ABOUT ME
Teacher and Musician
Hello, my name is Mr. Phillips, and I am thrilled to serve as the music director at Debbie Smith CTE Academy! My passion lies in performance music, and I am eager to bring my experience and enthusiasm to our students.
With 18 years of teaching under my belt, I have mentored and directed numerous bands, guiding many students toward collegiate music programs and professional careers as gigging artists. As a saxophonist, I’ve had the privilege of performing with the Reno Jazz Orchestra, the Four Tops, the Miracles, and Sol’Jibe. I’ve also directed the Reno Jazz Orchestra and led honor bands at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
These experiences have shaped my deep love for music, and my goal is to inspire that same passion in every student I teach. I look forward to creating incredible musical opportunities and helping students reach their fullest potential.
“Where words fail, music speaks.” - Anderson
With 18 years of teaching under my belt, I have mentored and directed numerous bands, guiding many students toward collegiate music programs and professional careers as gigging artists. As a saxophonist, I’ve had the privilege of performing with the Reno Jazz Orchestra, the Four Tops, the Miracles, and Sol’Jibe. I’ve also directed the Reno Jazz Orchestra and led honor bands at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
These experiences have shaped my deep love for music, and my goal is to inspire that same passion in every student I teach. I look forward to creating incredible musical opportunities and helping students reach their fullest potential.
“Where words fail, music speaks.” - Anderson
SMITH ACADEMY MUSIC CALENDAR
DEBBIE SMITH ACADEMY MUSIC CALENDAR 2026
Updated February 11th, 2026
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
May 28th – Debbie Smith HS GYM 6:00PM
June 10th – Lawlor Events Center @ UNR
Students will need to be dropped off at UNR at the steps of Lawlor Event Center with their instrument. I am thinking we will need students there around 1:30PM, but this is only a close guess. Students will then need to be picked up at the same location around 4:45PM.
JAZZ
May 28th – Debbie Smith HS GYM 6:00PM
June 10th – Lawlor Events Center @ UNR
Students will need to be dropped off at UNR at the steps of Lawlor Event Center with their instrument. I am thinking we will need students there around 1:30PM, but this is only a close guess. Students will then need to be picked up at the same location around 4:45PM.
CHOIR
May 28th – Debbie Smith HS GYM 6:00P
Updated February 11th, 2026
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
May 28th – Debbie Smith HS GYM 6:00PM
June 10th – Lawlor Events Center @ UNR
Students will need to be dropped off at UNR at the steps of Lawlor Event Center with their instrument. I am thinking we will need students there around 1:30PM, but this is only a close guess. Students will then need to be picked up at the same location around 4:45PM.
JAZZ
May 28th – Debbie Smith HS GYM 6:00PM
June 10th – Lawlor Events Center @ UNR
Students will need to be dropped off at UNR at the steps of Lawlor Event Center with their instrument. I am thinking we will need students there around 1:30PM, but this is only a close guess. Students will then need to be picked up at the same location around 4:45PM.
CHOIR
May 28th – Debbie Smith HS GYM 6:00P
To Contact Mr. Phillips, please E-MAIL me at:
[email protected]
