Our Band's Heartbeat

Phil Bigelow - Trumpet, Executive Director

For six decades, music has been the driving force in Phil Bigelow's life, starting with the rhythmic precision of the marching arts. His journey began as a teenager, marching proudly in a competitive drum corps.

This early passion evolved into a distinguished career nurturing young talent. Phil stepped onto the teaching field, guiding both drum corps and high school bands, eventually rising to become the Director of the Burlington Township High School Band.

But the marching world kept calling. Phil returned to the drum corps circuit, taking on pivotal roles as an instructor, administrator, board member, and ultimately, a Board President. This depth of experience—from the practice field to the boardroom—gives him a unique perspective on managing a vibrant musical ensemble.

In October 2023, Phil channeled that lifetime of dedication into a new purpose: he became a founding member and the Executive Director of the Bristol Community Band.

Now retired, with a degree in Business Administration from Strayer University, Phil is applying his expertise to ensure the band's success. He shares this exciting phase of life with his wife, Beth, his partner for 45 years, and their three grown children, Erin, Christopher, and Max, all of whom carry on the family's artistic legacy.

For Phil, performing with the Bristol Community Band is the rewarding culmination of a life steeped in music. "It is a pleasure to be able to perform with such an excellent group of musicians," he says, a sentiment that fuels the band's mission.

Tony Arena - Baritone, Treasurer

Tony Arena - Treasurer of the Bristol Community Band

Tony Arena is a man who knows how to stay busy—and he does it all for the love of the arts!

While he is officially fully retired from his professional career—which included 13 and a half years with the State Auditor’s Office in Trenton and seven years delivering auto parts—Tony's commitment to music and community is in constant overdrive.

A Lifetime in the Marching Arts

Tony's musical journey began in 1966 with the Philadelphia PAL Cadets, sparking a lifelong dedication to the marching arts. Today, he keeps that legacy alive by playing the baritone bugle in two celebrated Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps: the Bracken Cavaliers (Bristol, PA) and the Reilly Raiders (Glenside, PA). His financial acumen is valued highly, as he serves as the Treasurer for both alumni corps.

Beyond the field, Tony is also dedicated to preserving the history of the activity as the Treasurer for the Marching Pageantry Arts Museum in Upper Darby, PA.

Finding Harmony in Bristol

Tony's diverse talents extend to vocal performance as well, as he sings with the Garden State Chorale in Cherry Hill. However, he now dedicates most of his time to his role with the Bristol Community Band, where he plays the upright B-flat Baritone—and, in his own words, is "Loving It!"

His administrative expertise is essential to the band's smooth operation, as he serves as both the Treasurer and the Music Librarian.

The Museum at Home

When he's not busy supporting the band, Tony and his wife, Debbie (an RN at Virtua Hospital), share their home in Audubon, NJ. Tony is also an avid and dedicated collector of movie and television memorabilia, so much so that his entire second floor is a museum! Tony's family includes his daughter, Nicole, who lives in SC with her husband, and his son, Tony Jr., who is remembered in Heaven.

Diane McDevitt - Business Manager

Membership Manager, Bristol Community Band

This member's commitment to the marching arts is a family tradition that began in 1994 with the Reilly Raiders Alumni Corps. Joining the Corps alongside both parents, the journey started literally out in front: leading the Reilly Raiders down parade routes while proudly carrying the Corps Banner.

This early experience in front-line leadership set the stage for their future administrative roles. They currently serve the Reilly Raiders as the Secretary and Business Manager.

From Banner to Boardroom

In 2010, the path widened when she joined the Bracken Cavaliers—once again marching alongside her father. Continuing the tradition, she carried the Bracken Banner while the rest of the corps rode the flatbed, showcasing a consistent dedication to the visual representation of the ensemble.

Diane’s leadership evolved from the street to the boardroom. In 2014, she was invited to join the Bracken Cavaliers Board of Directors, ascending to the role of Secretary. Today, she holds the demanding positions of Secretary, Personnel Director, and Business Manager for the Cavaliers.

Dedicated to Bristol

This wealth of experience was immediately essential to the Bristol Community Band upon its founding. Since 2023, she has taken on a crucial triple-role, serving as the Secretary, Personnel Director, and Business Manager for the Bristol Community Band.

This member finds deep satisfaction in ensuring the band's operational success: "Nothing gives me greater pride doing what I do for The Bristol Community Band.”

Mark Filosi - Music Conductor, Instructor

Musical Director of the Bristol Community Band

Mark Filosi is a 1994 graduate of Pennsbury High School in Fairless Hills, Pa. There, he was a 4-year member of the marching band, and a member of the prestigious Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band. At temple University, he was involved with the Temple University Diamond Band under Dr. Brad Townsand, and the Temple University Jazz Band under Terrell Stafford. Mark then spent 3 years at Kutztown University where he performed with the Kutztown University Marching Unit, Symphonic Winds, and The Kutztown Jazz Ensemble where he studied trumpet under Dr. Kevin Kjos. Previosly, he was the Marching Band Director at William Tennent High School, Marching Band and Jazz Band Director at Council Rock North, and an Assistant Director at Montgomery, Neshaminy, and Gloucester City High Schools. He also previously served as a brass and visual technician at Pennsbury High School. Born and raised in Bristol Pennsylvania, he is proud to serve as Musical Director of the prestigious Bristol Community Band for tge Town that he loves.

Mark was longtime resident of of Bristol Bori and now resides in Fairless Hills, PA. He is proud to direct a band of fine musicians in a town he loves. He is determined to make this the finest community band in the area and is proud of the community service we do. He resides with his wife of 25 years Sandy, his 2 kids Vincent and Lydia, his brother-in-law Frank Randall, and Jordan Paolercio. He is a lover of animals with 3 dogs, 2 rabbits, and 2 hamsters.

Meet the band members!