Biography
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Philip Harper graduated from the University of Bristol in 1994 before going on to take a Masters Degree in Composition and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education. He had a successful performing career and was the principal tenor horn of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the Sun Life Band in Bristol, as well as winning through to the Brass Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 1991. Between 1996 and 1998 he lived in Japan and was a guest soloist with most of the ‘British-style’ brass bands during this time.
Philip began his conducting career in 1998 and by 2001 had become the Musical Director of the Flowers Band in Gloucester, a position he held for nearly eight years. During this time Philip guided the band to wins at the West of England Area, the Grand Shield, Butlin’s National Championships and four times at the Yeovil Entertainment Contest. Moreover, with his many new compositions and arrangements he brought a refreshing, innovative approach to concert presentations which led brass band website 4barsrest.com to comment: “Ever since Philip Harper took over the helm ‘Flowers’ has become one of the most entertaining bands around.”
Philip is now in demand as a guest conductor and works with bands of all abilities, from non-contesting bands to the Grimethorpe Colliery Band. He is particularly popular as a Youth Band conductor and has had many repeat bookings with both the Gwent Youth Band and the Cornwall Youth Band.
Philip is a prolific composer, having won the Huntley Cup for Composition and the Prize for ‘Best New Composition’ at Brass in Concert twice, his music is now played all over the world. He has been commissioned by many bands, including the Black Dyke Band and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. His website gives more detail and a chance to listen to excerpts.
Philip also works as an adjudicator, he is a member of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators, and he is the Music Editor of the famous ‘Wright and Round’ publishing company.
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All material on this site (c) Philip Harper 2008