We invite conductors onto our staff based on their passion for music, valuable knowledge, and their teaching ability, so it is no surprise to find that Philharmonic Association conductors are asked to teach and perform outside of our organization as well.  For example, we were excited to hear that TYJO Director Lisa Burn and TYJB Director Kobie Watkins were recently invited to serve as clinicians for the Central Region Jazz Clinic, a day of jazz masterclasses offered to musicians selected for the All Region Band.  Lisa served as the Middle School Trumpet clinician while Kobie presented a Drum masterclass.

It was, of course, a great honor for Lisa and Kobie to take on these roles, but Lisa’s experience was made a bit sweeter because her son, Philip Norris, was also invited to participate in the clinic. A Philharmonic Association alumnus, Philip played with our organization from 2014-2019.  He will be finishing his Masters Degree from Julliard this spring after having received his undergraduate in jazz bass from Julliard this past May.   While in the PA, Philip he played horn in the orchestras from 6th-11th grade, served as Principal Horn in TYP, and traveled to Europe with the Woodwind Quintet and their coach Mary Boone while also playing string bass in the jazz ensembles every year!  He was the bassist in TYJE the year the ensemble placed 2nd in the highly competitive Essentially Ellington competition in New York. Philip clearly saw opportunities for musical growth with the PA in his middle school and high school years, and his pursuits paid off.

For the All Region Jazz Clinic, Philip was asked to put together a closing performance to perform for all of the students participating in the Clinic. His trio prerecorded their program in NYC, and it was streamed for the students during the clinic.  After the performance, Philip was present for a Q&A session about the performance.

Lisa expressed excitement that she and her son had the opportunity to be featured together as clinicians, and we are so grateful to have Lisa, Phillip and Kobie as part of our Philharmonic Association family!