Spencer Phillips

Biography

Spencer Phillips is highly sought after as both an orchestral bassist and chamber musician throughout the United States and abroad.

Recent performance engagements include a U.S. tour with the Munich Symphoniker, performances with the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico, performances with the Michigan Opera Theater, solo bassist with the International Chamber Orchestra led by violinist Dimitri Berlinsky and recording the complete Beethoven Symphonies with Orchestre de la Francophonie Canadian, under Jean-Philippe Tremblay. 

Phillips is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, Michigan, where he studied with Derek Weller. He went on to study with Jack Budrow (Michigan State University) and Orin O’Brien (New York Philharmonic) at the Manhattan School of Music, New York City. He completed his doctorate in performance with a minor in music theory at the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with James VanDemark. He was a prize winner at the International Society of Bassist competition in 2005.

Phillips is principal bass of Symphoria (Syracuse Symphony Orchestra), Tri-City Opera and the Binghamton Philharmonic. He currently holds teaching positions at Syracuse University and Binghamton University.

When he is not playing the double bass, Phillips is an avid hockey fan, recreational snooker player and was a volunteer fireman for the Brooktondale Fire Department. He and his wife currently reside in Jamesville, New York. 

Education

• D.M.A., Eastman School of Music
• M.M., Manhattan School of Music
• B.M., Michigan State University
• Graduate, Interlochen Arts Academy