Alumnus Tom Bell has been appointed Director of the Royal College of Organists’ North of England, North Wales and Isle of Man regions.
Tom’s appointment completes the leadership team for the College’s new regional structure, which will see directors supporting teams of co-ordinators in arranging events and initiatives throughout the UK.
Tom said: ‘I have been excited by developments at the RCO in recent years, and believe the organisation has earned a real mandate to transform UK organ culture.
‘It is clear to me that in the UK we need a truly national and coordinated programme of outreach and tuition, to create the organists and audiences of the future.
‘In this new role I see an opportunity to be part of the development of such a programme, in line with the vision and strategy of the RCO.’
Born in Liverpool and raised in Lancashire, Tom studied with Kevin Bowyer at the RNCM, graduating in 2007. In his new role, commencing in September, he will work alongside fellow regional directors Andrew Macintosh (Scotland and Northern Ireland), Andrew McCrea (Midlands, South and Mid Wales), and Simon Williams (South of England and East Anglia).
RCO Director Philip Meaden said: ‘I am delighted that we have been able to appoint to this role someone of Tom’s energy, desire to innovate, ability to communicate and commitment to UK organ culture.
‘Tom has wide experience as a performer, teacher and animateur, and has already proven himself a real ambassador for the organ.’
