Music students at Millthorpe School in York had an unforgettable experience recently as they took part in a fascinating organ workshop led by Dr Max Elliot from York Minster and Tom Bell from the Royal College of Organists.
A total of 28 students attended the workshop, where they explored the intricate mechanics of the organ, delving into the different types of pipes and reeds. They also discovered how various stop combinations can mimic the sounds of different orchestral instruments. The highlight of the session was the opportunity for students to play the organ themselves, with many captivated by the power and grandeur of the instrument.
Following a decade of silence, the Millthorpe School organ was returned to its former glory last year by Geoffrey Coffin, the original organist who installed the instrument in the school hall in 1977. Through an extensive overhaul project, Geoffrey restored the organ to its full splendour and now continues his relentless work with regular ongoing tuning and repair work.
Millthorpe School is now the only state school in York with a fully operational pipe organ.
Subject Lead of Music at Millthorpe School, Miss Alice Longbottom, said: “It’s such a privilege to have this wonderful instrument in our school. We’re indebted to Geoffrey for bringing the organ back to life and ensuring the instrument remains in excellent condition for the next generation of musicians. Huge thanks also to Max and Tom for coming into school to share their knowledge with our musicians. We all thoroughly enjoyed the session!”
The school will shortly be offering organ lessons to its pupils.
Tom Bell will be performing an ‘Organ Extravaganza’ at Millthorpe School on the evening of Saturday 22 March. Further information can be found on the York & District Organists’ Association https://ydoa.co.uk/?page_id=2925
Millthorpe School belongs to Excel Learning Trust alongside York High School, Inspire Academy, Carr Junior School and Knavesmire, Scarcroft and Woodthorpe Primary Schools.
12 March 2025
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