Major Philip Tappan commissioned into the United States Army in 2015 upon graduation from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was recognized as a Distinguished Honor Graduate. His assignments include service with the 2nd Infantry Division Band and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” as Associate Bandmaster; the 1st Cavalry Division Band as Executive Officer; and the U.S. Army School of Music as Commander and Director of Training. He currently serves as Deputy Commander of the West Point Band at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.

Major Tappan has deployed twice to Afghanistan, serving as Officer in Charge of the U.S. Forces–Afghanistan Band.

Prior to entering military service, Major Tappan held numerous conducting positions, including with the West Shore Symphony, Capitol Opera Harrisburg, the State University of New York at Fredonia orchestra and opera programs, and the Trinity Episcopal Church Choir. He also spent one year living abroad in the Republic of Georgia, where he volunteered as an English as a Second Language teacher.

Major Tappan’s compositions and arrangements have been performed at the Kennedy Center, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, the Sugar Hill Salon, and at universities throughout the United States. In his various assignments, he has led numerous calls for scores, reading sessions, and recordings in support of new music.

He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from Messiah College; a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia; and an Executive MBA from Quantic University. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is currently enrolled in the Classical Composition Professional Studies graduate program at the Manhattan School of Music.

Major Tappan’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (with “C” Device and Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the NATO Medal. He has also earned the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Silver), the Norwegian Foot March Badge (Bronze), and the Basic Army Instructor Badge.

A native of Saratoga Springs, New York, Major Tappan is married to music director and pianist Refiye Tappan. Together, they share their home with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Finzi.