Organ Scholar - Theo Woolley 

The Organ Scholarship scheme is part of The St Thomas’ Organ Rebuild and Musical Outreach Project. During 2022, the organ was dismantled, mended, cleaned and completely rebuilt by early 2023. With our rebuilt organ we were then able to encourage a new generation of young organists through our organ scholarship scheme.

Theo, our current organ scholar, has always lived in Goring and has been part of the community. He was baptised at St Thomas’ and attended Sunday school when he was younger. Theo originally attended Goring Primary School before moving to The Oratory Prep School and is now a music scholar at Abingdon School. He showed an early interest in music and can play the piano, French horn and violin. After taking grade 8 piano earlier in 2026, Theo felt that the organ was the perfect next challenge. Theo says, ‘I love how every organ is a work of art in its own way. Despite the incredible power of the organ, it can be a really peaceful instrument to play. I have already met so many interesting and lovely people whilst playing the organ over the last couple of months.’

Theo is looking forward to playing at services and with the choir in the coming years.