Hayes School of Music

Phelps has a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University, a Master's degree from Eastern Kentucky University, and has done additional graduate work at the University of North Texas, the University of Miami, and the University of Oklahoma.

He studied with William Adam at Indiana University for his undergraduate work and on a continuing basis for more than 30 years. His other influential teachers were David Ritter (University of Central Arkansas), John Haynie (University of North Texas), Fred Peterson (Eastern Kentucky University), and Gil Johnson (University of Miami).

While teaching band in the public schools of Arkansas and Indiana he played with the Ft. Smith Symphony, the South Bend Symphony, the Elkhart Symphony, and appeared as a soloist with the University of Notre Dame Concert Band. He was a free lance trumpet player in the South Bend, Indiana area. He was also a member of the South Bend Symphony Brass Quintet, and was an orchestra member of the Domaine School for Orchestral Conductors and Players, the Western Piedmont Symphony, and the North Carolina Symphony during their summer residences in Boone.

Mr. Phelps started teaching trumpet at Appalachian State in 1971, where he taught trumpet for 30 years as a full time faculty member and now continues to teach part time. While at Appalachian he started and directed the Trumpet Choir. In addition, he conducted brass choirs, concert and marching bands, and played in faculty brass ensembles. He has been a soloist with the University Orchestra, the University Wind Ensemble, and many high school bands throughout the state. Mr. Phelps is an active member of the International Trumpet Guild.

In 2002, Mr. Phelps wrote a book for serious trumpet students entitled So You Want to be a Trumpet Player. It is based on his long career as a trumpet teacher, and provides information about learning to play the trumpet that he thinks every student needs to know.

Information on his book can be found at his website.