Albert Avondale Hall was born in Sunderland to George (a mechanical engineer) and Prudence Hall.

He joined the school as a teacher in March, 1915, having studied Geology and Physics at Armstrong College. But he is mainly remembered for his musical teaching.

In 1917 he left the school to join the Inns of Court Office Training Corps after which he served with the Howitzer Brigade and became education officer for the 3rd Corps Heavy Artillery within the Royal Garrison Artillery.

He was also the conductor of the military orchestra in Brussels for the Armistice celebrations.

When George Kirwan, the High School Headmaster, died, Albert was promoted to Second Master. But, when the school moved to Harton in September, 1936, he lost his position as Second Master to Mr Newby, who had been Head of the Westoe school.

During the Second World War, he was one of the masters who went to Appleby during the evacuation.

In 1946, he left to take up the Headship at Westoe Boys' County Secondary School, where in 1953, he wrote their "Coronation Hymn". He retired in April, 1957.

AA Hall was known affectionately as "Tanker" Hall by most, although the ATOM on more than one occasion refers to him as "Mickey Hall". One Old Boy recalls that he was "a well-built and jovial man, always with a big smile".

However, he will probably be most fondly remembered as the composer of the School Song (to words by Frank Wade).

He was living at 36 Hepscott Terrace when he died, on 20-Mar-1961.