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Impact of the Guild

Angela Werle

Former Phillips Guild Student

"I had left the public school system to be home-schooled for sixth grade. That summer, my old music teacher told me about the Phillips Music Guild. She knew I had a passion for my instrument, the flute, and figured I would enjoy playing in a group more advanced than our regular classroom. I believe the Guild had been in session for one year already, so when I joined, many of the people already knew each other. It took me a few weeks to come out of my shell, but I enjoyed the challenge of the music so much I barely noticed how quickly I made friends.

"In those days, the Guild did not have Explorer, Apprentice, or Journeyman levels, but they did have mentors, wonderful mentors, one of whom was able to introduce me to the Indianapolis Chamber Winds. After a few years with the Guild, I was asked to sit in and play a second flute part for a Chamber Winds concert. By this time, I had progressed to what is now known as the Journeyman level.

"Back in the IPS school system for high school, I was soon introduced by the Guild to the Indianapolis Symphonic Band and the Phillips Wind Ensemble. I realized my passion for singing and began singing in school choir and also picked up the French Horn when I realized the Guild was short a few, and I was relatively sure I could do it.

"For the next few years, I dabbled in a few more instruments, including trumpet, trombone and piccolo, which I enjoy almost as much as flute or horn. As a Junior in high school, I had learned enough about these instruments to be able to help my high school band instructor teach class. We would split the class so I could mentor students the way the Phillips Guild mentors were teaching me.

"I continued playing with the Guild throughout middle and high school, and during my last semester as a senior, we were playing our end-of-year concert. Lee Jones was conducting, and he asked, as he so graciously does, for the mentors of the group to stand and be recognized. When he pointed at me, smiled, and asked me to stand up, I was astonished. I'm sure my face turned beet red, and I could hardly get my legs under me to stand. My mother was in the audience that day, and there are no words that would accurately describe how proud I was.

"My affinity with music is genetic, I'm sure, but I'm so glad the Phillips Guild mentors were available and willing to help support and challenge me. Without them, I never would have attempted playing the French Horn. I may not have ever tried to play the piccolo. I might not have the courage to stand in front of my best friend in a beautiful, flowing, white wedding gown and sing her song for her.

"I would like to thank all the mentors and Bob Phillips. Though I never knew him, I get to hear, remember, and sometimes even laugh at stories about him and his helpful quips every Saturday morning."