Promenade Concerts
Over two evenings this week, Wells musicians performed vibrant promenade concerts in the stunning surroundings of Wells Cathedral. On Tuesday evening, brass and percussion musicians,... 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.
Head 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
Head of Department
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
Amy Whittlesea
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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National Youth Orchestra
Congratulations to the following ten Wells musicians on their recent selection for the prestigious National Youth Orchestra for the 2019-20 season:Luke Lane, Year 11, trumpetImogen... Read More -
Recorder Masterclass
Specialist recorder players have recently been treated to a day of masterclasses and consultation lessons given by recorder master, Anna Stegmann. Anna lives in Amsterdam... Read More -
Open Recorder Days in Amsterdam
Over the October half term break, Wells specialist recorder players performed at ‘Open Recorder Days Amsterdam’ (or ORDA as it is known). This is an... Read More -
Oboe Masterclass
Wells oboists enjoyed an inspiring masterclass with contemporary music specialist, oboist and composer, Melinda Maxwell in November. With an increased interest and focus by Wells... Read More -
Saxophone Masterclass
Saxophonist Naomi Sullivan visited Wells in October to give a masterclass to specialist saxophone players. Naomi is Head of Saxophone at Birmingham Conservatoire and has... Read More -
Side By Side Orchestra Day
On Tuesday, Wells ran a side by side orchestra day for 40 prep school pupils from King’s Hall School in Taunton, Farleigh Prep School in... Read More -
Charlotte selected for live saxophone final
Congratulations to Upper Sixth musician Charlotte Arthur, who is one of only six saxophonists nationally to be chosen for the live final of the Clarinet... Read More
After Wells
In 2015/2016 our year 13 woodwind students were offered places at The Royal Academy of Music, The Royal College of Music, The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, The Royal Welsh College of Music, Trinity College of Music and top universities – many with major scholarships.
Summer School
International Wind, Brass and Percussion Summer School
26th July – 1st August 2020
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
