Music

Do you enjoy singing? Would you like to be part of an established choral society? Whatever your age or experience you are sure to feel welcome at Ellesmere College Choral Society.

The College is home to two of the finest organs in the country, both of which are very different from each other. The Chapel contains a grand Hill, Norman & Beard of 1968 which was made famous by Brian Runnet's recording of the Hindemith Organ Sonatas. In 1980 a second organ was acquired by the college, the mighty 1864 Schulze organ which was rescued from St Mary's Parish Church, Tyne Dock. Now housed on a gallery in the magnificent "Big School", the organ is famous for its deep velvety sound and is a true Rolls Royce amongst organs.

The Chapel Organ - Hill, Norman and Beard 1968

Following the devastating fire of 1966 which gutted the Chapel, the new organ was designed by Rex Lumley, the then Director of Music, Dr. Herbert Sumsion, CBE and Herbert Norman, FRSA, FISOB. The organ encompasses every technical advance of its time. Electro-magnetic actions, simulated bar-type wind chests, solid state relays, integral wind regulators and sheathed wire louvre-control action. The organ works on a 2-h.p. blower situated behind the gallery.

The specification required that all unenclosed pipes should be in view as much as possible. Extensive use of polished tin, copper, spotted metal and dark coated zinc all required for tone-colour emphasis reflect the tonal variety, vitality and brilliance in an exciting display.

Designed with being used as a teaching instrument in mind, the organ delivers a clear tone on the Great section, provides a Swell Organ of traditional English form and a uniquely Classical Positive division.

The Schulze Organ - Edmund Schulze 1864

We have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to the Schulze organ. Without Prince Albert's invitation to the Schulze family to exhibit at the Great Exhibition, there would, in all likelihood, have been no examples of Schulzes' work in the UK. Of the surviving examples, four remain, whilst one is silent. Of the working examples the Ellesmere Schulze is the most original and complete.

The organ started out life in St Mary's Parish Church, Tyne Dock on Friday, 24th June, 1864. Alderman Williamson who had commissioned the organ, and who had agreed the contract price of £600 was so pleased with the finished instrument that he paid a bonus of £400!

By 1905 very few pipes could be induced to speak due to the damp conditions in which the organ found itself. Andrew Carnegie generously provided for half the cost of restoration which was carried out by Messrs Norman & Beard.

Very little has been done to the organ since. By 1979, a falling congregation coupled with the perilous state of the fabric of St Mary's meant the organ was in danger of being lost. The Diocesan Secretary of Durham, whose son was at Ellesmere at the time, put forward the idea that the organ would look magnificent on a gallery in "Big School". The Director of Music and Headmaster agreed and the Tyne Dock Schulze Organ Trust was born. A significant contribution towards the cost of removal was again met by the Carnegie UK Trust.

A closing recital was given in St Mary's on 28th September 1979, dismantling began on 1st October and on 9th May 1981 the reopening recital was held at Ellesmere College. In 2011 fresh impetus was injected into the Schulze Trust with a view of raising the necessary funds to keep this remarkable survivor in voice for generations to come.

Organ Recitals:

Details of forthcoming recitals can be found on www.organrecitals.uk along with the Schulze organ Facebook page.

Visiting the organs

Individuals or groups wishing to visit the College's two organs should contact the Custos of the Schulze in the first instance. Please view the downloadable organ guide (below) for details.

The organs of Ellesmere booklet

Ellesmere College has an excellent record for developing the very finest musicians and the Organ Scholar is a key member of the team. In addition to academic studies in the sixth form, our Organ Scholar undergoes a programme of tuition and coaching with a specialist teacher to ensure that they are able to perform and accompany in Chapel services and assemblies as well as concerts.

We believe in developing the all-round musician meaning that our Organ Scholar has the opportunity to direct their own choir. Support on conducting and leading rehearsals is provided by our Director of Music.

The College is fairly unique in being home to two three manual organs: the 1864 Schulze in Big School and the Hill, Norman and Beard in the Chapel. We also have a chamber organ by Johnson's of Cambridge and a harpsichord ensuring that continuo skills can be developed alongside the organ and piano.

The choral programme at the College is outstanding. The College was awarded the Education Business Award for Music 2018, in recognition of its all round delivery and inclusion of music within the College and wider community. They have been finalists in the Barnardo's Choir of the Year Competition and recent Semi-Finalists in the televised Songs of Praise Choir of the Year competition.

Recent tours, both national and international, have included concerts at: Notre Dame, Paris; St Peter's, Rome; and St George's Chapel, Windsor (where the organ scholar performed a solo within the programme).

Music is an integral part of life at Ellesmere College and we value the talent, enthusiasm and dedication displayed by all our students.

At Ellesmere, great emphasis has always been placed on breadth of education. The curriculum choice of A Level, IB or the BTEC programme allows us to further widen the opportunities that exist and builds upon on already established strengths within the College such as our academic excellence, Arts, Sport & Leadership development, and Global Engagement.

How the Scholarship will work

The Sixth Form Organ Scholarships can be applied for by anyone who considers themselves to have the musical qualities, talent and skills required as you begin the next stage of education after successful completion of GCSEs and progression onto the Ellesmere Sixth Form.

Further information about qualifying criteria and Scholarships is available on the downloadable document below.

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming the Ellesmere College Organ Scholar which comes with a 50% reduction in fees please:

Complete the Music Scholar Application Form below and send this into the College (Attention of Registrar).

On receipt of this, the form will be passed to the Director of Music, who will assess the application.

If the initial application is successful, you will be contacted by the Registrar to book a Musical Assessment and Interview with the Director of Music.

The decision will be made by the Director of Music and the Headmaster.

For any general queries about the Organ Scholarship please contact the Director of Music: tony.coupe@ellesmere.com

For any general admissions queries, please contact the Registrar: registrar@ellesmere.com

For more information on our range of scholarships and how to apply see the links below.

Scholarship Information

Download Music Scholarship Application Form