Philip R. MacArthur

Philip R. MacArthur, 73, of Central New York, passed away Thursday at Loretto. Born in Chicago, IL, he was a graduate of Roosevelt University, where he studied with Chicago Symphony Orchestra first oboist Ray Still, and earned his master's degree from Syracuse University. Phil was the principal oboist for the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra from 1962 to 2009, where he was often a featured soloist. A longtime member of the SSO Wind Quintet and SSO Rock Ensemble, Phil performed at Carnegie Hall on multiple occasions with his solo during a 1970 Carnegie Hall performance, drawing praise from the New York Times. He played oboe with the Chautauqua Symphony from 1964 to 1973 and was principal oboist and orchestra manager of the Center Orchestra of Lake Placid in the summers of 1974 and 1975. Phil served as a member of the SSO Orchestra Committee from 1964 to 1970, as SSO Personal/Operations Manager from 1970 to 1977, and chaired the SSO Orchestra Committee in 1978. In 1978, Phil was elected president of the Professional Musicians of Central New York (American Federation of Musicians Local 78). He served as Local 78 president from 1979 to 2015 and in that role worked tirelessly to improve the working conditions of musicians in Central New York. He also served on the Finance Committee of the American Federation of Musicians for 30 years. In honor of his service to the union, Local 78 recently named him President Emeritus. Phil taught oboe at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music from 1962 to 2009, the longest tenure in the history of the school. He also coached the SU Woodwind Quintet and performed many solo recitals. Phil served as a consultant for the State Education Department of the State University of New York and authored “The Oboe” section of the book Teaching Woodwinds. He also taught at Onondaga Community College, Ithaca College and Keuka College. In recognition of Phil’s music and his outstanding work to promote music and the betterment of musicians, December 9, 2015 has been proclaimed Philip R. MacArthur Day by Onondaga County Executive Joanne M. Mahoney. Phil was predeceased by his parents, Hines and Helen MacArthur. Surviving are his sons, Paul MacArthur of Utica and James (Erin) MacArthur of Camillus; sister, Janet (Richard) Rauscher of IL; grandchildren, Layla and Finnegan; and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Tuesday, December 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 9 at 10:30 a.m. in Immanuel United Methodist Church, 303 Kasson Rd., Camillus. Phil will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Symphoria, 234 Harrison St., Syracuse, NY  13202.