Dr. Chester B. Phillips
Dr. Chester B. Phillips (Roswell, GA) is Professor of Music at Georgia State University and Chief Executive Officer of Carolina Crown, Inc. He previously served as Dean of the College of the Arts and Director of the School of Music at Georgia State University. Before his administrative appointments, he spent more than 20 years as a band director at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels. His ensembles earned numerous honors, including the Sudler Flag of Honor; appearances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade, and the Tournament of Roses Parade; a national Top Ten recognition by the 2013 College Band Directors National Association; and Top Five honors from the Southern Division of CBDNA in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
As a clinician, Phillips has presented at numerous state music education conferences, The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference, Music for All Summer Camp, BOA Regional Championships, the College Band Directors National Association, Drum Corps Japan, and Rauman Poikasoittokunta (Youth Band) in Rauma, Finland. He has served as an adjudicator for Drum Corps International, Bands of America, and winter guard circuits and has served as a visual designer for more than 250 marching band and winter guard productions. As CEO of Carolina Crown, he now leads one of the nation’s premier performing arts organizations, furthering its mission to inspire and develop lifelong excellence in young people through the marching arts.