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Marlton, NJ – Cherokee teacher Earl Phillips was recognized as the 2020 New Jersey Jazz Educator of the Year. Earl directs the Cherokee High School Jazz Ensemble, Music Theory, and Music Technology departments and is an adjunct faculty member of Rowan University.
This prestigious award is given out each year to one deserving New Jersey jazz educator who has demonstrated the highest standards of teaching excellence and dedication to the jazz education community.
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Earl has been commissioned to write for and work as a clinician with many local high school and collegiate programs and has also been commissioned by the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, led by artistic director Terell Stafford.
He is a composer, arranger, educator, and bass trombonist in the greater Philadelphia area.
Earl has lead the Earl Phillips Big Band 17-piece big band since 2007 and joined the Jazz Orchestra staff in 2014. Most recently, Earl was commissioned to write music for the Philadelphia group Pat Martino.
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As the leader of the Earl Phillips Big Band, Earl, as a bass trombonist, has shared the stage with Wayne Newton, Patti Austin, and Kurt Elling. He has recorded with Kid Cudi, Will Smith, Boyz II Men, and John Legend, among others.
Mr. Phillips has directed the Philadelphia Grammy Band (2005-2007), the All South Jersey Jazz Ensemble (2008 & 2012) and the All Central Jersey Jazz Ensemble (2014). He has been a clinician/manager with the New Jersey All State Jazz Ensemble (2009-2014).
Earl is a graduate, with honors, of the University of the Arts, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Bass Trombone Performance, a Master’s Degree in Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance/Jazz Composition from Rowan University.
He is also a published author having articles printed in the Jazz Education Journal and Downbeat Magazine, as well as a published composer and arranger through Northeastern Music Publications.
About LRHSD
The Lenape Regional High School District’s four high schools – Lenape, Shawnee, Cherokee and Seneca – as well as the Sequoia Alternative Program, educate approximately 6,800 students from eight communities in Burlington County, NJ.
The communities served include Evesham, Medford, Medford Lakes, Mount Laurel, Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle, and Woodland.
The Lenape Regional District is among the highest-achieving districts in the state, with an average graduation rate of 96% and an average combined SAT score of 1144.
A leader in progressive education, the LRHSD’s mission is to develop
physically and emotionally healthy students who excel in an ever-changing world.