Specialist Music News

ISI-Inspection-2026 WCS Wells Cathedral School Independent Prep Senior Sixth Form Somerset England

17 Jun 2026

Wells Cathedral School given highest accolade available in latest ISI Inspection Report with rare Significant Strength recognition

Wells Cathedral School has successfully met all Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) standards, with inspectors awarding the School the rare distinction of a Significant Strength in...

01 Jun 2026

Maestro Series masterclass with Martin Taylor

It was a real honour to have Martin Taylor, widely recognised as one of the world’s great jazz guitarists, working with our guitar pupils alongside...

22 May 2026

New bass trombone for Brass Department

The Brass Department was incredibly excited to receive a brand new top-of-the-range bass trombone in the post from the USA. The instrument was generously donated...

22 May 2026

Sparks Recital

The Sparks Recital series continues to be something really remarkable. Our young performers curate and present complete mini recitals of their own, which is an...

22 May 2026

Senior Jazz Combo at The Bishop’s Palace

Our Senior Jazz Combo performed on Saturday for The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers at their event in The Bishop’s Palace, Wells. An Old Wellensian parent...

15 May 2026

Emma gives stunning concerto performance

On Saturday, Emma S (Upper Sixth) gave a spectacular performance of the Barber Violin Concerto with the Mid-Somerset Orchestra at Strode Theatre. Under the baton of conductor...

15 May 2026

RCM Festival of Percussion

On Sunday 10th May, the Wells Percussion Department enjoyed an outstanding and memorable day at the Royal College of Music (RCM) Festival of Percussion alongside...

15 May 2026

Only at Wells

Only at Wells could pupils perform Vespers (Monteverdi) alongside the Monteverdi String Band and the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble, all within the magnificent setting...

15 May 2026

An Evening of Concertos

An Evening of Concertos is, officially, a competition in which the winner is awarded the opportunity to perform a concerto with the Wells Cathedral School...

08 May 2026

Concerto debut for Melvin

Melvin W (Lower Sixth) recently made his debut with the Mid- Somerset Orchestra, performing Beethoven’s first piano concerto. A capacity audience in the Strode Theatre...

08 May 2026

National success for Shanna in ABRSM Piano exam

Shanna F (Year 9) has been awarded the Sheila Mossman prize for the highest scoring Piano face-to-face Grade 6 ABRSM exam. This makes her the...

08 May 2026

Roderick Williams masterclass

With the sun shining through the windows of Cedars Hall and the trees visible beyond, the setting itself felt calm, beautiful and inspiring. Into that...

07 May 2026

Wigmore Hall concert

The Brass Department were delighted to have been invited to perform at the Wigmore Hall, London’s prestigious chamber music venue, as part of the British...

28 Apr 2026

Gloria’s busy Easter period

On the last day of the Lent Term, Gloria A (Year 7) played cornet with the Guildhall Brass Band at Regent Hall, one of the...

24 Apr 2026

Zino is CSA Chorister Composition Competition winner

Our congratulations to Zino Z (Year 10) who has been announced as the winner of the 2026 CSA Chorister Composition Competition, in association with the Jonathan...

24 Apr 2026

Chamber Music Week

Before the Easter holidays, our Music Department held their inaugural Chamber Music Week. Spread over two exceptionally well-attended Lunchtime Concerts and a Sunday afternoon Platform...

16 Feb 2026

Legendary Pianist Inspires the Next Generation

Wells Cathedral School was honoured to welcome world-renowned pianist Imogen Cooper to Cedars Hall as part of the School’s acclaimed Maestro Series.In a recital of...

27 Jan 2026

Promenade season begins with Brass and Percussion

We are into Prom season. These special concerts in the Cathedral are not to be missed. Fabulous quality music in different places in Wells Cathedral,...

27 Jan 2026

Songs from the Shows

Songs from the Shows are always a highlight of the musical calendar: semi-staged performances of numbers from West End and Broadway shows, accompanied by a live...

12 Dec 2025

A level Music Study Day

Ahead of our Music A level Study Day, Jazz Trumpeter and Royal College of Music Jazz Professor Mark Armstrong worked with our Jazz Orchestra and Senior...

