Team Members
Our team comprises our management team, our excellent instrumental tutors and our fantastic residential team.

Lewis Gaston
Musical Director
Lewis Gaston works as a conductor in the UK and abroad. His work has been recognised in International Competitions…more
Natalie Johnson-Hyde
Orchestral Manager
Natalie joined the English Schools’ Orchestra as Orchestral Manager in 2025. She grew up immersed in music…more
Russell Crann
Course Director
Russell first played French Horn with the English Schools’ Orchestra as a Mentor in its inaugural concert in 1995…more
Dr Diane Davies MBE
Honorary Treasurer
Diane was the Orchestra’s Manager since its inception in 1994. She has always been one to volunteer especially in a musical…more
Robert Pepper OBE
Artistic Director
Robert studied conducting with George Hurst and Arthur Davison and has worked extensively with proffesional and…more
James Widden
Strings Tutor and Asst. Conductor
James studied at Newcastle and Sussex Universities, and then as a postgraduate at Trinity College of Music, under the tutelage…more
Emma Crossley
Violin Tutor
Emma graduated from the University of Manchester with First Class Honours, and a Distinction for Postgraduate…more
Ruth Cohen-Scheer
Viola Tutor
Ruth studied at Oxford Univerity, followed by a Post-Graduate Diploma in Viola at the Royal Northern College of Music…more
Jonathan Gibson
Cello Tutor
Jonathan is an alumnus of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (MMus, Cello) and the University of Manchester…more
Mark Lipski
Double Bass Tutor
Mark started playing double bass at 13, after finding the guitar and bass guitar too easy to carry around. He studied…more
Rosie Burton
Woodwind Tutor
Rosie is a professional bassoonist and teacher based on the Wirral. Rosie was a member of the English Schools' Orchestra…more
Neil Crossley
Woodwind Tutor
Neil is a professional musician who combines performing, teaching, directing and writing. He studied clarinet…more
Megan Roberts
Lower Brass Tutor
Megan is a Trombonist and graduate of The Royal College of Music, London. Originally from Hull, Megan moved to…more