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WOODWIND

Overview

Our woodwind department attracts pupils from all over the world and enjoys an international reputation as a centre of excellence for young musicians.

Co-ordinator of Woodwind, Edward Leaker, ensures that young woodwind players receive the best musical training in a supportive environment. Strong emphasis is placed on developing an individual programme of study for each pupil that inspires confidence and produces the highest level of musicianship.

What We Offer

  • A positive, individual tailored programme of study to maximise your musical potential
  • A realistic preparation for the next stage in your musical career
  • Up to two hours of one-to-one tuition per week with specialist staff and the opportunity to receive tuition on a second instrument
  • Regular masterclasses on solo and chamber repertoire from distinguished orchestral players, music college and university professors from around the world
  • Numerous performance opportunities outside of school with recent tours to The Hague and Hong Kong
  • Timetabled practice periods within the school day.

Weekly Ensembles & Performance Opportunities

Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Wind Orchestra
Jazz Orchestra
Chamber Wind Ensemble
Clarinet Ensemble
Saxophone Choir
Saxophone Quartet
Double Reed Ensembles
Baroque Ensemble
Flute Ensembles
Wind Quintets
Baroque Ensemble
Chamber Groups (in collaboration with other departments)
Flute Performance Seminar
Jazz Ensemble (Second Big Band)
Sinfonietta
Advanced Jazz Combo
Intermediate Jazz Combo
Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
Reed Making Classes for Oboists
Woodwind Performance Classes

Meet our Woodwind Staff

Staff Structure

Edward Leaker, Co-ordinator of Woodwind Studies

Bassoon
Connie Tanner

Clarinet
Richard Russell
Edward Leaker
Anna Hashimoto (Consultant)

Flute
Susie Hodder-Williams
Emma Halnan

  

Oboe
Elizabeth Fyfe

Recorder
Annabel Knight
Anna Stegmann (Consultant)

Saxophone
Edward Leaker
Andy Tweed (Consultant)

Bagpipes
Robert Walker

Some of our specialist staff

Masterclasses and Visiting Artists

Our Woodwind Department has attracted a host of internationally-acclaimed artists to give masterclasses, workshops and performances...
Clarinet

Richard Hosford
Tim Lines
Timothy Orpen
Robert Plane
Colin Lawson

Saxophone

Kyle Horch
Gerard McChrystal
Richard Ingham
Lara James
Iain Ballamy
Ernie Watts

Bassoon

Meyrick Alexander
John Orford
Roger Birnstingl
Graham Sheen

Flute

Simon Channing
Katherine Bryan
Philippa Davies
Sarah Newbold
Kate Hill
Mike Mower

Oboe

Chris Redgate
John Anderson
Gareth Hulse
David Theodore
Celia Nicklin
Gordon Hunt
Melinda Maxwell
Richard Simpson
Chris Cowie
Jenny Galloway
Jo Lively
David Cowley
Jo Saunders
Helena Gaunt

Latest News

After Wells

Each year many of our senior woodwind pupils are offered places at leading music conservatoires and universities – often with major scholarships. The woodwind department has excellent links with The Royal Academy of Music, The Royal College of Music, The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, The Royal Northern College of Music, The Royal Welsh College of Music, Trinity College of Music and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire as well as European and US conservatoires.

Summer School

International Wind, Brass and Percussion Summer School

Sunday 27th July to Saturday 2nd August 2025

Join us for an inspiring and fun week!

Our world-class tutors will nurture young musicians (aged 10-18) to develop their skills and confidence by exploring a range of exciting musical styles. This course isn’t suitable for complete beginners – you will need a basic ability to play your instrument and read music.

Join our Woodwind Department