Phillip Palmore is originally from Hilo, Hawaii. He received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and his Master of Music from The Julliard School under the tutelage of Julie Landsman and Michelle Baker. In addition, he has studied with Elizabeth Freimuth, Randy Gardner, Julie Landsman, Michael Thornton, and Denise Tryon.

Palmore has performed with San Francisco Opera, Colorado Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, and The Phoenix Symphony. He has participated in various music festivals including Aspen Music Festival and School, Music Academy, Sarasota Music Festival. Most recently, Palmore was fourth horn with Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra.

Palmore will join San Francisco Ballet Orchestra as a fourth horn for the 2023–24 season.