Phillip Reeder

Phil Reeder was a director extraordinaire.  The Castleers were put on the map because of Phil Reeder.  During his 14 years (1970-1984), as Choral Director and later chairman of the Music Department at Castlemont, he established a tradition of professionalism.

Excellence became the choir’s hallmark under Phil’s direction.  Phil Reeder taught much more than music excellence; he taught generations of young people to widen their vision, to reach for “the unreachable star”.  As a gifted teacher he produced such a professional sound from even the most untrained voice.  As a gifted teacher, he cultivated each diamond in the rough until it shone.  But the international acclaim won by the Castleers was due to much more than his ability to enhance the innate gift of each student. As one man, in one place, at one time, he was much more than superb choir director.  He was a sensitive counselor and unparalleled accompanist.  While teaching music at Laney and Merritt Colleges, Phil was also conducting his most recently formed choir, The Phil Reeder Oakland Choraleers while continuing to conduct the Chancel Choir at Church by the Side of the Road. Another reason Phil consistently elicited excellence from all his musical groups was that he refused to tolerate less than the best.

Phil’s life was dedicated to sharing the power of music’s universal language which speaks to all people throughout time. His music touched our hearts and broke down the barriers between people; it spoke of a rich and inspirational Black heritage and also of the brotherhood of mankind.

Phil always gave his best.  Even during his illness, he was rehearsing singers, sharing his special talent almost until his death. Phil is immortalized in the musical memories he created for us.