28 Nov 2025

Lewis is in the running for UK Young Drummer of the Year

We are delighted to share that Lewis M (Lower Sixth) has successfully auditioned for Zildjian UK Young Drummer of the Year 2026 and is down...

24 Nov 2025

Maestro Vocal masterclass

Following their Maestro Series concert, soprano Sophie Bevan and pianist Seb Wybrew delivered an inspiring masterclass to specialist vocalists Belinda G-G (Year 10), Petra K...

24 Nov 2025

Ernest highly commended in Sir David Wilcocks Carol Competition

Congratulations to Ernest C (Lower Sixth) who, having won the School’s Advent Carol Competition, submitted A Tender Shoot to the Sir David Wilcocks Carol Competition and was highly...

19 Nov 2025

Harp masterclass at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Tui A (Lower Sixth) and Etty A (Upper Sixth) were invited to take part in a masterclass with the students of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, delivered...

19 Nov 2025

Musicians perform at House of Lord’s to celebrate the Music and Dance Scheme

Talented musicians from Wells Cathedral School were honoured to take part in a special event sponsored by Baroness Keeley at the House of Lord’s celebrating...

19 Nov 2025

Wells marks Remembrance

We began Remembrance Sunday with members of the School’s Combined Cadet Force and our drumline (complete with bagpipes!) taking part in the City of Wells...

07 Nov 2025

Shanna wins at Longwell Green and Kingswood Festival

Congratulations to Shanna F (Year 9) who won first place in her recital class in the Longwell Green and Kingswood Festival.To find out more about Specialist...

07 Nov 2025

Aaron shines with Mendelssohn performance at World Harmonica Festival

Congratulations to Aaron S (Year 11), who has achieved outstanding success at the World Harmonica Festival, held in Trossingen, Germany. The World Harmonica Festival is...

07 Nov 2025

Sierra Leone trip 2025

As this year’s annual Sierra Leone trip came to an end, Mr Ashton penned the following summary:We leave Sierra Leone with so much to remember...

17 Oct 2025

Wells Food Festival

The Wells Food Festival took place on Sunday 12th October and we were delighted to have a prominent presence at this wonderful community event. Our...

17 Oct 2025

Gavin gets commended at Bath Young Musician competition

Gavin P (Lower Sixth) competed at the Bath Young Musician competition and was given a special commendation for his performance with lovely comments from both...

17 Oct 2025

Symphony Orchestra concert

The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra was a stunning audio visual treat. Britten’s iconic score, which introduces the audience to each instrument, was reimagined involving...

26 Sep 2025

Percussionist Iris van den Bos coming to Wells next month

We are delighted to be welcoming Dutch percussionist, Iris van den Bos, to Wells in October. Going forward, Iris will be delivering four masterclass visits...

26 Sep 2025

Lunchtime Concerts commence

This year’s Lunchtime Concerts have begun! Kicked off by Upper Sixth pupils Sabina D-G on violin, Emily B on flute, Jonas C on viola and Jasper...

19 Sep 2025

Graduate Music Assistant Lunchtime Concert

This week we enjoyed a Lunchtime Concert from our new Graduate Music Assistants (GMAs). A very warm welcome to Mr Parkes (trombone), Miss Lenard (recorder), Mr Kail-Dyke...

19 Sep 2025

Alexander performs with Jess Gillam MBE at parliamentary event championing Music education

Alexander S (Lower Sixth) travelled to London this week to perform alongside saxophonist Jess Gillam MBE at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)’s Music Education Event, which serves the...

12 Sep 2025

Gloria performs in concert at Birmingham Symphony Hall

On Sunday 7th September, Gloria A (Year 7) performed at Birmingham Symphony Hall. The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB), in which Gloria...

12 Sep 2025

Belinda and Ted attend Two Moors masterclass

Belinda G-G (Voice, Year 10) and Ted L (Recorder, Year 8) were invited to take part in a masterclass for the winners of the Two...

12 Sep 2025

Ian Bousfield masterclass

Ian Bousfield, ex-Principal Trombone of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, professor of Trombone at the University of the Arts in Bern & the Royal Academy of...

30 Jul 2025

Rockfield Studios Lower Sixth trip

Following a recent trip to the acclaimed Rockfield Studios in South Wales, another group of Lower Sixth A level Music Technology pupils visited the renowned...

