20/11/2025
Philip graduated from QRC a few years ahead of me but was a constant, supportive presence in the QRC Scout Band. A gifted musician, he primarily played the Keyboard/Piano, though he played the flute when he was younger and was a talented songwriter. His composition, "Through the Years," became an enduring anthem of the Annual Scout Show, symbolising our cross-generational bond through Scouting and music.
He was one of the first professional musicians I ever played alongside. Even while touring across the region with feature soca and rock bands, he always returned home to QRC. There was hardly a Scout Show when Phil wasn't a fixture. He always raised the standard - finding the simplicity in the arrangement and bringing out the best in us. Always witty... oftentimes, when a singer didn't quite stay within the correct scale, he'd reach into his pocket and present a bunch of keys, inviting the singer to "pick one."
I am especially grateful that we shared the stage one last time at the 50th Anniversary of the QRC Scout Show. To open the second half, we performed Andy Narell's "We Kinda Music," which Phil insisted was the best piece to set the mood. He accompanied every act on the show. One highlight was the reggae medley...
After this crescendo, my brother, you can now rest. Thank you for your guidance, encouragement, and for sharing your God-given talent.
"We all live by the sands of time that wait for no man as it flies by, through the years, come what may, and we'll take it day by day.
As we live by one strong bond, what has gone has come around, and we'll make it through the years, through the ups and down, through the smiles and the tears.
So come my friend give me your hand, divided we fall, united we stand, and we'll make it through the years. And when your brother needs someone, you'll always have us to count on, in the height of the storm, shine on through the years."
~ Philip Hill
