Local artist profile: Graeme Phillips

THIS week we chat with inspirational and prolific trombonist Graeme Phillips, who rediscovered his love of the instrument after retirement.

What initially motivated you to try the trombone?

I have been a musician for a good deal of my life. I started learning the piano when I was seven years old with a dear lady called Olive Hannaford. She was a teacher who gave an enthusiasm for music, as well as teaching the tools of the trade. Our family home was full of music of some sort or other. Dad was a fine baritone, and sang in choirs, as well as performing solo. Radio 3AR for fine classical music, and 3UZ and 3KZ for the popular hits. With brothers who loved jazz, and a sister who loved musical theatre shows meant that there was a fine record collection in the house.

I didn’t actually take to the trombone until my early 20s. My second teaching appointment was at Golden Square High School, where the itinerant instrumental music teacher was a fine violist named Richard Hornung, who started the school orchestra. He needed someone with a reasonably long right arm to play the trombone. A few rudimentary lessons with Golden Square Brass Band and we were up and running.

After a few short years, work, family, further study and other things intervened and the trombone went into storage for almost 40 years.

Post retirement there was a period of house renovation and other interests, and at the ripe age of 69 years I found the old trombone in a storeroom in the house, and blow me down it still worked.

Which other musicians inspire you?

The love of the trombone really sprang from the jazz greats like Kai Winding, J.J. Johnson, Jack Teagarden, Chris Barber, and others. The Dutch Swing College Band, and Graeme Bell’s All Stars were favourites growing up.

Nowadays names like Jay Freedman, Joseph Alessi, Michael Mulcahy and Eric Klay can be added to the list.

I also get a great deal from listening to fine players of all kinds of instruments. I’m actually a closet cello lover. Mischa Maisky, Yoyo Ma, and Jaqueline DuPre are among my idols, as is the violinist Maxim Vengerov.

What are some highlights you have from your trombone journey so far?

One of my greatest joys is to play in groups with my grandson, Henry. He is developing into a fine musician and has a great work ethic and love for his craft.

I enjoy playing with the Victorian Low Brass Society, especially when we perform in the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Something completely different for me has been playing with the Bendigo Jazz Club at the Old Church on the Hill each month. Improvised jazz is a different kettle of potatoes.

How can people check out your work?

Keep your eyes open for anything featuring Red Sand Big Band, the Low Brass Society of Victoria, and your local brass bands. There are lots of very talented musicians in Bendigo who are dedicated to their craft. They deserve your support.

What would you say to young aspiring musicians who are thinking of having a go at it?

Cliché or not, you only get as much out of music as you are prepared to put into it. Talent is useful, but dedication requires work.

Making music can be the most enjoyable work under the sun.