04 Jul 2025

Emma and friends deliver charity evening

Emma S (Lower Sixth) presented a compelling case for support of her chosen charity Musikidz and the important work they do in Cape Town. With...

04 Jul 2025

Jazz Picnic

On Saturday 28th June, the Parents & Friends’ Association (PFA) together with the Jazz Department hosted their annual ‘Jazz Picnic’ in the marquee. The weather...

04 Jul 2025

Mahler 5 Symphony Orchestra Concert

One of the crown jewels of the end of year celebrations was our Symphony Orchestra concert held in the Cathedral on Thursday night. The orchestra...

03 Jul 2025

Wells at Glastonbury Festival

Founded and run by OWs Michael and Emily Eavis, we are delighted to celebrate our School’s involvement in this year’s Glastonbury Festival.The Jazz Disciples (members...

27 Jun 2025

Guy Johnston masterclass

On Saturday 21st of June, Juna B (Year 10), Maria K and Jesus G (Year 11) were invited to take part in a masterclass with...

27 Jun 2025

Visit from Woodwind doubler Sally MacTaggart

We were joined by Woodwind multi-instrumentalist Sally MacTaggart who led an insightful class introducing pupils to the challenges of performing on several instruments in one...

26 Jun 2025

“Just be happy to play”: Joanne Green on leading ESTA UK, breaking tradition, and why Wells Cathedral School is her vision for the future

Jo Green’s energy is infectious. A violinist, educator, and now Chair of ESTA UK (European String Teachers Association), she brings a refreshingly honest and collaborative...

23 Jun 2025

Mendelssohn concerto performances

Anton P, Jasper Y, Emily B, Zoe B, QQ J and Guy S (Lower Sixth) performed at two concerts alongside players from the Taunton Sinfonietta,...

23 Jun 2025

Dig For Victory performances

Gabriel C, Beth B and Zuzanna J (Lower Sixth) performed wonderfully at the Dig For Victory Show at the North Somerset Festival on Saturday 14th...

23 Jun 2025

Bass Boost at Bristol Beacon

Lily S, Clover B (Year 11) and Izzy C-N (Lower Sixth) joined tutors at Bristol Beacon for their ‘Bass Boost’ event, demonstrating bassoon, tuba, double...

23 Jun 2025

WSMC outreach trip

Year 10 Specialist Musicians took part in two fantastic outreach visits as part of the Wells Specialist Music Certificate (WSMC), visiting St Joseph and St...

23 Jun 2025

The Jazz Disciples to perform at Glastonbury Festival

We are thrilled to announce that our Senior Jazz Combo; Charlie B, Alex S, Charlie D (Upper Sixth) and Barnaby D (Lower Sixth), AKA The...

20 Jun 2025

Ian releases new single

Fresh from the Percussion Department’s Ibiza Classics performance during assembly, Ian C (Upper Sixth), AKA Megalithic Penguins, has just released his new single CRAZY.Ian explains...

Brass Department receives new tuba WCS Wells Cathedral School Independent Prep Somerset England

09 Jun 2025

Brass Department receive new tuba

Mr Brown, Head of Brass, and Lily S (Year 11) were delighted to receive a new Besson Brass tuba on Thursday 5th June. We are...

09 Jun 2025

Musicians enjoy inspiring day with the Band of the Scots Guards

A group of musicians enjoyed a trip to the Band of the Scots Guards at the Wellington Barracks, where they watched the Changing the Guards...

OW Rising Stars Old Wellensian Alumni Alumna WCS Wells Cathedral School Independent Prep Somerset England

27 May 2025

Old Wellensian Rising Stars

It was a treat to welcome back Fergus McCready (2018, oboe) and Bridget Yee (2022, piano) to perform in our OW Rising Stars concert. Fergus,...

27 May 2025

Year 10 musicians visit Pre-Prep

Pre-Prep were thrilled to be treated with a visit from Mr Brink and some of our Year 10 musicians, who very eloquently taught the children...

Concerto Competition WCS Wells Cathedral School Independent Prep Somerset England

27 May 2025

Concerto Competition final

The Evening of Concertos was a simply stunning evening of the highest quality. Melvin W (piano, Year 11), Morgan B (trombone), Jasper Y (clarinet), Anton...

