Keyed Serpent

This particular instrument, the keyed serpent, has dimensions of 770mm in length, 440mm in width and 100mm in depth and is a distant ancestor of the tuba with a mouthpiece like a brass instrument but side holes like a woodwind instrument. The serpent is commonly made out of wood with chestnut being the most popular choice and the outside is often covered in dark or brown leather.

William Rimmer was an important local musician and band member who was most associated for his brass band work. He donated a collection of historic wood and brass wind instruments to the museum in 1925.

His father, Thomas Rimmer, was the well-known conductor of the Southport Rifle Band and, as a result, William came in close contact with musicians from a very early age.

At the age of 28, William took over the Skelmersdale Old Band, as their conductor. This band had no previous experience or training in contesting but, within 6 months, they were receiving prizes for each contest they entered; all due to his teaching. The success gained by this band soon attracted more bands to his services and in 1891, at the age of 30, William became a professional band trainer. Following this, he spent 19 years training and conducting, what would become, some of the world’s greatest brass bands.

On the 9 February 1936, William Rimmer died at the age of 74. He had been affectionately known as 'The Doctor of the Brass Band World' and, as a result, the entire movement mourned his loss.

On the 31 March 1936, the BBC paid an hour log tribute to his life and works titled “Homage to Rimmer”.

Sources:

Southport Visitor 4 February, 1961 and Wikipedia

Link to Image: http://www.gmmg.org.uk/our-connected-history/item/keyed-serpent/