Hackney Schools Music & Dance Festival 2022: 4 – 9 July

In Memory of Chris Wilson

Earlier this year, it was with great sadness that we wrote of the passing of Chris Wilson, who was the music director of our singing festival band for 20 years. Chris sadly passed away on 20 January 2022. So in his honour, we are dedicating this year’s 2022 Schools Music & Dance Festival to our friend and colleague, musician and educator, Chris.

Chris was much more than simply the festival band director, he was a phenomenal musician, producer, and music educator in Hackney schools, colleges and further afield; he touched the lives of so many young people and adults alike. I first met Chris some years ago when he was a head of faculty at Hackney Community College, and I was one of his staff. I witnessed first-hand his musical genius, generosity of spirit and knowledge, his sense of social justice, and his dedication to his students – always going above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcomes for all. He is an enormous loss to the music and education community and will be hugely missed. 

Annie Cartwright, Music Education Consultant and former head of the Music Service, knew Chris better than any of us, and she has written a few words to give us an insight into the genius of Chris Wilson below. 

James Thomas, Head of Music Service

Chris Wilson (Wizz)

It was with an incredible sense of shock and extreme sadness that we learned of the death of a dear friend and colleague Chris Wilson, who died on the 20th January 2022 from a heart attack.

I have known Chris for nearly 50 years in a professional and personal capacity.  I first met him when he was appointed as a part time piano tutor at the Edith Cavell Secondary School in Hackney where I was Head of Music from 1973 -1982.

During this time, it became clear that here was a teacher of quite exceptional ability. Through his love of music and his outstanding rapport with young people, Chris was able to enthuse and interest youngsters into high quality music making. Versatile, enthusiastic and musically supremely talented, it was easy to see the impact that he had on pupils of all levels of ability.  

As Head of Music, in the newly amalgamated Kingsland School in 1982, Chris joined us in our large department and composed for and conducted the Junior and Senior Bands. He also made a major contribution to the GCSE and CSE courses, including teaching keyboards and introducing music technology into the curriculum. During our numerous public performances, Chris rehearsed students in their work and accompanied the school choir and bands at concerts.

Chris continued to perform as a soloist and with several groups over the years. He had an eclectic taste in music and was as happy performing jazz and popular music as he was with classical music. He played a determined role in promoting the role of music in education. This he achieved in his school teaching posts, as Head of Department at Hackney College, as Music tutor at Blackheath Conservatoire and at CYM Morley College. For his own personal exacting standards, Chris has always been sought after to record and mix music for a range of professional musicians and musical colleagues.

For many teachers in Hackney schools, Chris will perhaps be remembered for the indispensable role that he played as Music Director of the annual vocal music festivals organised by the Music Service. He arranged and recorded all the Infant and Junior rehearsal CD’s and directed the band who accompanied the singing performances. Through his prodigious output over the years, it is estimated that there are over 500 songs available for use in Hackney schools as a teaching resource. A tremendous legacy.

Chris’s capacity for hard work and perfectionism meant that he always gave over and above what was expected of him. He had an open and friendly personality and a very well developed sense of humour.

As a musician of exceptional ability, Chris has quite simply been one of the most naturally talented musicians it has been my privilege to work with. As a friend, not only to myself but to very many people, he has been a wonderfully kind and giving person.

Chris was a rare personality and a rare talent – a one off.  He will leave a huge gap in many lives and his loss will be keenly felt.

Annie Cartwright

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Click here to see the 2022 festival programme