music matters Issue #04 Jan/Feb 2013Issue #04 Jan/Feb 2013Issue #04 Jan/Feb 2013

ST. JOHN’S PREP SCHOOL’S MUSIC MAGAZINEST. JOHN’S PREP SCHOOL’S MUSIC MAGAZINEST. JOHN’S PREP SCHOOL’S MUSIC MAGAZINE

ARTISTE OF THE MONTH

featuring Katherine Jenkins

MUSICAL BAKING

Discover the ingredients that make up a great

music cake

HARRY POTTER WALKING TOUR

Your chance to see what is usually invisible to muggles

KEYTAR Learn how this instrument combines the best bits of

keyboard and guitar

PERFECT PITCH

Do you think you have it?

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Editor’s

MESSAGE

Dear reader,

Happy New Year! Welcome back to Music Matters. I

hope everyone had a wonderful time over the school

holidays and enjoyed celebrating the festive season.

With 2013 under way, have you made any resolutions

for the new year? If not, then it is still not too late! You

could perhaps start by resolving to help your parents

more regularly around the house, or spend less time on

your Nintendo DS. Or maybe you could aim to work

harder in your French class, or even learn to play a

new instrument!

In this issue, we look at the instrument called the keytar.

You might have seen it previously as the game

controller for the video game Rock Band looks similar

to one. It is essentially a keyboard and guitar

combined. Also, you can read all about perfect pitch

and understand how it works. If you think you have the

ability of perfect pitch, be sure to come and speak to

me!

Last term, the choir was kept busy with a huge plethora

of events, such as the annual carol concert, our

Christmas performance at Spring View Residential

Home and recording sessions for choir competitions.

Speaking of choir competitions, I am pleased to

announce that St. John’s Prep School has made it

through to the finals of the Barnardo’s National Choir

Competition. You can read more about this on page

11.

MR. JONATHAN ANG

Editor

Music Matters

CONTENTS

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4

5

6

7

8

10

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Instrument of the Month

Featured Article:

Perfect Pitch

Activity: Musical Baking

What’s On

SJPS Choir News

Jumbo Word Search

Young Musician of the Month

Artiste of the Month

Teacher Feature

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YOUR MONTHLY DIGEST OF MIND-BOGGLING FACTS

Perfect pitch No, we are not talking about the musical comedy film. What exactly is perfect pitch, and how does it work? Can anybody learn how to get it? Read more to find out.

If you were close, then you may have perfect pitch. What is perfect pitch? It is the ability to identify and re-create any given musical note in one’s head, without the help of another in-strument. Why not try this as an example: get your friend to play a note on the piano. If you can tell what note it is without looking at the piano, then it is very likely that you may have the ability of perfect pitch! However, this ability is rather rare. Recent studies have shown that only around 10% of professional musi-cians in orchestras around Europe only possess this ability. And amongst non-musicians, only one person in 10,000 has perfect pitch - now that is certainly very rare

It is commonly believed that very early contact with music as a child increases the ability to accurately

identify pitches. Peo-ple who have perfect pitch often analyze background music and sounds without realising it, while the average person might not pay much notice or attention. Unfortunately, there has never been a confirmed case of an adult obtaining per-fect pitch through musical training. This has led to the belief that you are either “born with it” or not. Studies have shown that perfect pitch is considerably more

common among those whose childhood was spent in East Asia, for example Vietnam and China - this is because their languages sound more “musical”!

Irelend has won

the Eurovision

song contest 7

times - the most

in history!

The flute is considered to be

one of the oldest man-made

instruments. In Slovenia,

archaeologists have found a

flute made out of bone and

estimated to be around

43,000 to 82,000 years old!

While music cannot directly cure diseases

like cancer, it can relieve a patient’s aches

and pains. This is known as music therapy.

Research has shown that cows that

listen to music produce more milk.

The national anthem of Greece originally contained 158 verses! The

shortest national anthem in the world is Japan’s, with only 4 phrases.

Music has a strong

psychological factor. Most

retail stores avoid playing

really popular songs in their

stores as this distracts the

shopper from their task at

hand: shopping!

If you play a music instrument or sing, try this out:

1) Think of a specific note, for example the note A. 2) Imagine, in your head, how this note sounds when played aloud. 3) Using your voice, hum the note out. 4) Ask a friend to play your chosen note on a piano or keyboard. 5) How close was the note you hummed to the note on the piano?

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Musical Baking

by Mrs. P Bowman

There are seven musical elements which composers use in different ways when they write music.

They are just like the ingredients a baker uses in different combinations and quantities to make dif-

ferent sorts of cakes or biscuits!

Duration is how long

each note lasts

Dynamics is how loud

or quiet the music is

Pitch is how low or high the

notes sound

Tempo is the speed of

the music

Timbre is the type of

sound eg.

