The concert at Chester Cathedral on 27 September marked a welcome return to the northwest for trumpeter Air Specialist (Class 1) (AS1) Phil Smith, and a first return performance at Chester Cathedral since 2007. Growing up in East Lancashire, Phil attended Chetham’s School of Music from the age of nine to eighteen, studying with players from many of the region’s top orchestras.
During his time at Chetham’s, Phil had the opportunity to perform in some fantastic venues all over the country, of which Chester Cathedral was a highlight throughout his years at the school. In addition to playing in symphony orchestras and various chamber ensembles, he also sang in the chorus for several large-scale works and recalls a particularly memorable performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah at Chester, at the age of fifteen;
AS1 Smith said:
“There was a choral project the previous year in which I had really struggled to reach the lower notes of the tenor part – not really cool for a boy of that age! – so I was relieved that by the time this one came around, I had transitioned to 2nd bass. That part went a bit too high in a few places!”
I am glad it’s just trumpet tonight!”
Following the completion of his schooling at Chetham’s, Phil moved to London to continue his studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire and the Royal College of Music, during which time he also began freelancing and teaching. Some highlights of his time in London include playing at the Royal Festival Hall for a concert broadcast on BBC Radio 3, a performance at the Royal Albert Hall, part of which was filmed for ITV’s X Factor, and playing at the National Science Museum for the opening of a new exhibit, which was attended by Professor Stephen Hawking.
Air Specialist (Class 1) Smith at the Belfast International Tattoo. © Crown 2024
After spending some time working in London following his studies, Phil decided to swap land for sea and went to play for house bands on several different cruise ships. Having initially tested the water with some short-term contracts, he ended up doing this as a full-time job for over two years. As well as giving him the opportunity to visit many fantastic places all over the world, he also worked with numerous high-profile musicians such as The Hollies lead singer Peter Howarth and Strictly Come Dancing vocalist Lance Ellington. It also gave him a lot of exposure to commercial and jazz settings, which he has thoroughly enjoyed building upon in his career with the Royal Air Force.
Air Specialist (Class 1) Smith performing the Flugelhorn feature ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ © Crown 2024
Phil joined RAF Music in 2022 and has been fortunate to enjoy several trips abroad. So far this year he has performed with the Parade Band in the Bruges Tattoo and travelled to Thailand with the Brass Ensemble for HM The King’s Birthday Reception at the British Embassy Bangkok. He has represented RAF Music on exercise Long March Eagle in Poland, where he had the privilege to sound the Last Post at the Great Escape War Memorial. Another highlight was being a part of the Massed International Military Band which performed for Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. Domestically he has performed in the Fanfare Team for The late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace and the Service of Thanksgiving for Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh.
After a break of 17 years, AS1 Smith still struggles to sing the top notes of the 2nd bass part in Elijah, nonetheless he was delighted to return to the magnificent Chester Cathedral with the Band of the RAF College.
