FEATURED ARTISTE of the MONTH Meet One of Hollywood’S Most Successful Composers

ST. JOHN’S PREP SCHOOL’S MUSIC NEWSLETTER

matters music Issue #03 Nov/Dec 2012

SCHOOL TRIPS We go to the Primary Proms and PLAY A The Lion King musical CHIRSTMAS TUNE Take on Jingle Bells this month

HISTORY OF CAROLLING How it started and why we

sing carols FEATURED ARTISTE OF THE MONTH Meet one of Hollywood’s most successful composers

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS Discover what is happening in and around London this Yuletide season

Editor’s MESSAGE

Dear pupils,

Welcome to another new edition of Music Matters. How time flies, the autumn term is now approaching its end now. I hope everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit and enjoying the season’s festivities. As usual, there will be plenty of performances going on, both music and theatre.

And with Christmas coming up, you can be sure to find a favourite pantomime of yours to enjoy! In fact, instead of a wrappable gift, why not ask Santa for a front row ticket to the circus or theatre this Christmas? (With popcorn and snacks thrown in, of course) There is a two-page guide to some of the highlights this Christmas, and it would be a shame CONTENTS to miss out on all of them.

In this issue we also discover an instrument from the Instrument of the Month 3 Far East - the Chinese dulcimer, or yangqin. It makes the most astonishing sound, apart from Play a Christmas Tune 4 looking rather impressive. We also find our more about John Williams, one of Hollywood’s most Artiste of the Month 5 successful and famous film composers. Featured Article: 6 We have also had two music trips in the past The History of Carolling month: UTs and F1s were treated to music at the School Trip: The Lion King 7 Royal Albert Hall for the Primary Proms, whilst the F2s and F3s had a fantastic day out at the Lyceum What’s On: Christmas Edition 8 Theatre in London for the Lion King workshop and musical! Lower School Corner 10

All in all, a very busy month indeed. To conclude, I School Trip: Primary Proms 11 would like to wish all pupils a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May you have a wonderful Young Musician of the Month 12 time celebrating with family and friends this festive season.

MR. JONATHAN ANG

Editor Music Matters

Featured Instrument of the Month

Every month we will feature an instrument, which might be a common instrument, or sometimes a strange and mystic-looking one instead! If you would like to see it in action, simply visit YouTube and type in the instrument name, and there you have it! If you would like to learn a new instrument, simply speak to your music teacher and they will point you in the right direction. YANGQIN

扬琴

The yangqin is a very unique instrument, and belongs to a family of instruments called dulcimers. The yangqin is similar to a harp, except that it is laid out horizontally as if on a table, and the strings are not plucked but hammered. The yangqin used in Chinese music today originates from Iran, and dulcimers like these are now very popular not only in China, but also in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

A modern yangqin usually has 144 strings in total, and each note consists of 5 strings. This makes the yangqin a rather loud instrument - in contrast, the piano only has, on average, three strings per note! This means for every note that is hit with a hammer on the yangqin, five separate strings will vibrate in the same pitch.

The hammers are made of flexible bamboo, and one end of each hammer is half-covered by rubber (see picture below).

This instrument has also often been called the “Chinese piano” is it plays a very important role in accompanying other Chinese wind and string instruments in Chinese orchestras. Traditional Chinese music uses a notation system which involves numbers, rather then the Western staff notation. This is called jianpu (简谱), and you can find an example below. Jianpu literally means “simplified notation” in Chinese. Try and see if you can decipher it!

THE JIANPU SYSTEM Row, row, row your boat |1· 1· |1 23· | Note: C D E F G A B

Solfège: do re mi fa so la si Twinkle, twinkle little star |1 1 5 5 |6 6 5 - | Notation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Frere Jacques |1 2 3 1 |1 2 3 1 |

PLAY A CHRISTMAS TUNE!

With Christmas quickly approaching, this is now the perfect time to pick up some festive tunes! In this of Music Matters, an easy Christmas tune has been featured. This month’s carol is Jingle Bells, I am sure all of you will be familiar with this number! The music here is written mainly for piano, but if you play another instrument such as the violin, ask your instrumental teacher and they will adapt the music for you so that you are able to play it on your own instrument!

FEATURED ARTISTE OF THE MONTH

Every month this newsletter will feature a musician, artiste, composer or singer for you to discover. Remember, if you want to know more about the featured artiste of the month, you can always find more on the internet, especially on YouTube! JOHN WILLIAMS John Williams is an American film music composer, and is widely known as "one of the best known, awarded, and financially successful composers in US history."

