Robert A. Phillips was born in Chicago but spent most of his adult life in Indianapolis. A chemical engineer by training, he nevertheless was a mainstay of music in the Indianapolis area. He was a founder of the Indianapolis Symphonic Band during the 1950s and played bass viol with the Indianapolis Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to classical music, he led two dance bands under the pseudonym “Barton Rogers,” a name he had found in the Kalamazoo, Michigan, telephone directory. His interests were manifold, and many considered him the closest thing to Renaissance Man they had ever met. He conducted the Indianapolis Symphonic Band for decades and will be remembered fondly for his sense of humor and humanity.