As newcomers arrive on the musical scene of the Indianapolis Symphonic Band, the name of Bob Phillips raises a question that has never been completely answered - "Who was Bob Phillips?" Many paragraphs have been written seeking to describe this enigmatic personality. But all attempts fall short, as does this one. But perhaps to grasp a small picture of this musical chemist, it is better to ask, "Who is Bob Phillips?" For his legacy lives on in the lives of many thousands of performers around the Indianapolis musical scene and beyond.

When, in December of 1990, Bob went to conduct the Orchestra of the Spheres, a large gathering was held in Indianapolis to commemorate his contributions to this musical community. Performers gathered in Indianapolis from as far as the east and west coasts. Music was played well into the night--Bob's music--classical, jazz, and even some that could be called nondescript. Bob Phillips was not known for his tunnel vision, but rather for his broad spectrum of musical literature, even some that was never published.

For Bob that was a challenge. The collection of musical scores that he left for the Indianapolis Symphonic Band exceeded thirty thousand pieces, some available only because of Bob's patience and perseverance. Numerous obscure manuscripts he copied by hand as he traveled the world over accumulating works for his collection. Unknown to others, he was creating one of the finest compilations to be gathered in any music library, now envied by musicians and librarians far and wide who are aware of the Indianapolis Symphonic Band's musical heritage.

So "Who was Bob Phillips?" He was a chemist with a degree from Purdue University--1940--who worked first for Eli Lilly and Company and then, in 1948, moved to Dow Chemical, both located in Indianapolis. But to say he was a chemist leaves a large gap in the rich story of this man's life. Although salaried at these places of employment, Bob's real work was in music, in the community, and with young people from the depressed part of the community. He spent countless days, evenings, and weekends providing music lessons for the young musicians-to-be. He used large portions of his income to buy instruments for them and later for the Indianapolis Symphonic Band that he co-founded in the 1950's. In addition, Bob became father to many inner-city young people as he included them in non-musical activities, providing for them a wider view of life as he shepherded them to and from so that they could participate in community activities. He also involved many them in the life of the band as they became stagehands, helping to set up for concerts.

Bob was a self-taught double bass player raised in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park where his father ran a candy company. He took his love of music with him when he left home for Purdue University. Although he studied chemistry, one might believe that he took this track to support himself and the future musical kingdom that he envisioned. For after training a number of young aspiring musicians in the Indianapolis area, Bob realized that there was nowhere for them to perform. Thus, the Indianapolis Symphonic Band was conceived.

Ask around of many musicians in the community and you soon find out that the name of Bob Phillips rises to the top of any musical conversation. Each musician brings his own story to add to the narrative of the Bob Phillips legacy, often commenting on Bob's wit and unique sense of humor.