Mark Phillips began playing bluegrass at the age of 14 with his father, Wayne Phillips, who formed the band. Mark's first instrument was the banjo. He played the banjo for about 8 years. He is currently playing guitar for the band. He also plays the mandolin and the bass. Mark sings most of the lead in the band. Mark is a very talented musician and he writes for the band as well.

Daniel Foulks joined the band in 1999. Daniel began playing classical music at the age of 4. Daniel has a BME Bachelors of Music Education degree from OU and is currently teaching orchestra at a school and also teaches various instruments to about 20 private students. Daniel's switch to bluegrass music has added a very versatile sound to the band. He also sings bass and some tenor for the band. Daniel is a very talented musician and many people say he's one of the smoothest fiddle players they have ever heard.

Roger Starnes is a native of north Forth Worth, Texas. He has been playing the banjo since he was 10 years old. He teaches lessons for the guitar, banjo, mandolin and dobro. He has won several championships in the Banjo category and is the Texas State Banjo Champion many times over. Roger also was the 2002 Texas State Banjo Champion.

Kendall Murphy lives in Alma, Arkansas . He plays the upright bass with enthusiasm and outstanding creativity. He began his interest in bluegrass music by going to festivals when he was 14 years old with his grandpa, who plays the banjo. Kendall is a popular and talented musician who brings a high level of energy to his performances.

Michael Morrison became interested in playing acoustic guitar at the age of two, and by age 4, he was able to pick out a tune. At the age of six, he received the Bryan Friesen Award at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, a Golden Era Deering Banjo awarded by Oran Friesen to a young, talented Bluegrass musician. At age 15, Michael was a runner-up in the National Flat Pick Guitar contest in Winfield, KS. Major musical influences include Tony Rice, J.D. Crowe and Doyle Lawson.

Kevin C. "Waldo" Prater is a native of Grundy, VA and plays mandolin for IIIrd Generation. He began playing guitar at the age of seven, and after high school, he worked for Dollywood. He's performed with The Elkhorn Grass, The Timmy Cline Band, Jerry Williamson and Redwing, and the James King Band. We're pleased that Waldo has brought his experience, versatility and talent to IIIrd Generation.