P. Heal

Born and raised in Armstrong, BC, Phil Heal received his B. Mus specializing in vocal performance at the University of Victoria before moving to the University of British Columbia to complete his B. Ed. He began his teaching career at George M. Dawson Secondary in Masset which is located in Haida Gwaii. After one year in the islands he moved to Merritt where he worked at four elementary schools and a Junior High School as an Itinerant Band Teacher before moving to a more permanent location at Coquihalla Middle School. In the fall of 2000, he took a position as Band Teacher at Westsyde Secondary School where he continues to teach today. Phil sang solos with the University of Victoria Chorus and Orchestra on more than one occasion and also sang in the chorus with the Pacific Opera in Victoria. He has performed in several bands since 1995 as a trumpet player, a singer, and as a keyboardist. Other performances include playing the trumpet with the Kamloops Symphony with Dee Daniels as guest, the Kamloops Big Band and the Thompson Valley Orchestra. As a professional educator, Mr. Heal was a member of the executive of the British Columbia Music Educator’s Association for nine years including three as the 2nd VP. During his time there he served on the committee that organized the annual BCMEA conference held that year in Penticton, BC.