This year to date

Saturday June 14th - Play the Organ year Event at Rugby School.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Organists Association and Rugby School collaborated to host a highly engaging “Play the Organ” event on Saturday 14th June. This special day was designed to offer attendees the unique opportunity to explore, understand, and play the historic organs of Rugby School.

The event was jointly organised by Ian Wicks, Head of Keyboard at Rugby School, alongside Peter Lock and Gillian Potts from CWOA. They were ably supported on the day by volunteers and staff from both Rugby School and the CWOA.

A total of 13 participants attended, comprising eight adults and five children. Attendees came with a wide range of musical experience, from complete beginners to those preparing for Grade 8 piano, including three children currently learning the organ.

The event began with an introductory session in the Rugby School Chapel, led by Ian Wicks. Ian presented the recently refurbished and enhanced chapel organ, which now includes a brand-new Bombarde division comprising  Bass Tuba 16’, Tuba Mirabilis 8’, Tuba Clarion 4’ on new chests on heavy-pressure. Ian provided a clear and fascinating overview of the organ console and its connection to the pipes, supported by live demonstrations showcasing a variety of tonal colours. He concluded the session with a powerful rendition of Geoffrey Bush’s Trumpet March, composed for the 1981 royal wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer, which highlighted the commanding sound of the new Tuba Mirabilis.

Participants then split into two groups.  Attendees had been encouraged in advance to bring music they could play comfortably, and everyone who wished to perform had approximately 15 minutes of playing time. The event was designed to be inclusive and supportive, allowing all participants to experience the organs first-hand.

One group stayed in the chapel with Ian Wicks, while the other visited the nearby Temple Speech Room, where they met the magnificent 33-rank, three-manual Bryceson historic organ (mainly straight Tracker but Gt with Barker Lever), led by CWOA President Adrian Moore. After participants had a chance to play the instrument, Adrian gave a brief demonstration, including an excerpt from the Gothic Suite by Léon Boëllmann.

Alongside the practical sessions, Peter Lock curated a fascinating display of organ pipes and parts, while a selection of music from the CWOA sheet music library was also on show. These displays generated lots of of interest from participants and volunteers alike.

The afternoon concluded with thanks from the CWOA Secretary Peter Harris to everyone involved and an explanation of how the CWOA can support those wishing to pursue their interest in the organ further. Certificates were presented to all attendees in recognition of their involvement.

CWOA would like to extend sincere thanks to Richard Tanner, Director of Music at Rugby School, for his generous hospitality and for granting access to the school’s exceptional buildings and instruments. We are looking forward to returning before too long.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association took place at the church of St Marie, Rugby,  on Saturday 15th March 2025. There were 13 members who attended, with apologies from 13 more. The minutes of this meeting can be found here, and the Treasurer's Accounts here. After the AGM we were provided with an excellent buffet lunch organised by our Treasurer, Ian Leonard.

After lunch our President Adrian Moore gave a superb organ recital. The programme is here.  Unfortunately the organ (not the organist!) malfunctioned for a bar or so during the second item - the Bach BWV 622 -, so it has been omitted from Peter Lock's recording of the complete recital, which may be listened to here.