In a career that has lasted for more than sixty years, he has composed music for some of the most popular films in Hollywood, including all the Star Wars films, Superman, War Horse and the first three Harry Potter films. He has also written the theme music for four Olympic Games in history!

Williams’ massive success is reflected in his numerous awards - he has won five Academy Awards, four Golden Globe awards and seven BAFTA awards. Try searching for some of his film music on the internet, you are bound to recognise many tunes by John Williams! He frequently works with very popular film directors, such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Chris Columbus. Below is a list of films that Williams has composed music for, see how many you can recognise! - Film Music composed by John Williams -

The Adventures of Tintin: Indiana Jones and the War of the Worlds Harry Potter & The Prisoner Star Wars Episode II: Attack The Secret of the Unicorn Kingdom of the Crystal Skull of Azkaban of the Clones

Memoirs of a Geisha Jaws E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Jurassic Park Home Alone 5

HISTORY OF CAROLLING Ever wondered where the tradition of carolling came from? Why do we sing for others during this festive season? Read more to find out.

There have been many proposed theories as to how Another theory is that carollers travelled door-to- carolling originated, but alas they are all unclear. door because they were not originally allowed to What we know for sure is that carolling is an oral perform in churches. tradition, passed down from generation to generation. A common legend says that Christmas carols were named after Carol Poles, a little English girl Carols were first written in Europe in the 4th and who supposedly went missing in London during 5th centuries, but they were not at first associated the holiday season in the late 19th century. Peo- with Christmas. According to historians, they were ple supposedly searched for her by going door-to- sung to celebrate the Winter Solstice, which is the door, singing to declare their good intentions. shortest day of the year and usually around 22nd Although it may be a nice story, it unfortunately December. has no factual basis.

It was only in the 13th century did Saint Francis of Assisi, the Roman Catholic saint of animals and the environment, start to incorporate these carols into Christmas celebrations. He created the concept of spreading these carols to celebrate Christ’s birth, encouraging these en- ergetic, joyful songs to be sung so as to liven up the sombre Christmas celebrations of that day.

In fact, from 1649 to 1660, the anti- royalist leader Lord Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas celebrations in England as he believed Christmas should be a serious holiday. Imagine that!

Today, many carolling groups sing for charity in churches and neighbourhoods. Some historical ac- counts claim this is rooted in olden- day societies, where poor citizens would “sing for their supper” in ex- change for food and drink.

Interesting facts about Christmas you never knew

Since 1900, snow has only fallen in England three Father Christmas has two times on Christmas day: 1938, 1976 and 2004! addresses: Edinburgh and the North Pole. Letters addressed The first Christmas card appeared to ‘TOYLAND’ or ‘SNOWLAND’ in 1843, designed by J. C. Horsley. go to Edinburgh, but letters 900 years ago, the addressed to ‘THE NORTH first Christmas trees The world’s largest Christmas present is the Statue of POLE’ have to be sent there were hung upside Liberty. The French gave it to the Americans in 1886. It is because there really is such a down! 46.5 metres high and weighs 225 tons! place!

THE LION KING In October, Forms 2 & 3 were treated to the glorious spectacle of musical theatre that was The Lion King, one of West End’s most acclaimed and successful musicals. They were also given a pre-show puppet demonstration, where they had the opportunity to learn how the show’s exquisite puppets worked, have a feel of several masks and puppets, and watch an actor act out scenes from the show using a variety of different puppets. It was a wonderful learning experience for pupils and staff alike, and the show itself certainly exceeded everyone’s expectations!

PUPPETS & MASKS We arrived at 12:45 for a little talk about The Lion King. James, the puppet supervisor, showed us how two animal puppets worked, they were Timon and Zazu. After that he showed us what some of the masks were made of, such as the giraffe, Nala, Scar and Mufasa. We then had our packed lunch before going to find our seats and get seated for the show to begin! Rachel Hill, F2

The Lion King is both heart-warming and moving. It is a family production about a family of lions who start to grow apart, but then, during the show they come together as one.

My favourite part of the show is when Mufasa, Simba’s father, gets pushed off the mountain by his brother Scar. I enjoyed watching this scene because you can see the dramatic expression on his face even if you are not right down the front.

It was even more amazing because it hap- pened in slow motion and there were lots of PRE-SHOW DEMONSTRATION flashing colours going everywhere. Also, there were people at the sides of the theatre who play the African drums. You can see them pour their heart and soul into their music. One day, I would like to be as passionate about music as they are when they play the drums.

