Headed up by our very own rock god and music production whizz, Andy Walker, the Electric Guitar Orchestra and its junior counterpart meet on a Tuesday evening to create incredible medleys of popular music.

Everything is learnt by ear and memorised, and EGO members have a hand in arranging their performances. This gives them a great grounding for forming their own bands.

The Music Centre also provides a space for bands formed from EGO to rehearse on a Tuesday.

So far EGO have covered everything from Michael Jackson to Star Wars. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

Our classical guitar ensemble is taking a break at the moment as the wonderful Steve George has retired! We are recruiting for a new group leader, and we will relaunch!

We wish Mr George all the very best for his retirement, after years of building our fantastic guitar ensemble.

Rugby Music Centre has 2 choirs, junior (primary school) and senior (secondary school). Usually run by Emma Butler, the junior is being covered by Megan Gyles and the senior by Harim Oh whilst Emma is on maternity leave.

The junior choir, as well as being very cute, is full of talented primary-school-aged musicians who are constantly developing their aural skills through games and song. Students as young as 4 are welcome in our junior choir!

Our senior choir is a growing group of singers who explore a broad and exciting range of repertoire, while receiving specialist vocal coaching as their voices mature. The senior choir is suitable for students from Year 6 upwards.

Both choirs welcome instrumentalists who want to develop their passion for singing, as well as experienced singers. There are lots of solo opportunities too!

Our folk band is led by multi-instrumentalist Mel Coupe, a violin teacher and passionate “folkie” since childhood.

The band learns tunes using a mixture of “dots” (sheet music with chords) and learning by ear. This is a great way for classical players to develop their aural skills.

The folk band is also starting to branch out into improvisation and storytelling. Players are encouraged to learn about the traditional music of a range of cultures.

Folk band rehearsals are very laid back, and we aim to have a good giggle in every session!

The Rugby Music Centre Chamber Ensemble is an ensemble designed for young musicians to get a taste of varied musical repertoire.

Ensemble playing is a requirement for GCSE and A Level Music, so we strongly recommend candidates for the subject come and try it out.

The sheet music is arranged by band leader Melody Coupe, designed to challenge the specific players in the orchestra at the time, while creating a great performance in time for the end-of-term concerts. Each member has opportunities to suggest repertoire, and everyone has the choice of how much their instrument features.

This year, our music theory support group will specialise in providing extra practice for GCSE and A Level Music students.

The group now meets on a Tuesday evening, to work on music theory and analysis, as well as breaking down the basics of composition.

Students in the theory class enjoy taking part in discussions where we appraise different types of music, learning how to talk about key features of each style.

Rugby Music Centre has also helped various students to pass their ABRSM Grade 5 Theory exams. The class will continue to support students wishing to study for Grade 5 Theory and above.