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
Dr Diane Davies MBE
Orchestra Manager
Diane is the Orchestra’s Manager and has been since its beginning in 1994. She has always been one to volunteer especially…more
Russell Crann
Course Director
Russell first played French Horn with the English Schools’ Orchestra as a Mentor in its inaugural year in 1994…more
Ellen Crann
Assistant Director (Students)
Ellen joined the English School’s Orchestra in 2017 to organise and develop the Orchestra’s Composing Competition …more
Robert Pepper OBE
Artistic Director
Robert studied conducting with George Hurst and Arthur Davison and has worked extensively with…more
James Widden
Strings Tutor and Assistant Conductor
James studied at Newcastle and Sussex Universities, and then as a postgraduate at Trinity College of Music…more
Sarah Crisp
Violin Tutor
Sarah studied violin at Trinity College of Music and since graduating has worked extensively as a performer and teacher…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…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 & Assistant Course Director
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 and saxophone at…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