Robert Scott (1930-2022)

Robert Scott (Common Room 1956-91) died on 13 July 2022, aged 91.

Robert was head chorister at Winchester Cathedral before going to Rugby School and then Pembroke College, Cambridge where he was organ scholar. He did his national service as a bombardier in the Royal Artillery and then went to the Royal College of Music.

From January 1956 to retirement in July 1991 he was a key member of the Music Department – throughout Edred Wright’s time as Director of Music and beyond. As well as academic music, he taught piano, and was a sensitive accompanist, not least at morning assembly and congregational practice. His versatility was remarkable. Originally a cellist, he played the double bass in the school orchestra, took up the tuba for the band and sang tenor in school choirs.

Alongside his teaching and performing, Robert was a composer, arranger, reviewer (see The Cantuarian passim), cataloguer and editor. Grove’s Dictionary – and then The New Grove – was at his elbow. He compiled the Complete Catalogue of the works of Alan Ridout and worked with the flautist Trevor Wye at his International Summer School as well as co-editing Trevor’s Flute Class.

Primarily a music teacher, Robert was also a tutor in Walpole and a part-time teacher of maths. He played hockey at Canterbury Hockey Club (and for the Common Room) and was an entertainingly competitive tennis player. He also came on several cricket tours with the Harvesters (the Common Room XI in Dorset) as scorer.

In retirement he continued as an accompanist and enjoyed chamber music. He also edited the King’s School Register 1930-2000 and then set to work on earlier registers, especially covering the years 1750-1859. His meticulous care over detail was evident in all he did.

He will be remembered for his loyalty, his musicianship and his sense of humour.