Phil came to Bathurst in 1995 and became involved in Bathurst musical life. He attempted his Associate of Music on Trumpet, and studied conducting at Mitchell Conservatorium. Phil has been a member of the Bathurst Barbershop Singers, a prominent Barbershop quartet, Bathurst City RSL Band, a Brass quintet, played in the Bathurst Orchestra, and is a member of the Carillon Theatrical Society. Phil was the Musical Director in the local musical, Annie, held in September 2004.