Structure is how many

sections the music has

blowing, scraping, tapping

Texture is how many sounds you can hear at any

one time

In future, when you hear music, think carefully of what you are

listening to and try to imagine in your head what ingredients have

been used. And when it comes to your turn to write any music, be

sure to use as many varied ingredients as possible! In the

meantime, remember you could listen to almost any piece of music

in the world anytime on

L O W E R S C H O O L C O R N E R

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What I am currently

TEACHER FEATURE Over the next few issues, Music Matters will be running a series of articles, which

will feature the different range of peripatetic and specialist subject teachers

who teach at St. John’s Prep School. In this first article, we learn more about

Miss Janine Magnin who teaches singing and keyboard to our students.

I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa and studied singing and English at the University of Cape Town where I attended the South African College of Music and was awarded a Bachelor Degree in Music. I then went on to receive a Trinity/Guildhall Licentiate in Musical Theatre and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. After working a few years in the Cape Town schools as a singing teacher, I craved a bit of an adventure and moved to London where I soon found myself working at St. John's. As well as working at St. John's, I teach one day a week at an inner-city school and at the Newbury Stagecoach on Saturdays.

What I do at St. John’s.

I am St John's Preparatory and Senior Schools' singing specialist teacher. My youngest pupils are in P2 and my oldest pupil is currently working on her Grade 5 Singing exam as well as her GCSEs. My older students sit a range of different exams: such as LAMDA Musical Theatre, Rockschool Pop and Rock, Trinity and ABRSM classical singing graded exams. Lessons are always geared towards the pupils and their interests. Whether they enjoy Musical Theatre, Rock or Classical, there is a syllabus for them to work on if they so desire. As well as doing singing lessons, I also have a few piano students. This is my third year at St John's and am very happy to see how the department has grown and strengthened in that time. I look forward to seeing it continuing and developing even further.

One of my favourite songs at the moment is Barton Hollow by the Civil Wars. The reason for this is because I enjoy the rhythms of the guitar, the simple strains of the violin and the perfect harmonies produced by two very interesting, lilting and natural voices. The tone of the singers' voices work very well together and the accompaniment of the song is simple yet evocative and emotional.

What her students have to say...

Andrianna Josif (F2)

Miss Magnin helps me to be more confident by teaching me the proper way to sing out loud and not be nervous. I also get to experience and learn new songs which I have never heard before. During our lessons we get to learn Disney songs, which are my favourite!

Holly White (F2)

I enjoy the acting bit of my lessons with Miss Magnin when we prepare for my LAMDA exam because it helps me work towards my goal of being an actress! I get to learn about the different styles and genres of music during our lessons as well.

listening to.

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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!

KATHERINE JENKINS Katherine Jenkins is a

Welsh singer who is

perhaps best well-

known in the genre of

classical crossover.

Classical crossover is a

category of music

w h i c h c o m b i n e s

classical music with

pop, with the intention

of reaching out to

listeners of popular music. This has given rise to

the term “popera”, which is a combination of

the two words “opera” and “pop”.

Katherine has previously studied at the world-

famous Royal Academy of Music, which is a

specialist music university in London. Aside from

being a very accomplished singer, Katherine

has also worked as a

tour guide on the

London Eye, a model

and a singing teacher.

She is widely seen

singing in concert and

on television, having

performed for British

troops in Afghanistan

and Iraq. In 2012 she

also competed on the

US reality television

programme Dancing With The Stars.

To date, Katherine has released seven albums,

six of which reached number one in the UK

classical charts. She is currently serving a six-

album deal with Universal Classics and Jazz

worth £1 million, the most lucrative in UK’s

classical recording history.

CLASSICAL VOICE CATEGORIES In classical singing, the voice is divided into different types depending on how

high or low a singer can reach. Here is a brief list of all the categories, divided

into male and female voices. Note: Katherine Jenkins is a mezzo-soprano.

FEMALE VOICES

- Soprano*

- Mezzo-soprano

- Alto

- Contralto

Highest

Lowest

*A young boy chorister who has not bro-

ken his voice is called a boy soprano.

MALE VOICES

- Countertenor

- Tenor

- Baritone*

- Bass

Highest

Lowest

*The baritone is the most common type of

male voice.

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Emily Woodham, F3

YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE MONTH

Q: Hi Emily, it is great to have you here speaking to Music Matters.

Can you start by telling us what instruments you play?

A: I play the guitar, and I sing.

Q: Do you consider singing to be an instrument?

A: Yes indeed! That is because you can make different sounds

and pitches with your voice. I have been learning singing since I was 7.

Q: .Who were your teachers?

A: Ms. Magnin is my teacher. When I was younger, my mum also taught me singing.

Q: That is interesting. So your family members also sing?

