"Who do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26, HCSB
Dr. Nathan Phillips serves as the Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre Arts, Assistant Professor of Music, and Director of Bands at East Texas Baptist University. Dr. Phillips earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. Shortly after, he began graduate studies in Greensboro, North Carolina, at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He studied trombone with Dr. Randy Kohlenberg and earned a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance.
In addition to leading the Band program at ETBU, Dr. Phillips teaches private low brass lessons, conducting, and secondary instrumental music education courses. Since moving to Texas in 2020, Dr. Phillips has maintained an active performance and teaching schedule. He performs in the Marshall Symphony Orchestra, the Longview Symphony Orchestra, and the Marshall Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet. Phillips also is active in visiting and working with local area band programs as he shares his love of music making with the students he teaches.
Prior to joining the faculty at ETBU, Dr. Phillips taught at Elon University in North Carolina as well as Cameron University in Oklahoma. He and his wife, Rachel, are active members of Providence Church in Marshall.