Ronald Phillips Memorial Award Prize for Bassoon

Ronald Phillips was an accomplished musician, serving as the assistant principal bassoonist in the Cleveland Orchestra for 38 years. He was also a dedicated teacher and faculty member at several universities including Oberlin College, Cleveland State University, and The Cleveland Institute of Music. He was generous with his time and instilled his values of hard work and determination in each of us that were lucky enough to have the opportunity to study with him. He was also encouraging and kind and knew just the right words to say to motivate and inspire you as a mentor. He understood that each student was an investment in the future -- both as a musician, but also as a human being. He was one of the most inspiring people that I have ever met. The Ronald Phillips Memorial Award Prize for Bassoon will preserve his outstanding legacy as a musician, teacher, and person for the next generation of bassoonists at Slippery Rock University.  ​