Michigan Federation of Music Clubs awards Judy Phillips with prestigious award – Oakland Press

Judy Phillips (Photo by Ruth Schluchter)

Tuesday Musicale of Greater Pontiac’s Board of Directors final meeting of the season was topped with a Michigan Federation of Music Clubs surprise for member Judy Phillips.

President Mary Ann La Monte presented Phillips with the Citation award. The Citation, a prestigious award is the highest award of honor within the federation. It exemplifies outstanding service to the local club, community and state.

Judy is a retired elementary music teacher from the Warren Consolidated Schools in Warren. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Public School Music at Western Michigan University as an oboe major. She earned a Master of Church Music degree from Concordia University, Wisconsin with a handbell emphasis.

Judy is a Kindermusik instructor at the Prelude Music Studio in Canton. In 2016 she was appointed to direct the Tuesday Musicale Greater Pontiac’s, Adele Thomas and Bellissima! Handbell choirs. A published composer and arranger of handbell music, she also served as the Michigan Chair for Handbell Musicians of America (formally AGEHR). Under her direction, Bellissima! has performed for numerous community venues over the years, including libraries, churches, care facilities, AGEHR and MFMC conventions.

Along with her conducting responsibilities, Judy plays bassoon in the Waterford New Horizons Concert Band, sings in the Tuesday Musicale Chorus and sings and plays handbells in her church choir.

Recently under her direction, Phillips organized a massed handbell choir concert, the “Massed Ring”.

An overflow audience listened to seven choirs and more than 90 ringers in the first annual mass handbell concert held in the Waterford area. Working together, husband Larry was instrumental in preparing the venue for the concert. The couple has four adult children and several grandchildren.

For information about participation in joining the women’s chorus, handbell choir or becoming a listening member of Tuesday Musicale of Greater Pontiac, visit tuesdaymusicaleofgreaterpontiac.org, or call the organization’s president, Mary Ann LaMonte, at 248-673- 8187. Everyone is welcome.

For information about Tuesday Musicale of Greater Pontiac, call Ruth Schluchter at (248) 790-1591.