Josie’s NYO Saxophone Ensemble invitation
Josie H (Lower Sixth) has been invited to join the NYO Saxophone Ensemble, which will be held within the NYO Spring Residency on 11 –... 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 remembers
Our School community marked Armistice Day through Remembrance Services in the Cathedral and Cedars Hall, with performances of The Last Post by Milo B (Year 11), Gloria... Read More -
Oboe and Bassoon Day
Sunday 13th October was our second Oboe and Bassoon Extravaganza featuring nearly 70 young double reed players who finished the day by performing the brilliant... Read More -
Susannah performs at the House of Lords
Susannah H (Year 11) was one (and the youngest) of three advanced instrumentalists supported by Future Talent who were each chosen to play a solo... Read More -
Animal Magic
Cedars Hall was filled with birds, beasts and Animal Magic in October, for our four performances to audiences young and old.Carnival of the Animals became... Read More -
William and Joy Sparks concert
The first in our recital series named after William and Joy Sparks, who were highly valued members of the Friends of Music, was last week.... Read More -
NYO selections
We have received word of a number of our pupils being selected into the National Youth Orchestra. Huge congratulations to Year 10 pupils Cole C... Read More -
Flute masterclass with Katherine Baker
Our wonderful team of specialist flautists were treated to a masterclass on Thursday 26th September with the amazing Katherine Baker who is part of the... 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.