27 May 2025

Double Bass afternoon

On Monday 19th May, Wells celebrated an afternoon of all things double bass! The afternoon was hosted by our very own Mrs Claire Whitson and...

22 May 2025

RCM Festival of Percussion

Wellensians past and present gathered at the Royal College of Music (RCM) for their Festival of Percussion on Sunday 11th May. Barnaby D and Alex...

19 May 2025

Sound of Wells Festival 2025

As if Wells were not already teeming with music, May’s Sounds of Wells Festival amplified everything that is already going on in the School and...

30 Apr 2025

Luca leads music workshops for refugees

Luca W (Year 11) led a music workshop at Every Child Protected Against Trafficking (ECPAT) over Easter for a group of 12 young men from...

28 Mar 2025

Musicians impress at Music and Arts Festivals

Musicians across the Prep and Senior School are celebrating an extraordinary set of results from a number of Music and Arts Festivals including the Mid-Somerset...

24 Mar 2025

Ezra’s concert raises over £600

As part of the Frome Kindness Festival, Ezra H (Year 10) performed a piano recital on Sunday 16th March. His concert was very well attended,...

24 Mar 2025

Woodwind trip to the Royal Academy of Music

Specialist Woodwind pupils spent two days in London last week rehearsing for a lunchtime concert at The Royal Academy of Music (RAM). The ‘side by...

24 Mar 2025

Low Brass Quartet in action in Bristol

In collaboration with the Bristol Beacon Music Hub, our Low Brass Quartet visited two schools (Montpelier High School and Hannah More Primary School) to introduce...

24 Mar 2025

Sarah Field Saxophone Masterclass

Saxophone pupils were treated to a masterclass with classical and contemporary saxophonist Sarah Field. Sarah is well known for her multi-genre approach. A classically trained...

24 Mar 2025

Harpists’ masterclass with Keziah Thomas

The School’s harpists were privileged to receive a masterclass from Keziah Thomas, who teaches at the The Menuhin School and Guildhall School of Music and...

24 Mar 2025

Session Orchestra Concert

We saw the first concert for our newly formed Wells Cathedral School Session Orchestra featuring pupils from the String, Jazz and Vocal Departments. The first...

24 Mar 2025

Clare Teal masterclass

On Thursday 6th March we were so lucky to have Clare Teal not only give a fabulous Maestro concert with pianist Jason Rebello but also...

24 Mar 2025

Inspiring masterclass by Dame Imogen Cooper

The Keyboard Department was delighted to welcome back Dame Imogen Cooper for a fourth time to work with some of our senior pianists. One of the...

17 Mar 2025

OW James Buckle appointed Professor of Bass Trombone at RAM

We were so thrilled to hear that OW James Buckle (2011) has been appointed Professor of Bass Trombone at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM)....

17 Mar 2025

Ernest’s LCFCM selection

Ernest C (Year 11)’s choral piece ‘An Easter Flower Gift’ has been selected by the London Contemporary Festival of Church Music (LCFCM) for a Compline...

10 Mar 2025

OWs listed in Classic FM’s Rising Stars

Classic FM are celebrating 30 musicians under 30 who they consider to be 2025’s Rising Stars. Among the list are OWs Fergus McCready (2018) and Adam Hickox...

10 Mar 2025

Bristol Beacon chamber music performances

On Thursday 27th February, pupils from Wells performed in the first of a new series of collaborations with Bristol Beacon, taking place this year. These...

10 Mar 2025

Belinda announced as Voices For Life Young Ambassador

We are delighted for Belinda G-G (Year 9) who, during their Stardust concert, was announced as the Young Ambassador for the charity Voices For Life. Belinda...

03 Mar 2025

OW Francois appointed Westminster Abbey Organ Scholar

Francois Cloete (2021) has been appointed to Westminster Abbey as their next Organ Scholar. Francois was an Organ Scholar at Wells Cathedral before taking a...

03 Mar 2025

Lillia-Rose’s masterclass at the Royal College of Music

On Friday 14th February, Lillia-Rose P (Lower Sixth) was very fortunate to attend a masterclass with Sarah Willis, a horn player in the Berlin Philharmonic...

03 Mar 2025

Jasper wins RCS Clarinet Competition

Lower Sixth clarinet specialist Jasper Y has won the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) Clarinet Competition, part of their Clarinet Festival. Jasper was selected from...

