Somerset Youth Music
Nearly 100 pupils and staff from over 30 schools in Somerset, including current Wells pupils and Old Wellensians, virtually reunited recently to perform a track... Read More
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 (Training Jazz Orchestra)
Sinfonietta
Advanced Jazz Combo
Training Jazz Combo
Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
Reed Making Classes for Oboists with Matthew Draper
Woodwind Performance Classes
Meet our Woodwind Staff
Co-ordinator of Woodwind Studies
Staff Structure
Edward Leaker – Head of Department
Baroque Flute
Elizabeth Walker
Bassoon
Peter Harrison
Clarinet
Marie Lloyd
Flute
Susie Hodder-Williams
Elizabeth Walker
Oboe
Elizabeth Fyfe
Recorder
Tabea Debus
Saxophone
Andy Tweed
Saxophone & Clarinet
Edward Leaker
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...
Latest News
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Wells Musicians Form Part of New Virtual Orchestra
To mark the 40th anniversary of the government’s Music and Dance Scheme, young musicians from the UK’s five specialist music schools have collaborated on a... Read More -
Flute Masterclass with Katherine Bryan
Last week, our specialist flautists were treated to a masterclass with renowned teacher and performer Katherine Bryan. Among many performing accolades, Katherine is currently principal... Read More -
Reed-Making Classes
Our specialist oboists were thrilled to be able to continue their reed making classes this term via online zoom sessions. Our reed making consultant Matthew... Read More -
24 Boehm Caprices Inspires Flautists
On 1st June, fourteen Wells flautists came together with Elizabeth Walker and Susie Hodder-Williams in a sponsored challenge to play all 24 Boehm Caprices in... Read More -
BBC Televise Woodwind Finals
On the evening of Sunday 10th May, BBC4 will feature the second programme in the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2020 series, this week... Read More -
BBC Young Musician Finalists
Huge congratulations to three Wells musicians and Old Wellensian Meggie Murphy, who have all been selected for the Category Finals of the BBC Young Musician... Read More -
Jersey Young Musician of the Year
Congratulations to Upper Sixth saxophonist, Charlotte Arthur, who has just been crowned Jersey Young Musician of the Year following success in the annual competition over... Read More
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 25th July – Saturday 31st July 2021
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.
£945 Residential £745 Non-residential
For more information, please visit www.wellsmusicsummerschool.com
