CONDUCTOR- 2022 & 2023

Phillipa Ewards

Phillipa began her brass career on Flugel Horn in the Wodonga Citizens Band. Playing various chairs, including soprano cornet, she further developed her skills by trumpet playing trumpet and, at 17, went on to become the Junior Trumpet State Champion. Phillipa studied trumpet at the Victorian College of the Arts, before continuing on to study conducting with Professor David King, Steve Bastable (UK) as well Dr Barry Bignell and Brett Kelly.

Her experience in this field is both extensive and varied and she has worked all over Australia with Concert Bands, Stage Bands, Symphony Orchestras, Brass Bands, Choirs, and small ensembles.

Phillipa conducted Footscray Yarraville City Band for 14 years during which time they won several State Titles, placed in every section of the National Championships and achieved second place in 2011 and 2017. Phillipa considers the production and subsequent European tour of ‘The Silent ANZAC’, awarded 4Barsrest ‘Best Concert of 2018’, a highlight of her career with this band.

She took over as Musical Director of Glenferrie Brass and Hyde Street Youth Band in 2019 and continues to develop and provide opportunities for young and old alike

Phillipa is the Co-Director of Skunkworks Productions, a company that creates and develops opportunities for community and professional musicians.