A: Yes - my mum and my grandma used to sing in bands! My grandma was part of the Beverley Sisters (see

below) and my mum was in a band called ‘The Foxes’. The Beverley Sisters sing a calm sort of music, while ‘The

Foxes’ are a rock band.

Q: How wonderful to have so many singers in the family! Should you set up your own band in future, what

would you call it?

A: This is tricky! If I had to pick, I might call it “Emily & Co.” or “The Foxy Ladies”!

Q: Has your mum or your grandma influenced you as a singer?

A: Yes, both of them have always given me help and guidance, and shown me why it is so wonderful to sing.

It has also given me the confidence to sing in front of audiences, such as the carol concert last term.

Q: Speaking of performing - do you usually sing for your family during Christmas time?

A: Actually, I do! My cousin and I usually sing three songs for the family after Christmas lunch. This year we

sang “I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus”, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and “Silent Night”. It is great fun!

The Beverley Sisters are a British female vocal trio, who were especially

popular during the 1950s and 1960s. They were the first UK female group to

have a song listed in the US Top 10 charts.

They also entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2002 as the world’s

longest surviving vocal group without a change in the line up.

If you would like to train to be a young singer like Emily, 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 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!

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Festivals, exhibitions AND

CONCERTS A highlight of some of the events taking part across the vibrant capital in January and

February. Fun for the whole family!

LSO Discovery Family Concert: The Mighty Sea 24th Feb., 2:30 p.m. Barbican Hall, Silk St., London, EC2Y 8DT

It is all aboard for an adventure on the high seas with the London Sym-

phonic Orchestra as you explore music inspired by the salt, seaweed,

storms and foghorns of the sea! You will be launching your own musical

boat, joining in with a sailor’s song and, in some of the murkiest waters,

avoid a shark or two. Get involved further with a pre-concert workshop

starting at 10:00 a.m. or free foyer activities from 1:00 p.m. onward. This is

part of LSO’s termly Family Concert series.

Imagine Children’s Festival Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd., London, SE1 8XX 11th - 24th Feb.

The Imagine Children’s Festival would like to invite you and your parents alike to

enjoy literature, music, poetry, plays, comedy and much, much more. The festi-

val this year promises to feature over 60 ticketed and free events, and will bring

together a collection of acclaimed authors and artists. You can enjoy every-

thing from a special performance of Barbar the Elephant to a puppet show of

Peter Rabbit, plus storytelling and opera for children! Ticket prices for each

event vary, and some events are free. For further information and to purchase

tickets call 0844 875 0073.

Too Many Penguins? Until 15th Feb. Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, London, SW19 1SB

A stage full of penguins and one grumpy polar bear set up this Arctic

children’s adventure for the under-4s. This simple, gentle tale of a po-

lar bear with a slightly awkward penguin problem will leave adults

and children with smiles on their faces and a worm feeling in their

heart. Little ones will be hypnotised from the beginning till the end by

this magical story of the unlikely friendship between orderly polar

bear Mr. Polaro and the hyperactive arctic fowl Penguina. Shows run

every day except Monday and tickets cost between £8 - £10.

Harry Potter London Tour with Muggle Tours From London Bridge to Leicester Square Until 30th Apr.

Join Muggle Tours on this award-winning walking tour of film locations

and stories from the world of Harry Potter and see what is usually invisi-

ble to muggles. Discover what parts of London inspired the locations

found in the Harry Potter books and get access to props. Tours last for

approximately two hours and cost £12 for adults and £10 for children

aged 11 and under. Unfortunately, they cannot perform shrinking spells

so muggles will not be taken to Hogwarts or Platform 9 3/4.

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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.

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Until 27th Jan. Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St., London, N1 2DN

Biff is not like ordinary dogs. He likes moonlight. And music. And walking

on his tiptoes. You see, Biff does not think he is a dog, Biff thinks he is a

ballerina! This show for younger children is based on the book by Anna

Kemp and Sara Ogilvie about the small dog with a big personality who

just wants to be a ballerina. This show is suitable for children aged 2-6.

Tickets are £10/£8 conc. & children and the show runs for 40 minutes.

Rubbish Artsdepot, 5 Nether St., Tally Ho Corner, London, N12 0GA 15th - 17th Feb.

Imagine a world that celebrates its rubbish; where at the touch of a pup-

peteer’s hand, the contents of a bin bag can transform before your eyes.

Rubbish is the latest show from "the outstanding children's company Theatre

-Rites" (The Guardian). It is a visually stunning and playful production that

explores the unexpected value of discarded objects. There is also an ac-

companying craft workshop, which looks at using recycled materials to cre-

ate new art. Tickets are available online at the Artsdepot website.

BAILEY The piping bear

COLOURING COMPETITION

Congratulations to Ella Robinson

from Lower Transitus for winning

October’s competition. Music

Matters will be in touch shortly

with your prize! Well done.

