Phill Hyde – New MYMS Manager. 1st September 2020
Phill was born and bred in the county of Kent and started playing the drums and trombone at an early age. He was lucky enough to be have been a member of the Medway Towns Music Centre, Kent Schools Symphonic Wind Band (now Kent Youth Wind Orchestra), Kent County Youth Orchestra and the Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra before moving to London to study music.
After three years playing for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and completing courses at the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music (Jazz Scholarship) Phill began his professional playing career with The Glenn Miller UK Band. After a number of tours including the Beverly Sisters and the Kaye Sisters Phill became a very busy player on the freelance circuit playing for artistes and bands as varied as Vera Lynn, The Supremes, Cliff Richard, Roy Castle, The Tornados, Max Bygraves, Memphis Belle Big Band, Jack Hawkins, Johnny Howard, Andy Ross Come Dancing Band and the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band. Wishing to spend more time with his family Phill finished the theatre work side of his playing working for the popular Rat Pack Show. Phill finished playing professionally in 2018 in order that he could focus his attention more on nurturing and helping develop live music in Kent – something he cares passionately about.
His experience and reliability with session work grew over the years and led to numerous live and recorded television engagements ranging from the Frank Skinner Show, Paul O’Grady Show, BBC Comic Relief through to the hugely popular Ant & Dec Show. As a BBC contractor Phill fixed and managed musicians for numerous television sessions in this country and abroad. His trombone engagements took him around the world including Australia, South America, Mexico, America, Canada, Thailand, India, Middle East and Europe.
As well as playing trombone professionally Phill managed to keep his teaching running alongside his playing commitments both on a one to one basis right through to ensemble directing.
He has been the Manager of the Kent Youth Wind Orchestra and the Manager of the Kent Music Summer School (held at the prestigious Benenden School) for almost thirty years. Phill was appointed Manager of Kent’s largest music centre in 2013 and subsequently the Manager of the Kent County Youth Orchestra in 2017.
Phill obtained his Private Pilots License 20 years ago and when time allows enjoys flying with his son. He is also furthering his love of sailing having completed his Day Skipper qualification and has started to learn to clay pigeon shoot alongside his wife who apparently is a better shot!
