Phil's family was connected with the Tulsa Metropolitan Opera.  During high school, Phil came up to some of us with the idea of taking small "supernumerary"roles onstage in the upcoming Tulsa Opera production of "Carmen."  For one week, Phil, David Wells, Neil Stauffer, and I attended rehearsals at the majestic Old Lady on Brady.  We ran around backstage, wore goofy costumes, staged sword fights in the make-up rooms, made fun of the director and the diva, goofed off, and, yes, appeared onstage during some of the biggest moments of the world's most famous opera.  I even got to walked across the stage in a matador costume while the chorus and orchestra sang "The Toreador Song:" a really powerful experience!  I didn't realize it at the time, but this was one of the first times I had watched and listened to an orchestra up close, watched set pieces as they moved on and off the stage, and listened to powerful choruses with voices blended in gorgeous harmonies.  This was in the middle of my Yes, EL&P, Genesis years, so something bombastic and outrageous like a performance of Carmen wasn't too far off the mark for someone who enjoyed "spectacle."  Before that, I had no idea that I had a future in music and theater.  But, come to think of it, this experience might have been the very beginning - the opening of an entire new universe of sights and sounds for the senses.  So, I have Phil Bray to thank for that.  I didn't know Phil well, but I'm sure the Carmen experience is something all of us who took part will never forget.

Gosh, Phil was one of the gang from Marshall.  I know he's been gone a while, but I can remember his face just like it was yesterday. 

Went to school with Phil forever.  He was one of the nicest guys I have ever met.  Great personality, wonderful smile.  Really missed telling him these things at the recent reunion.   Makes me realize the importance of telling people how you feel about them, even if you only know them in the context of school, work, etc.