Where did you grow up? State College, PA

Where do you currently live? Massachusetts

What instrument(s) do you play? Bassoon and Contrabassoon

Educational background: B.M. University of Michigan; M.M. Boston University

Personal Information (family, pets, kids, etc.): Married, one son born in 2000.

How did you get started in music? I started on the flute in fourth grade and began playing the bassoon in eighth grade. I really wanted to play in marching band and jazz band, so I took up tenor and baritone saxophone, crashed cymbals on the football field and played bassoon in orchestra.

What non-PSO musical activities do you participate in? I am an active freelancer in the New England area. I teach at Berklee School of Music in Boston and am involved in numerous musical activities.

What’s your favorite PSO memory to date? Toshi with the conductor kids during Magic of Christmas.

Describe a typical day: No such thing.

What is the question you’re asked most often when you tell people you play with the PSO? How long does it take you to get there?

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would be your dream job? Neurosurgeon, food science guru, Anthony Bourdain’s job, canoe rental business owner, cheesemaker, bookstore employee, woodworker, potter, smokehouse tender, coffeshop owner, professional taster, voice-overs, et al….

Any non-musical hobbies? Bits and pieces of all of the above.

What is your favorite music? What are you currently listening to? My favorite music has a lot of bass drum.

Who or what has been your greatest influence, musical or otherwise? My son.

Do you teach? If so, how can people get in touch with you? I teach bassoon privately and can be reached at mphillips@berklee.edu

What/where are your favorite eats in Portland? J’s Oyster Bar, Miyake sushi, Down Home Cookin’s tuna wrap, Bayou Kitchen, Duckfat’s fries, The Grill Room’s burger, the Greek Corner on Exchange, and chowder on Commercial.

Is there anything else you’d like to share? I love Portland, Maine