A bit about Philip...


Update...
Since this interview was given Philip has won the "Most Promising Performer" award at the 6th Maurice Andre Trumpet Competition. Congrats Philip. To read more about his win click here


Where do you come from?

I live in north Finchley with my parents and brother Matt.


Why did you start to play and who taught you?

I began playing when I was about 4 years old but began proper lessons with my father Stephen Cobb at the age of 7.

Tell me a bit about your playing career so far...i.e bands, awards etc?

I began playing in Hendon Young Peoples band until moving up to the Hendon Senior band of The Salvation Army at 13. Recently I have also joined the International Staff Band-an experience I am very much enjoying.

What model instrument(s)/mouthpiece do you use?

Cornet-wise at the moment I am currently playing on a Willson 'Celebration' cornet which I like very much. I play on a Dennis Wick 4b mouthpiece.

What musicians inspire you and why and who was your biggest influence on the cornet?

 Well from a cornet playing point of view, David Daws would have to be someone I have always looked up to simply because he's such a perfectionist, however I also admire Derek Kane for the way in which he s a performer.

If there was one thing you could pass on to aspiring cornet/brass players what would it be?

Just make sure that what ever you do within music that you enjoy it.

What does your practice routine involve  - do you have a set regeme or certain things that you do everyday. Roughly how long would you practice for?

Well being at music college as well as doing 2 brass bands its difficult to find slots during the day for personal practise but probably just over an hour a day. At the moment my main focus in personal practise is on orchestral excerpts and transposition as being brought up in the Brass band world these are things/areas of playing I am very new to and so need to work on. 

What is your musically proudest achievement to date?

My proudest Moment would have to be either getting the principal cornet chair of the National Youth Brass Band of GB or winning the Harry Mortimer soloist prize for the 3rd time in succession-the 1st person ever to do so.

Quote?

My favorite quote would have to be"just play the copy" (Stephen Cobb) meaning don't play yourself into trouble by playing to who is in the audience. 

Other hobbies or interests?

I am a keen Arsenal fan and play football regularly, enjoy playing snooker also.

I understand about your families traditions with the Salvation Army. If you embark on a professional music career outside of the SA would you still be as involved?

I suppose it really depends on what I went into as a profession. If  I was to get the break into an orchestra its unlikely I will be able to be at the salvation army as much as I am at the moment but I will remain a member of the SA  I hope and will be there as  much as my job will allow, whatever that may be.

I noticed in your Brass Band World profile that you were to begin study at the Guildhall on Trumpet. Who are you studying with, what ensembles/course have your taken and what do you enjoy most?

I am studying the trumpet with Paul Beniston (principal trumpet of the London Philharmonic Orchestra) which I am really enjoying. I am on the BMus course. I am in 2 Brass quintets which I really enjoy as well as a 1st year 10piece. Various orchestral projects take place throughout the terms also. All of these groups have their moments so I don't think there is one I enjoy more than the other.

Thanks very much Philip, and the best of luck in your future career aspirations.