I was also lucky enough to get an autograph from Zazu! Here are some pupils’ opinions from F2 Raleighs about The Lion King in one word. Lily Habron, F2

Holly White: Spectacular Alex M.N.: “Lionriffic” Theo Thomas: Unbelievable Andreas Koureas: Fantastic Andrianna Josif: Extraordinary Pantelis Katsaros: Lifelike Harry Ourris: Fabulous Arda Yelden: “Roartastic” Alex Spelman: Amazing Melissa Ourris: WOW Rachel Hill: Unreal Lily Habron: Magnificent 7

Festivals, exhibitions AND

CONCERTS for Christmas 2012

Christmas is now officially round the corner, and London is all abuzz with festivity. Do not get left out! Here is a list of what is going in and around the capital this Yuletide season.

Beauty and the Beast 6th - 29th Dec. Shaw Theatre, 100-110 Euston Rd., London, NW1 2AJ

Nothing really quite epitomises the spirit of Christmas theatre better than a good pantomime! This year, the Shaw Theatre will be taking on the classic fairytale of a girl who moves in with an ugly beast to save her father.

Get your best cheering and booing voice ready for this year’s pantomime treat, and watch out for guest stars such as Alison Hammond and Rodney Ward.

Walking with Dinosaurs The O2, Peninsula Sq., London, SE10 0DX 1st - 3rd Nov.

Why not do something different this year and celebrate Christmas with a few prehistoric giant lizards?

Walking with Dinosaurs is a theatrical version of the hit BBC documentary series of the same name, and features giant animatronic dinosaurs roaming onstage with an Indiana Jones-styled character narrating through lightning storms and battle scenes. And when the T-Rex finally emerges towards the end of show, it is not only the kids that gasp!

Christmas at Kew Gardens 2012 8th Dec. 2012 - 6th Jan. 2013 Kew Gardens, Kew Rd., Richmond, TW9 3AB

Kew Gardens gets an annual, seasonal makeover every Decem- ber and transforms into Father Christmas’s grotto! This year, there will be a vintage carousel, seasonal face painting (you can trans- form yourself into Rudolf or an elf) and hands-on activity sessions based on plants and trees associated with the festive season.

There will also be guided walks and festive products on sale. And once Christmas is over, you are invited to bring your tree for recy- cling from Boxing Day onwards. Do not forget to take down the decorations beforehand though!

The Gruffalo Artsdepot, 5 Nether St., Tally Ho Corner, London, N12 0GA 8th Dec. 2012 - 6th Jan 2013

This Christmas, join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark woods in this musical adaption of the award-winning children’s book. Songs, fun and laughs for children and grown-ups alike.

Performances will be staged at Artsdepot in North Finchley, and is suitable for kids ages 3 and onwards.

National History Museum Ice Rink 2012 2nd Nov. 2012 - 6th Jan. 2013 National History Museum, Cromwell Rd., London, SW7 5BD

The stunning architecture of the National History Museum once again provides the backdrop for this 1,000-metre-square outdoor ice rink, which for the first time this year features a Christmas tree at its centre! There will also be a smaller, separate rink for children and a rink-side fairground carousel. After your skating session, you can proceed to the balcony café overlooking the rink for a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

This outdoor rink is a great alternative to the one at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which has usually longer queues. In fact, it comes so highly recommended that this writer, Mr. Ang, goes skating there every year without fail!

Scrooge - The Musical London Palladium, Argyll St., London, W1F 7TF until 5th Jan. 2013

The ideal winter treat, Scrooge is a heart-warming family story with stunning sets, costumes and illusions. In fact, they have brought in Paul Kieve, the man responsible for the magic effects in the Harry Potter films, to develop all the stage illusions. This is your chance to catch all the legendary characters from Charles Dickens’ novel onstage, including Ebenezer, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and all the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future! At the time of writing there is an offer of 50% off all top-price tickets.

Viva Forever! 27th Nov. 2012 - 1st Jun. 2013 Piccadilly Theatre, 4 Denman St., London, W1D 7DY

“Friendship never ends,” declared the Spice Girls back in 1997, and now they have proven that by standing united behind this jukebox musical built from the songs which they helped launch in July this year. Brought to you by the same people behind Mamma Mia!, Viva Forever! manages to weave a tale of the value of friendship in the face on fame and fortune, held together by the same thread of Spice Girls’ songs that brought on a sales record of 65 million copies!

