Chicago Bronze Director Philip L. Roberts

A native of Alabama, Phil has lived in the Chicago suburbs since 1974. He has over 30 years of handbell and choral conducting experience in United Church of Christ, American Baptist and Methodist traditions.

Following a 20 year career in telecommunications, Phil decided to more fully pursue his passion: music. He returned to school full time and in 1995 earned a BA in music while minoring in theology.

Also in 1995 he and his bell choirs were invited by the government of Israel to present concerts for Hanukkah and Christmas festivities which included a performance in Bethlehem Square on Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day concert in Jerusalem.

Phil is the handbell editor for GIA Publications, Inc. and is a nationally known handbell clinician. He has 17 published works with 4 different publishers and is a member of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR) and a member of the Handbell Industry Council.

In his spare time, Phil's other passions include composing and arranging; listening to all styles of music; reading history; playing video games and chess with his son, Clark; visiting with his step-children, Eric and Krista; and most of all - spending quality time with his wife, Terri Johnson. He and Terri live in Downers Grove, IL. Phil enthusiastically accepted the position of Director of Chicago Bronze in August 2004.