A NOTE-WORTHY new exhibition at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum hopes to strike the right chord by celebrating Rugby’s musical history.
Music in Rugby explores many of the bands, choirs and musicians who have entertained audiences in the town over the past 100 years.
The exhibition features mementoes from the glory days of the Tom Ward Big Band – a staple at major functions, balls and dances in Rugby during the 1930s and 50s.
Tom Ward was the town’s Mr Music, a saxophonist and band leader who was guaranteed to make a party swing.
Pieces on display include a conductor’s baton, saxophone and banjo, together with photographs of the band.
Music in Rugby also delves into the career of the Kiwi Trio, an instrumental band who performed in the town from the 1960s to the 90s.
In addition to photographs and recordings of the trio, the exhibition features many of the band’s instruments, including a piano accordion and maracas.
A host of other bands, venues and musical events are featured, together with radios, a record player and eight-track music player from the museum’s social history collection.
The exhibition also includes a display to mark the 150th anniversary of the Rugby Philharmonic Choir.
When the choir formed in 1867, the membership fee was just one penny per rehearsal.
During its history the choir has been led by illustrious guest conductors such as Benjamin Britten, George Dyson and Sir Arthur Bliss, and welcomed a number of distinguished soloists, including Kathleen Ferrier, Philip Langridge and John Shirley-Quirk.
Items on display at the exhibition include photographs, programmes and original scores from throughout the choir’s history.
Music in Rugby is now open, and runs until November 4 – with a hiatus from September 3 to September 15.
Rugby Borough Council growth and investment spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms said: “Rugby has a rich musical history and this new exhibition celebrates many of the bands, performers and venues which have entertained audiences in the town over the past 100 years.
“Music in Rugby offers a fascinating insight into our social history and a trip down the town’s musical memory lane.”
Visit www.ragm.co.uk for more information.
