Phil Murphy Big Band

As one of London’s best known musicians, Phil Murphy has made a substantial impact within the community. He is renowned for his contributions as music educator, performer, conductor and adjudicator, with versatility which finds him as comfortable with the genres of classical, theatrical, jazz or Klezmer music, working as easily with young students as with seasoned musicians.

Phil has been most influential in his role of educator. Many of his former students working around the world in the field of music acknowledge Phil as a major role model in their career decisions.

Today, Phil continues to enjoy performing around the province. His Big Band and small ensembles are frequently heard throughout the community. For nineteen years he was principal clarinettist for the London Symphony Orchestra. He has been a featured soloist with many orchestras, and has performed on numerous CDs.

Phil’s contributions to the community are extensive. He worked with Theatre London and Purple Patches at Western for many years. He has been a member of the board of directors for the London Kiwanis Music Festival and has traveled across North America as an adjudicator, clinician and lecturer. In 1999 he was recognized on the Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List for outstanding contributions to the arts in the City of London.

Phil brings this expertise to The Phil Murphy Big Band, a group of musicians who have played with Phil for some time. Many have been his peers in music education or are former students. For fifteen years he also conducted Encore...The Concert Band, a 65 piece ensemble that under his direction reproduced the "Big Band Sound" for concertgoers as part of its repetoire.