Phil Newns, A.R.C.T. (RMT)

Phil Newns is renowned as a bandleader, pianist, vocalist, and educator. He studied music at the University of Natal in Durban, South Africa, and subsequently at the University of Toronto. In 1990, he represented Canada in the Yamaha International Organ Festival in Mexico City,  placing sixth in the world. His extensive professional career includes writing the 1991 British Columbia Winter Games score, festival producer, jazz pianist, vocalist, and band leader. Mr. Newns is an accomplished arranger for theatre and dance. He has been music director for many major theatre productions. He is currently the artistic director and producer for the annual “Choirs in Concert”, and also for the South Island Jazz Festival. Mr. Newns has served as Head of Music at Brentwood since 2005.