Music Department

Director of Jazz Studies

Dr. Phillip C. Wise has served on the faculty at Missouri Southern State University since 1995 and holds the rank of Full Professor.  He teaches music education courses, world music courses, supervises student teaching field experiences, and serves as director of jazz studies. 

Hear Phil Perform

Prior to his appointment to the music faculty at MSSU, Dr. Wise taught ten years in Iowa public schools and served as director of wind studies at The Clark Terry International Institute of Jazz Studies, where he directed the Jazz Orchestra and Pangaea Winds (third-stream ensemble).  After many years of directing the MSSU Jazz Orchestra, Dr. Wise now coaches the three University Jazz Combos.  His small groups have enjoyed recent performance tours to British Columbia/Alberta, Canada, and the British Virgin Islands.

An active researcher in music education, he has published numerous articles in professional journals including:  Teaching Music, BD [Band Directors] Guide, The National Band Association Journal, Learning Magazine, Bandworld International, and The Brass Player.  His article titled, “The Perils of Directing a Small Band:  A New Paradigm” was incorporated in the book Spotlight on Teaching Band  published by MENC and The National Association for Music Education.  His instrumental music education textbook titled, So … You’re The New Band Director:  Now What?  is published by C.L. Barnhouse Company and is considered a requisite text in numerous university instrumental education programs of study.  In addition, Dr. Wise has published original works for symphonic concert band, jazz ensemble, and solo trombone.

An accomplished trombonist, he has performed as a member of Clark  Terry’s “BIG BAD” Band and has appeared in concert with Louis Bellson, Marshal Royal, “Snooky” Young, Mike Vax, Dave Stahl, and others.  He currently performs regularly with both his Jazz Duo and Quartet.   His recent solo CD titled Wise Thoughts,  features both jazz standards and unaccompanied trombone solo literature.  Dr. Wise is a Conn/Selmer Artist Clinician and plays Conn Trombones exclusively.

Dr. Wise also operates Wise Instrument Repair  as a brass and woodwind technician. He apprenticed with his father, a master repair technician of forty years, prior to beginning his teaching career and enjoys carrying on this family tradition.