A HISTORY OF THE RGS IN ITS PEOPLE by David Goldwater (51-62) As with the piece on former Headmaster, Samuel Logan (1883-1912) (see Issue 97), this article arose out of another example of serendipity, in this instance, a lunchtime organ recital in July at St Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle. The recital was by ON Katy Silverman (nĂŠe McDermott) (06-08), now a professional organist and conductor and currently the 2016-17 Guildford Cathedral organ scholar. One of her pieces was Galliard for a Festive Occasion by Arthur Milner (26-48).
Arthur Milner at a concert, City Hall, Newcastle
Arthur Frederick Milner Head of RGS Music Arthur Milner was brought to the school in 1926 by the then Headmaster, ER Thomas (22-48). Though born in Manchester, he came with his parents to Tyneside as a small boy, was educated at Dame Allan’s and never left the North East. He had lectured in Music at Armstrong College, Newcastle (then part of Durham University) and taught at Lemington Adult School. In his 22 years as Head of Music, he transformed the subject at RGS from almost nothing to the nationally recognised excellence we now take for granted. One upright piano and the Sutherland war memorial organ were the only instruments the school possessed, singing in the Junior School and the first senior year being the only musical activity. He developed the potential of music well ahead of other schools, so much so that the Board of Education chose the RGS to demonstrate to overseas visitors what was being achieved in music at an English school. A course in Musical Appreciation was soon initiated for the Sixth Form and outside the curriculum, the Senior Treble Choir became one of the first voluntary activities in the school. The House Music Competition followed and a Second and Third Orchestra in the mid-30s reflected the enthusiasm Arthur Milner was bringing to boys, many aspiring to membership of the Second or even the First Orchestra. Visiting teachers were recruited to meet the growing demand as a large stock of instruments was gradually purchased with the support of the Governors, including a Bechstein grand piano
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