A native of Newnan, GA, Chester Phillips is in his first year as the first ever associate director of bands and director of athletic bands at Georgia State University. His primary responsibilities include conducting the Wind Orchestra, establishing and directing the first University Marching Band and directing the Basketball Pep Band. Prior to his appointment, he was active in all aspects of the band department at the University of Georgia including drill design and instruction for the University of Georgia Redcoat Band. He also taught for nine years in the Gwinnett County and Cobb County public schools.

Mr. Phillips received the Bachelor of Music degree in music education from the University of Georgia, the Master of Music degree in music education from the University of Illinois and is a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in wind conducting at the University of Georgia. His principal conducting teachers have been John P. Lynch and James Keene.

With nearly 20 years of marching band experience, Mr. Phillips is well versed in all aspects of the activity. He is a guest clinician for bands in the state of Georgia and a visual designer and adjudicator for marching bands throughout the Southeast and Midwest. He was a member and soloist with the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps and remains an active private trumpet instructor and freelance performer in the Atlanta area.