Introduction
Music is at the heart of Royal Russell. This flourishing and happy Department with its own purpose built Music School in the Performing Arts Centre is a hive of activity throughout the day and into the early evening. Pupils flourish in a caring and supportive environment in superb state of the art facilities. A team of 20 visiting professional musicians, many of whom play or sing with top London Orchestras and Choirs, teach an instrument or singing to over half the pupils in the Senior School. Many pupils play in the Orchestra, smaller ensembles or sing in one of our many choirs. Pupils have the opportunity to make music with each other, giving concerts within the local community or on tour abroad. The philosophy of the Department is that Music is for all and that with dedication, commitment and practice, pupils can achieve excellence. The Department has a 100% pass rate at GCSE, A/S and A level and also for Associated Board Practical and Theory exams. For details of Music Scholarships click here.


Royal Schools of Church Music
Royal Russell Choristers are affiliated to the Royal Schools of Church Music – a choral organisation which covers the United Kingdom, North America and Canada. In recognition of their outstanding recent tour of Norway, the RSCM magazine features photographs of the Choir at work in Norway. Hugh Sutton, Director of Music also writes about the importance of achieving high standards in music through the ‘Voice for Life Scheme' and how this improves and complements high standards of academic achievement.


Original Song Compositions by Our A Level Musicians

'A Song of Enchantment' by Rose-Marie


'Funeral Blues' by Lucie


A Festival of Carols CD
This CD of Christmas Music was recorded in our School Chapel. In addition to hearing the Choristers, Barbershop and Choral Society singing seasonal Christmas Carols splendidly and with great gusto, there is a marvellous opportunity to hear a couple of Festive solos played on our fine Chapel Organ. The recording of Gabriel's Message was played on Christmas Day on Radio 2. Copies of the CD can be purchased from the Director of Music.

'Gabriel's Message' 

'Ding Dong Merrily on High'

'Hark the Herald'


Chamber Choir
Royal Russell Chamber Choir comprises a consort of up to 16 Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses auditioned from The Choristers and Barbershop. Founded in 2004, its aim is to encourage students to explore advanced choral repertoire in a professional atmosphere.


'The Choristers'
‘The Choristers’ were founded by Hugh Sutton, Director of Music, in 1996.  At this time there were 12 members in the choir.  The Choir now numbers approximately 70 students who meet 3 times every week to rehearse.  The musical standard of the Choir is very high. Indeed the choir has achieved an excellent reputation for their work and they are very much in demand to perform in the wider community.  A number of the choristers are members of the National Youth Choir.


Senior Orchestra
The Orchestra performs a varied programme of music from the classical and popular traditions of the music repertoire.  The Orchestra was honoured to play for HRH the Earl of Wessex when he recently visited the school to open our new Performing Arts Centre.  Repertoire includes concertos when pupils of exceptional promise are invited to play solo roles as well as mainstream symphonic repertoire. 


Barbershop
The Barbershop was formed in 1997 by Hugh Sutton.  This is an extremely popular choir for boys whose voices are changing and which attracts a large number of teenagers who otherwise would be lost to choral music. 


Music Tour
One of the many musical highlights of life at Royal Russell is the annual tour.  Tours have taken the pupils as far away as Thailand where pupils toured at the invitation of the British Ambassador to Thailand.  Most tours however are made to European countries. 


Choral Society
Membership of the Choral Society is open to all parents, staff, friends and members of the Sixth Form.  There is no formal audition for the Choral Society although an ability to read music is an asset. The repertoire of the choir is wide and varied.  Major works from the choral repertoire are covered.  These include: Messiah – Handel, The Creation – Haydn, Nelson Mass – Haydn, Chichester Psalms – Bernstein, Belshazzar’s Feast – Walton, Crucifixion – Stainer, Requiem – Mozart, Requiem, Requiem – Faure, Requiem – Karl Jenkins, Bach – Mass in B minor.


HRH Prince Edward's Visit December 2010
One of the highlights of 2010 was the visit of HRH The Earl of Wessex to officially open our fantastic new Performing Arts Centre.  Prince Edward was very enthusiastic about the playing of the Orchestra and he was able to meet a number of Senior pupils after their short concert for him in the Music Department.


About Philip Millward Director of Music
Philip Millward was born in Lincoln and began his musical education by serving as a Chorister at the Cathedral. It was here that he developed his particular passion for choral music. On leaving the choir he took up the organ, and gained a Sixth Form Music Scholarship to Wells Cathedral School, where he learnt the organ with Andrew Nethsingha. He also studied piano, harpsichord and composition. Philip remained in Wells for an extra year to be the organ scholar for the Cathedral choir.


The Chapel Organ of St Christopher and The Infant Jesus
Between 1975-80 the organ was altered by Mr. Thomas, who was a member of the school staff. He was assisted by Mr. Dennis Coffin and Colmer Brothers. The action of the Swell Organ was electrified and the Great was given a new direct action soundboard. Solid-State switching was installed and a new attached console was built by Kimber-Allen, of Swanley.


Visiting Music Staff

W Bass BA, Dip Mus Perf	Cello
P Bell BA	Voice and Double Bass
M Bunce AGSM	Brass
Miss H Cameron FTCL	Piano
D Coonghe BMus, MMus	Saxophone
M Ford BA, MMus, ARCO, LRSM, LGSMD	Piano
Ms F Griffith Dip GSMD	Violin and Viola
S Hill GCLCM	Guitar
C Guild  BMus (Hons), MMus, Art. Dip. (RCM)	Piano
Mrs A Netherway BSc	Harp
Miss E O'Hanlon BA, ARCM	Voice
M N Rich BMus, LGSM	Percussion
T Stankovic BSc	Guitar
Mrs P Vaughn GRSM, ARCM	Piano
Miss S-M Whittaker RAM Prof Cert, LTCL	Flute
Mrs M Womack GMus	Clarinet

Jazz Band, A Student's Account
The Royal Russell Jazz Band is one of the most creative and relaxed music ensembles at Royal Russell School. Led by internationally renowned Jazz musician, Hilary Cameron, members of the Jazz Band learn the creative skills of Jazz music including improvising and gain a great experience from playing with other musicians.