Meet Our New Head of Instrumental Studies: Philip Montero
Oakham School is delighted to welcome Philip Montero as our new Head of Instrumental Studies.
An accomplished clarinettist, conductor and educator, Philip brings nearly 30 years of teaching experience alongside an impressive performing career that has taken him to some of the UK’s most prestigious concert venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Symphony Hall and the Purcell Room.
We caught up with Philip to find out what drew him to Oakham, his plans for Music at Oakham, and why he is already preparing to perform a piece for 11 clarinets!
What drew you to Oakham School?
Philip was attracted by both the challenge and the atmosphere he experienced during the interview process.
“When I came for the interview, people were very, very friendly and it seemed like a nice place to come and work. So those two things: the challenge and the environment.”
Beyond the School itself, Philip was struck by Oakham’s place within the wider community.
“A school like Oakham is such a big part of the town, which I really like, and I want to be in that community as well. I don’t want the School to be separate from the town. I want it to be part of the town community.”
Straight into performance
Philip is wasting no time in getting involved in music at Oakham.
He will be performing in the second Music at Lunchtime concert, taking place at Oakham School Chapel on Wednesday 16 September.
“I really, really want to play straight away,” he says.
The recital coincides with Oakham’s market day, making it an ideal opportunity for members of the wider community to enjoy a lunchtime concert.
“The community can go and do their shopping and then come and sit and enjoy 20 minutes of music.”
The programme will feature a particularly unusual performance.
“I’m going to try and play a piece for 11 clarinets. So there won’t just be one of me. There’ll be 11 clarinets with a little bit of electronic wizardry!”
Looking ahead
As Head of Instrumental Studies, Philip oversees and supports all instrumentalists and singers across the School, while also leading Oakham’s team of visiting music teachers.
“If you learn an instrument or you’re a singer, I’ll have an overview of what you’re doing,” he explains.
He will also conduct several ensembles, including the Jazz Band and Wind Orchestra, and is eager to immerse himself in every aspect of musical life. He is looking forward to exploring new possibilities once he gets to know pupils and the Department.
A passion for jazz
One fixture that will certainly remain is the ever-popular Big Band Concert.
“Definitely,” says Philip. “I’m taking it on from Steve Foster, but he took it on from somebody else. I absolutely love jazz. I love everything. So I’m really looking forward to it.”
About Philip
A multi-instrumentalist, Philip studied clarinet at Birmingham Conservatoire under internationally renowned soloist Joan Enric Lluna. He has enjoyed a varied performing career as both an orchestral and chamber musician, appearing at major venues across the UK.
Alongside his performing work, Philip has established an outstanding reputation as an educator. He previously served as Head of Woodwind and Music Scholars at Warwick School and taught music at Oundle School. As conductor of the Warwick Foundation Wind Orchestra, he was involved with the National Concert Band Festival for more than a decade, including conducting at the National Finals in Manchester, and has also worked extensively with Music for Youth.
His former pupils have gone on to study at leading institutions including the Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Oxford and Cambridge, while others have successfully gained places in prestigious national ensembles including the National Youth Orchestra, National Youth Wind Orchestra and National Children’s Orchestra.
Equally at home in the worlds of classical music and jazz, Philip is excited to share his experience, enthusiasm and love of music with the Oakham community.
Don’t miss Philip’s first Oakham School performance at our Music at Lunchtime concert on Wednesday 16 September, 2.40pm, All Saints Church in Oakham