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Featured Instrument

of the Month Every month we will feature an instrument, which might be a well known 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.

KEYTAR

I am sure most of you will be familiar with this

instrument: the keytar. It is a relatively light

keyboard that is supported by a strap around

the neck and shoulders, and played in a

position similar to the guitar. As you might

have already guessed, the term “keytar” is a

combination of the words “keyboard” and

“guitar”.

The first keytars were

first developed in the

late 1970s, based

on an idea by the

jazz guitarist and

university professor Steve Masakowski

from the United

States. Similar to

today’s keyboards,

these keytars were

able to produce a

variety of different

instrument sounds, such as the pipe organ,

violin, clarinet, flute and so on.

A keytar is strung over the neck and

shoulders, with the right (or dominant) hand

playing the keys, and the other hand

controlling volume, sustain and other

functions on the instrument’s “neck”. This

instrument also obviously allows the musician

to have greater mobility when

performing onstage, as compared to

sitting at a piano or a conventional

keyboard.

Ever since this

instrument was

first introduced,

it has remained

rather popular with

pop & rock musicians.

Whilst they might not

always use a keytar on-

stage for every single song,

most of them choose to use

it at certain points during a con-

cert to add a more dramatic flair

to their performance, as well as energise

the crowd up during the quicker songs.

Good examples include Alicia Keys,

Coldplay, Myleene Klass, Owl City and

Maroon 5. Famous artists and musicians

also usually get keytars custom made for

themselves, with special and unique

sounds programmed into them so they

can perform their songs. Others choose

to have the keytars made in various

outrageous shapes and designs, as you

can see from Lady Gaga’s very unusual-

looking keytar in the picture right below!

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St. John’s Prep School’s choir

has successfully made it

through to the finals of the an-

nual Barnardo’s National Choir

Competition. St John’s submit-

ted our recording entries for

the competition last term and

will now be competing at the

Barbican Hall in London on

March 4th. This will culminate

In an evening concert which is

open to the public. One of the

two songs that the choir has

decided on for the competi-

tion is Mr. Blue Sky by rock

band ELO. Further details re-

garding the concert on March

4th and more information on

ticket sales will be made avail-

able in the near future.

On 12 Dec 2012, the St John’s Prep School choir, led my Mr. Ang, did an annual Christmas performance for

the elderly residents at Spring View Residential Home in Enfield.

SPRING VIEW RESIDENTIAL HOME

The fact that the choir was just involved in the

school-wide carol concert only the evening before

did not serve as an obstacle to the quality of their

performance and the enthusiasm displayed towards

their singing! With all the carols fresh in their head,

the choir performed a mix of traditional carols and

numbers from the nativity cantata, which they per-

formed the day before at the concert. The after-

noon’s repertoire was a variety of jazzy numbers and

soulful ballads, and featured solos from a few of the

children including Emily Woodham (F3), Shanaaze

Mang-Smith (F3), Andreas Koureas (F2) and more.

When they started off, the choir sang to about

twenty of the residents. However, as it went on,

more and more residents were drawn to their sing-

ing echoing through the hallways and by the end of

the presentation, the hall was fully packed! After their

performance, the choir then spent a short while min-

gling with the residents and enjoying the assortment

of Christmas confectionery treats kindly provided by

the staff. The choir found the trip really meaningful

and enjoyed the opportunity to spread some Christ-

mas warmth and cheer to the wider community

who look forward to their next visit in 2013.

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

Published by St. John’s Prep. School © 2013 Jonathan Ang

g x f g q g p e g D c p q g w

A i s h n w q l l R a h d g f

n m C o p V o e l U d s o q j

g e g E b I c l a m f g w i h

n l k s L O w e f K e y t a r

A t a l w L e k y I i x s D y

m t v b j I o u k t t y f I D

S i e c t n e d s h e e r a n

t l b t r e b l e c l e f m A

y x b r u n o m a r s o p O C

L m z n m h t n i r b a l n b

e k n i p k a n n a h i r D f

a d e l e g g s h a k e r s x

a d s f t h r e c o r d e r k

g j n o i t c e r i d e n o m

JUMBO WORD SEARCH

Ready for a bit of serious word search? Why not try your hand at this

advanced puzzle! Find all the words listed below, separated into different

categories, as quickly as you possibly can.

Instruments Singers Song titles Music terms

Cello Little Mix Skyfall Treble clef

Drum kit Ed Sheeran Diamonds Choir

Violin Bruno Mars Candy

Keytar One Direction Gangnam Style

Trumpet Adele

Egg shakers Pink

Cowbell Labrinth

Recorder

Oboe

Gong

Ukelele

DUEL MODE

Here is how it works: pick a friend, issue a challenge to complete the entire word search

as quickly as you can, find a stopwatch, and hit GO!

Your name:

Official time

Challenger’s name:

Official time