space shuttle crew "Columbia" all in 1981. Phillips was also instrumental in providing famous guest artists to narrate the Navy Band Birthday celebrations. Some of the most notable were Cliff Robertson and Mike Connors.

After Phillips first Navy Band tour he became the Head, Bureau of Naval Personnel, Music Branch where he initiated the opportunity for band officers to receive a Master's Degree in conducting to prepare them for a tour as leader of the Navy Band. He then reported as Commanding Officer of the Armed Forces School of Music, 35 years after he reported to the old School of Music as an 18 year old trombone player. While at the school, he was promoted to Captain, a first in Navy music history. Capt. Phillips returned to the Navy Band for the second time in 1992 and, after a three year tour, retired in June 1995 after 38 years of service to his country.

His awards include the Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and others. Recognition of his abilities also comes from outside the military. He was voted a member of the American Bandmasters Association in 1981, and is a recipient of the Orpheus Award presented by the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. In 1995, Capt. Phillips received North Carolina's most prestigious service award, "The Order of the Long Leaf Pine," from Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. The award recognizes Capt. Phillips' outstanding achievement during 38 years of Navy service.

Capt. Phillips also serves as an ambassador of the Navy by guest lecturing and conducting musical organizations throughout the United States and Europe, including the internationally renowned Boston Pops Orchestra, and the Military Orchestra of the Guard of Honor of Moscow, Russia.

Capt. Phillips education and.training have not been strictly limited to music. In 1991, he was awarded a bachelor's degree in business administration. In his leisure time, he enjoys yacht racing, racquetball and squash. Capt. Phillips is married to the former Priscilla Parsons of Massachusetts. They have two children, Jill and Bradford.

HISTORY