So spice up your Christmas to the tunes of Wannabe, 2 Become 1 and Holler in what seems to be a feel-good night out at the theatre.

Cirque du Soleil: Koozå Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP 5th Jan. 2013 - 3rd Feb. 2013

Cirque du Soleil returns to the origins of circus with Koozå, a show based around acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. There will be more acrobatic acts than in an average Cirque du Soleil show, including high wire acts, contortion and balancing on chairs. The highlight of the show includes the Wheel of Death, involving an eight-storey circus apparatus never before used in such closed confines like the Royal Albert Hall!

All information regarding ticket prices, dates and venues in this listing are correct at the time of printing. They might be, however, subject to change. Please check all relevant websites for any possible updates.

LOWER SCHOOL CORNER

CODE BREAKER

Decipher this secret musical code and see what it says!

C E H I

M R S T

U V W Y

Secret message

COMPOSER HUNT

The names of six famous composers are hidden on the musical staff. Part of their first name is over part of their surname. Can you figure them out?

ANS:

PRIMARY PROMS A TRIP TO THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

On the 10th of October, UT and Form 1 pupils were treated to a concert at the Royal Albert Hall. They were there to enjoy the Primary Proms, a free music concert by national music education charity Music for Youth, and were treated to a first-hand experience of live music-making!

Here is what Stephanie Peretz from F1 had to say about it!

On the 10th of October the F1s and UTs had a trip to the Royal Albert Hall. It was our visit to the Primary Proms. When we got there we had to wait for about 20 minutes for the show to start but while we were waiting there were a few quizzes about the Royal Albert Hall on the two big screens. When we knew the answer we shouted it out and it showed the right answer. Then the show started! Barney Harwood was the host. The first song which was performed was called Crazy Frog. A lot of us really liked it! Three boys performed it on xylophones, one boy on a keyboard and one boy on the drums. Ann Murray then came out and she made up a song which we sang along. It was about the seaside and a seagull attacking you. A famous orchestra then came out and did a song about skeletons dancing. A choir came and sang a really nice song that I enjoyed very much. Then a man called Sam came to join and he gave us a fun exercise. We had some pretend bubblegum and we chewed it, made a giant bubble and popped it, then we had to roll it into a ball and stick it on our shoe. We took it off and chewed it again before swapping it with someone else’s. Everyone thought it was really fun. We were there for two or three hours and then went back to school. I thought it was a great trip!

YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE MONTH

Q: Hello Shanaaze, thanks for speaking to Music Matters. Could you list the instruments that you play?

A: I play the flute and I also sing.

Q: How long have you been singing, and who is Shanaaze Mang your singing teacher? -Smith A: I have been singing for about two years, and my teacher is Ms. Magnin, as well as Mr. Egerton.

Q: .Oh really? When did you have lessons with Mr. Egerton?

A: When I first started learning singing. Mr. Egerton was my first teacher.

Q: So, what grade are you at with singing?

A: I am currently preparing to sit for my Grade 3 exam. Because I scored above 90% for my Grade 1 exam, Ms. Magnin has decided for me to skip Grade 2 and work straight towards Grade 3.

Q: That is fantastic, well done! What was the exam process like?

A: It was quite simple. I sang a song from High School Musical 2, called “You Are The Music In Me”. I really enjoyed using props for my exam, and for that song I used a picture frame and a chair. I also sang another song, “Oh What A Beautiful Morning” from the musical Oklahoma. I had to use movement to portray both songs as well; Ms. Magnin taught me all the moves.

Q: Tell us a bit about what you’re learning in singing now.

A: I am currently learning “Where Is Love”, from the musical Oliver. I really love musicals and I enjoy singing songs from musicals!

Q: Have you sang much at school concerts during your time at St. John’s so far?

A: Yes I have! Once, during the Christmas concert, I sang the first opening verse solo of “Once In Royal David’s City”. Mr. Egerton trained me to sing it, and I volunteered to sing solo when they asked who would be interested. It was rather hard but it was all worth it!

Q: It all sounds very promising! If you were to become a singer, who would you want to be like?

A: I would want to be like Fergie from Black Eyed Peas. And my dream

Fergie venue to sing at is the O2 Arena in London!

If you would like to train to be a young singer like Shanaaze has, speak to Dr. Rosswick and she will point you to a suitable singing teacher for you to have lessons within St. John’s. The school offers singing teachers who will train you up for different types of exams that suit your strength, including ABRSM, Trinity and LAMDA exams. Who knows, you just might be the featured soloist at the next school concert!

M U S I C M A T T E R S