17 Feb 2025

Songs from the Shows

We were treated to 21 exhilarating performances in the first of our biannual ‘Songs from the Shows’ concerts. Always a favourite with the Cedars Hall...

17 Feb 2025

Shanna joins Chescy in National Youth Brass Band

Chescy H (Upper Sixth) has a new bandmate in the National Youth Brass Band of GB. Shanna F (Year 8), who previously played in the...

17 Feb 2025

Armonico Consort

Our Chamber Choir had the immense privilege of singing alongside the acclaimed professional choir the Armonico Consort in uniquely immersive choral concerts of ‘Supersize Polyphony’...

10 Feb 2025

OW Cian wins GRAMMY

Huge congratulations to OW Cian Ducrot (2017) who has been awarded his first GRAMMY! Cian was a specialist flautist and songwriter at Wells and has...

10 Feb 2025

Promenade Concerts

Promenade season is always extremely special. The chairs in the body of the Cathedral are removed, the lighting is specifically arranged and the atmosphere is...

21 Jan 2025

Lunchtime Concerts

January saw a bumper start to the 2025 Lunchtime Concerts, with our Graduate Music Assistants (GMAs) kicking things off on Tuesday 14th, an additional concert...

21 Jan 2025

Steven Isserlis masterclass

Following his sensational concert in Cedars Hall, Steven Isserlis returned to the Eavis Auditorium to give a truly inspiring masterclass to four cellists: Juna B...

13 Jan 2025

Belinda’s busy Christmas

Belinda G-G (Year 9) was the soprano soloist in the Hope and Homes for Children fundraising carol concert at Marlborough College Chapel. This was the...

13 Jan 2025

Harry and Isabella star in Christmas concerts

Over the Christmas holidays, Harry (Upper Sixth) and Isabella J (Year 10) raised an incredible £1300 at a charity concert in St Peter’s Church, Draycott....

13 Jan 2025

Emma shines at National Youth Music Competition

We are thrilled for Emma S (Lower Sixth) who competed in the National Youth Music Competition (NYMC) in South Africa last month, achieving the gold...

19 Dec 2024

Jesus receives cello from Cherubim Music Trust

Jesus GM (Year 11) has been awarded a cello from the Cherubim Music Trust. Jesus commented, “I would like to thank the Cherubim Trust for...

19 Dec 2024

Lily’s rehearsal with James B. Wilson

Award winning composer James B. Wilson visited Wells on Wednesday 12th December to rehearse a new work that has been generously commissioned by the Cherubim...

19 Dec 2024

A level Music Study Day

We were delighted to welcome a record seven external schools to Wells for this year’s Music A level Day, with visitors joining our Lower and...

19 Dec 2024

Carol-a-thon 2024

Singers and brass players from Wells visited eight different centres around the city as part of Carol-a-thon 2024 to bring some festive cheer! Carols were...

19 Dec 2024

Professor Ruth Gerald masterclass

December saw a welcome return to Wells by Professor Ruth Gerald. Ruth was previously Head of Keyboard at both the Royal College of Music in...

16 Dec 2024

National choir selections

Following the latest rounds of auditions, we are delighted that no fewer than ten of our pupils have been accepted as members of one of...

09 Dec 2024

Belinda’s singing experiences

Belinda G-G (Year 9), BBC Junior Young Chorister of the Year 2023, has sung at two incredible concerts this week.On Sunday 1st December, she performed the...

02 Dec 2024

Archie wins BHS Emerging Composer Award

Many congratulations to Archie B (Upper Sixth) who entered the British Horn Society (BHS) composition competition and was judged runner up, consequently winning the Emerging...

02 Dec 2024

Three Year 6 pupils join NCO Projects

We are delighted for our three Year 6 pupils who will be taking part in the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO) Projects.Mrs Rowntree, Head of Music...

02 Dec 2024

Community Music Project’s celebratory day

Our Community Music Project has been a weekly combination of creativity and collaboration with St Joseph’s and St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School and our Prep...

19 Nov 2024

Festival triumphs

At the annual general meeting of the Taunton Festival of the Arts, one Year 6 pianist was awarded the Chapman Cup for Best Piano Player...

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