A catch up with… Phil Spencer

Phil Spencer - Bass Trombone, Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band

Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band.

Bridlington Priory, December 2024.

I really enjoy talking to brass musicians of all different levels and with a wide array of bands. I recently caught up with Phil Spencer, Bass Trombonist with the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band.

Bass Trombonist with the highly regarded Carlton Main Frickley Colliery band, how long have you been with the band and what do you particularly enjoy about being a member?

I joined in 1999 so scarily I've been there over 25 years! I love the camaraderie that you get in banding, but Carlton Main is special to me for it's rich history, and how it came back from the brink a couple of times to be one of the top bands in the country. We've always had a great team spirit and a desire to improve and I love that ethos. 

As a bass trombonist we are a rare breed, when did you first discover brass music and what led you to becoming a bass trombonist?

My father was very into classical music and he encouraged me and my sisters to learn instruments. I was pretty reluctant at first, but finally agreed to give it a go and chose trombone almost at random - someone had brought one into primary school for a demonstration so it was maybe the only instrument that I'd heard of! My first teacher started me off reading bass clef so when I went to secondary school and joined the brass band the only part I could play was bass trom (albeit on a tenor trombone). It escalated from there - I joined local band Billingham Silver and using their instrument was the first time I got my hands on a proper bass trombone.

What you do enjoy the most about brass banding? What do you think it is that makes it so special?

There's a lot about banding that it special, I love the contesting aspect and the discipline around regular rehearsals. As an amateur player, there aren't that many other ensemble opportunities where you've the chance to play at such a high standard. Also, the sound of a brass band is just special - I think there's something in our DNA that makes us respond to the sound. It can be so emotional - at all levels - a village band playing in a tent in a field can move me to tears.

Can you tell me about a memorable musical moment? What made it stand out?

There have been so many. Playing Richard Strauss' Alpine Symphony (brilliant brass parts) in Ripon Cathedral was magical. This was many years ago with the Northen Junior Philharmonic Orchestra (sadly no longer going I think). My first British Open in 1999 where my first entry was a little solo standing at the back of the Symphony Hall stage (Dove Descending), scary and mind blowing but in a good way, and what a great venue to play! A lot of other memories are of listening to other people - our Soprano and Rep players Louise and Joe do a duet "Beauty and the Beast" arranged by Ian McElligott, I'll never forget them playing that in Selby Abbey - it was beautiful. I could go on forever...  

Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?

Really I'd have to say it was my old teacher Steve Baxter, he certainly guided me on the right path in my early days of playing a proper bass trombone from probably about 14 to 18. I was lucky enough to attend a workshop with Ian Bousfield when I was about 15/16 and that was very influential too. I think really as well as teaching me about playing the instrument, Steve was really good at getting me to hear and be around other really good players. He pushed me into my first championship section band at 16 and pushed me to attend orchestra courses, and masterclasses. I think hearing good brass players (on all instruments not just your own) early in your playing career is really important to know what you're aiming for. 

I was fortunate to hear you perform the well known Bass Trombone Solo ‘Frosty the Snowman’ at a recent concert, what’s your favourite solo to perform and why?

I'm not sure if enjoy playing solos or not! It's a bit love/hate, and conductors always seem to put them late in the programme when you're starting to get tired! The one I've probably done the most is "Moondance" - arranged by Austin Ralphson based on the Van Morrison song. I won the soloist prize at Eurobrass 2004 in Drachten playing that so it'll always hold special memories. 

Can you tell me a bit about your practice routine? Are you keen on your fundamentals or do you like to skip them and get straight on to the fun stuff?

Fundamentals, Fundamentals, Fundamentals. I used to be quite a natural player, and just playing a lot in bands and orchestras was enough for me to be good most of the time. As I've got older (and as I've become more self aware maybe), I find I need to focus more and more on the basics. When I was about 18 I remember a tuba player Tony Taylor saying to me about a student he was teaching - "he's always asking me when we'll learn this piece or that piece, but if you learn to play the instrument you can play any piece". I suppose I'm quite obsessive - maybe you have to be to some degree - but I could practice all day if I had the time. I love it. That said, there are times I get frustrated and never want to play again - I think we all feel that - but it never lasts long. 

What advice would you give to younger players considering entering the world of brass banding?

You get out what you put in. Show up, try hard, be a team player and you'll get yourself a good reputation. That's important. The harder you work the more you enjoy it. Playing wise - always focus on quality of sound, intonation. and how your sound blends with the rest of the group. 

What model of bass trombone do you use and mouthpiece do you play? What do you like about them?

Rath R9 and Yamaha Doug Yeo signature mouthpiece.

The Rath has the best slide I've had on any trombone, and suits the sound I'm trying to make. I could talk about mouthpieces for a long time, but to keep it short - the Doug Yeo model just suits me so much better than anything else I've tried, I actually love it.

Finally, i have to ask... What's your favourite march?

Controversially I'm not that big of a march fan, but that said I'd going to pick 3!

Contest march - The Wizard

Road March - The standard of St George

Wildcard - a march called "Billboard march" which I have on a cassette of Best of brass 1984 played by the Sun Life band. I don't know the composer or arranger, nor have I ever found another recording, but it's a banger!

Thank you to Phil for taking the time to answer a few questions, I'‘ll hopefully see you on concert soon !