My first experience with Ken “Professor” Philmore was in 2003 which was my first official year joining Pan Sonatas stateside. I remember everyone announcing “the return of Pro” and I was very curious to find out what this person was about. When panorama practice rolled around and Pro set foot in the yard, the atmosphere definitely brightened. Pro was very passionate about his music and he was very encouraging to us all as we went through our daily rehearsals.
In 2007, I was given the opportunity to arrange my first stage side song for Sonatas. When I had finished the piece, Pro came by the yard to lime. He mentioned that he had just come up but he had to show love to his family to his Sonatas family although he was slated arrange Harmony Steel Orchestra that year. As he hung around the yard, he heard my arrangement of “Band From Space” and asked management who did the song. He then called me outside and shook my hand telling me that he really loved the piece and that can see me going far once I remained humble and passionate. This was one of the biggest forms of encouragement I had received at that time and it always stuck with me.
Pro’s light shone on all he came in contact with and will surely be missed!
Marc Brooks - Arranger, Panist, Educator
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