The latest Radley Then & Now Archives event struck a resonant chord, as Old Radleians and friends gathered online to explore the long history of music at Radley, just two weeks after the opening of the College’s redeveloped Music School.
Led by College Archivist Clare Sargent, the evening ranged across nearly two centuries of musical life, from Radley’s earliest choral traditions to the recent Music School redevelopment project, and expansion of Music Partnerships. Contributions from past and present Precentors Stephen Clarke and Sam Gladstone, former Warden Angus McPhail, and a host of Old Radleians, some of whom have gone on to illustrious musical careers, brought the story to life through memories and stories.
Music has always been central to Radley’s identity. As Clare noted, one of the College’s founders, Edwin Monk, placed sacred choral music “right at the heart of services”, a legacy that continues today. The chorister scheme, introduced in 2003, was described by Stephen Clarke as “one of the most satisfying things I’ve done in my life – something that really changed boys’ lives,” a sentiment echoed by those present at the event.
“I left Radley 62 years ago, and the impression on me of its music remains undiminished. Music was a whole extra dimension to school life, which I took for granted at the time but subsequently came to realise had been a very special and privileged encounter.” – David Noble (1959, H)
The discussion also celebrated Radley’s rich informal musical culture: jazz bands, orchestras, folk groups, competitions, and legendary tours. Memories ranged from freezing practice huts warmed by wood-burning stoves to packed concerts in Hall, community performances, and even a rare 1970s Radley album now sought after by collectors.
“Most entertaining still was singing with the St Helen’s choir in a concert production of HMS Pinafore. The angelic voices of the sopranos and altos left us spellbound after the first part practice. We gave it all the machismo we could in the tenors and basses part practice and left the girls wilting. After a pause, the excellent Donald Paine picked up his baton and said, ‘Right, now that we’ve got to know each other …’ There were well-meaning chuckles all round. An enduring love of music was Radley’s greatest gift to me.” – Charles Stokes (1963, C)
As ever, the event added invaluable depth to the College’s growing oral history. We are grateful to all who contributed and warmly invite others to continue sharing their memories of music at Radley.
A recording of this event is available below and can also be accessed via the Radley Then & Now playlist on YouTube and as a podcast on Spotify.
Photos, audio recordings and personal stories can be viewed on this online presentation. We will continue to add to it, and we encourage those with memories of music at the College to send them to us: radsoc@radley.org.uk.
Our next Radley Then & Now event will take place in the May 2026, and will focus on Partnerships, Philanthropy and Community Action. If you have memories that you would like to share on this topic, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like to share your memories or have suggestions for future events, please email us: radsoc@radley.org.uk.
