02/28/2026
"After two months of teaching the symphony and chamber orchestra's from Grand Haven, MI, it was time to play their festival performance. I don't know if I have ever had more fun working with a group of students before. They worked really hard to develop and hone in their finest musical and ensemble skills. The result was a spectacular and memorable performance from both groups. They played with incredible passion and fantastic technique. It had been 23 years since I took a group to festival in Saline, MI. If you had asked me in 2003 when I retired if I would be doing this at 72 I would have thought it not possible. What I learned and discovered all over again is that if you treat students with love and kindness, as well as believe in them they can do anything. I kept telling them this was not about ratings but about trying to become the best versions of themselves they could be. They did that and more. I love who they became. As a result they had all A and A+'s on their judges sheets. They have rekindled my faith in young people and the power of the arts and beauty to affect us all. It is with gratitude in my heart that I say thank you to the orchestra students of Grand Haven High School. It is a wonderful program that the entire music staff has created. The community is and should be very proud of what has been built. A part of me will forever be a "Buccaneer". Bob Phillips
