Organist celebrates 50 years working at Stamford Endowed Schools

A keen organist is celebrating 50 years working at a school.

David Lovell Brown, who is celebrating a 50 year association with the Stamford Endowed Schools this year, was presented with an award by Miranda Rock, governor of the school who lives at Burghley House.

Working as both a teacher and an organist, David has helped generations of pupils, as well as various communities across the country by organ playing in many different churches and cathedrals.

Starting out at Stamford School in 1972 as assistant director of music, he retired from teaching in 2007.

As there was no other organist in the music department, then-principal Dr Peter Mason asked David to continue in the role of chapel organist, a post which he continues to hold.

“I didn’t plan to do 50 years, but as I got close I thought I’d give it a go,” said David.

"I am, though, most honoured to be included among other staff who have given so much of their lives to the schools, and I will keep going as long as my hands keep working.”

In his 50 year career at the schools, David has played in 30 cathedrals, of which Coventry cathedral was his favourite, due to the 'positioning of the organ'.

He said: “Most cathedrals that I have visited were built long before large organs were even thought of.

"The result is that the pipes - up to five or six thousand - are often sited in places which make life very tricky for organists and choirs.

"An exception to this rule is the new Coventry cathedral, where the organ was part of the whole design and the organist can see and hear the organ exactly as the choir and the congregation do.

"This makes it a joy to play, and I have been lucky enough to play there on two separate occasions.”

This is not the first recognition for David as upon his retirement in 2007 he was also made an Honorary Life Member of the Old Stamfordian Club.