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... 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 (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
Co-ordinator of Woodwind Studies
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...
Latest News
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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... Read More -
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... Read More -
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,... Read More -
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... Read More -
Flute Skills Day and Ian Clarke masterclasses
On Sunday 11th May we welcomed nearly 60 flautists aged 8-73 into Cedars Hall for our Flute Skills Day. Participants were treated to ensemble classes,... Read More -
Big wins at Two Moors Competition and Swindon Festival for Ted and Belinda
We are thrilled to announce that Ted L (Year 7) and Belinda G-G (Year 9) were both crowned winners at the Two Moors Competition held... Read More -
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... 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 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.
