Philip Carter » Judges Directory

Biographical Info

Philip Carter is originally from Collinsville, IL.  He received his Bachelor’s in Music Education from Illinois State University with a minor in Jazz Performance, and his Master’s in Music Education from the University of Georgia. and is currently pursuing his EdD in school leadership at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville.

Philip was the Assistant Director of Bands at O’Fallon Township High School from 2018-2022.  There, he worked in all areas of the program, including the nationally recognized Marching Panthers, concert bands, and jazz ensembles. The Marching Panthers were a 2018 Bands of America Grand National Finalist, performed at the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade, and the 2023 Macy’s Parade. The program also performed at the 2022 Midwest Clinic and has had two recent appearances at the Illinois Music Education Conference with concert and jazz bands. Under his direction, the OTHS Symphonic Winds also performed at the 2023 Western Illinois University Showcase of Bands and the 2025 Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival. The OTHS Band Program is the recipient of the Sudler Flag of Honor and Sudler Shield.

Before working at OTHS, Philip served as Director of Bands at Huntley High School in Huntley, IL, from 2015-2018.  There, he oversaw the entire program where the Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2018 Illinois Music Education Conference, Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival, and the Saxophone Quartet was selected for the 2018 Music for All National Chamber Music Festival.

Philip was selected as the winner of the 2018-2019 American Prize in both High School Instrumental Conducting and Wind Ensemble Performance, both in the high school division.  He has extensively studied conducting through participation in symposia at the University of Minnesota, Ball State University, the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois.  He is the Illinois Music Education Association District 6 President-Elect and is also a National Board Certified Teacher.  He is a proud O’Fallon resident with his wife, Lizzy, and son, Julian.  He is an avid theatergoer and enjoys hitting as many professional sports stadiums and National Parks as he can manage.