Making Music Part II | Ellen Roxby
In our last issue (‘Making Music’ the brick 83), current Keble Choir member Ellen Roxby (2023 Theology and Religion) interviewed former Organ Scholar Leonard Sanderman (2010 Music) about his memories of Keble and his current work. This term, we caught up with Ellen to ask her about her own experience of making music at Keble, singing with the Choir both in Oxford and abroad.
What drew you to Keble in the first place and when did you realise that the Choir would become a central part of your Oxford experience?
The Choir was a big part of what drew me to Keble originally: it was one of the only colleges that had a really good mixed-voice choir with lots of services, and took a cohort of more than one or two per year for my course, so it seemed perfect. Then I visited, and loved the architecture and the friendly social vibe as well, so I got very lucky.
In what ways has singing with the Keble College Choir shaped your time at Oxford beyond the Chapel?
It has hugely shaped my experience. I have grown as a musician, both in skill and in confidence, and have been exposed to so much varied music, as well as incredibly talented people. The social aspect has also been absolutely central. To have such an amazing and diverse group of talented friends is something I am very grateful for. Having the structure of the weekly time commitment to Choir has also benefited me academically: it focuses my work, and allows me to decompress by using my brain in a completely different way.
Is there a particular service, concert, tour, or rehearsal that stands out to you? What made it unforgettable?
Every tour that I have been lucky enough to part of has been unforgettable – Italy in 1st year, Hong Kong and Singapore in 2nd year, and USA in 3rd year. The St John Passion from the Keble Early Music Festival this year was also a highlight. I will also never forget seeing the Chapel completely packed for my first carol service as a Fresher – it’s always such a special occasion.
What skills or lessons have you gained through the Choir that you think will stay with you long after Oxford?
Performance under pressure, confidence in myself and the value of teamwork.
What advice would you give to an incoming student who is considering joining the Choir?
Throw yourself into it, and don’t be put off by the learning process. Depending on your choral background, it can be a really steep curve (it certainly was for me) but it is so beneficial and rewarding, completely worth challenging yourself.
Is there anything exciting coming up that alumni should keep an eye out for?
We recorded a disc in December which is currently in the editing process, including lots of music that hasn’t been recorded before, or is specific to Keble, so people should look out for the release of that! There will also be another BBC Radio 3 broadcast in Trinity Term, as well as other celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Chapel and Choir in the rest of 2026.
