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Nigel Howard came to St Edmund's in 1969 as assistant in the Music department, then run by Fr Daniel Higgins. A graduate of Durham University, he threw himself wholeheartedly into the work of the department, becoming Director of Music on the departure of Fr Higgins in 1975.
In those days, St Edmund's was mainly a boarding school, and the number of boarders made possible a large regular choir. Among the highlights of Nigel’s early years were the participation in the Loreto Choir Festivals in 1970 and 1974 and the production of recordings.
Over many years, Nigel sustained the high standards of the Music department in a regular programme of concerts and Choral Society performances.
Continuing in the tradition started nearly 250 years ago when a former music master, John Francis Wade, composed Adeste Fideles (now better known as O Come All Ye Faithful), Nigel has composed some new pieces of music.
His virtuoso performances on the organ have been the accompaniment of most of the great liturgical occasions in the College Chapel over the last four decades.
Nigel was appointed as an assistant housemaster on the creation of the role in 1974, and he has become the longest-serving member of the boarding staff. He has been an approachable, dedicated, helpful and hospitable figure who made boarding life more homelike and Music lessons more fun.
Trevor McTait
Nigel's last Sunday Mass as organist on Sunday 28 June 2009 featured performances by Tessa Liley - daughter of Richard Liley (Douglass 1970-75) - and Eljon Vejsiu of the Birmingham Conservatoire, and by Trevor McTait (Junior House & Poynter 1987-94).
Richard Liley, Nigel Howard, Tessa Liley & Eljon Vejsiu
After Mass, David Kay, President of The Edmundian Association, paid tribute to Nigel, and announced that he was to be awarded Honorary Membership of The Edmundian Association. Nigel was presented with a framed acclamation in recognition of his 40 years' service to the College.
David Kay presenting Nigel Howard with an Honorary Membership acclamation
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