The November 2012 edition of St Johns Prep and Senior school's Music newsletter 'Music Matters'.

1. musicmattersIssue #03 Nov/Dec 2012Issue #03 Nov/Dec 2012Issue #03 Nov/Dec 2012
ST. JOHN’S PREP SCHOOL’S MUSIC MAGAZINE
FEATURED
ARTISTE
OF THE MONTH
Meet one of Hollywood’s
most successful composers
HISTORY OF
CAROLLING
How it started and why we
sing carols
FESTIVE HAPPENINGS
Discover what is happening in and
around London
this Yuletide season
SCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOL
TRIPSTRIPSTRIPS
We go to the Primary
Proms and
The Lion King musicalPLAY APLAY APLAY A
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS
TUNETUNETUNE
Take on Jingle Bells
this month
CHRISTMAS EDITION

2. 2
Editor’s
MESSAGE
Dear pupils,
Welcome to another new edition of Music Matters.
How time flies, the autumn term is 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
to miss out on all of them.
In this issue we also discover an instrument from the
Far East - the Chinese dulcimer, or yangqin. It
makes the most astonishing sound, apart from
looking rather impressive. We also find out more
about John Williams, one of Hollywood’s most
successful and famous film composers.
We have also had two music trips in the past
month: UTs and F1s were treated to music at the
Royal Albert Hall for the Primary Proms, whilst the F2s
and F3s had a fantastic day out at the Lyceum
Theatre in London for the Lion King workshop and
musical!
All in all, a very busy month indeed. To conclude, I
would like to wish all pupils a very Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year! May you have a wonderful
time celebrating with family and friends this festive
season.
MR. JONATHAN ANG
Editor
Music Matters
CONTENTS
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
Instrument of the Month
Play a Christmas Tune
Featured Article:
The History of Carolling
School Trip: The Lion King
What’s On: Christmas Edition
Lower School Corner
School Trip: Primary Proms
Young Musician of the Month
Artiste of the Month

3. 3
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 instru-
ment - 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” as 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
Note: C D E F G A B
Solfège: do re mi fa so la si
Notation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Row, row, row your boat
|1· 1· |1 23· |
Twinkle, twinkle little star
|1 1 5 5 |6 6 5 - |
Frere Jacques
|1 2 3 1 |1 2 3 1 |

4. 4
PLAY A
CHRISTMAS TUNE!
With Christmas quickly approaching, this is now the perfect time to pick up some festive tunes! In this
edition 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!

5. 5
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 popu-
lar 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:
The Secret of the Unicorn
Indiana Jones and the
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
War of the Worlds Harry Potter & The Prisoner
of Azkaban
Star Wars Episode II: Attack
of the Clones
Memoirs of a Geisha Jaws E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Jurassic Park Home Alone

6. 6
HISTORY OF CAROLLINGEver 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
carolling originated, but alas they are all unclear.
What we know for sure is that carolling is an oral
tradition, passed down from generation to genera-
tion.
Carols were first written in Europe in the 4th and
5th centuries, but they were not at first associated
with Christmas. According to historians, they were
sung to celebrate the Winter Solstice, which is the
shortest day of the year and usually around 22nd
December.
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 celebra-
tions. 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.
Another theory is that carollers travelled door-to-
door because they were not originally allowed to
perform in churches.
A common legend says that Christmas carols
were named after Carol Poles, a little English girl
who supposedly went missing in London during
the holiday season in the late 19th century. Peo-
ple supposedly searched for her by going door-to-
door, singing to declare their good intentions.
Although it may be a nice story, it unfortunately
has no factual basis.
Interesting facts about Christmas you never knew
900 years ago, the
first Christmas trees
were hung upside
down!
Father Christmas has two
addresses: Edinburgh and the
North Pole. Letters addressed
to ‘TOYLAND’ or ‘SNOWLAND’
go to Edinburgh, but letters
addressed to ‘THE NORTH
POLE’ have to be sent there
because there really is such a
place!
Since 1900, snow has only fallen in England three
times on Christmas day: 1938, 1976 and 2004!
The first Christmas card appeared
in 1843, designed by J. C. Horsley.
The world’s largest Christmas present is the Statue of
Liberty. The French gave it to the Americans in 1886. It is
46.5 metres high and weighs 225 tons!

7. 7
THE
LION
KINGIn 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
PRE-SHOW DEMONSTRATION
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
flashing colours going everywhere. Also, there
were people at the sides of the theatre who
played 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.
Holly White: Spectacular
Alex M.N.: “Lionriffic”
Theo Thomas: Unbelievable
Andreas Koureas: Fantastic
Andrianna Josif: Extraordinary
Harry Ourris: Fabulous
Alex Spelman: Amazing
Rachel Hill: Unreal
Pantelis Katsaros: Lifelike
Arda Yelden: “Roartastic”
Melissa Ourris: WOW
Lily Habron: Magnificent
Lily Habron, F2

8. 8
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 on 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 who 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 suit-
able for kids ages 3 and onwards.

9. 9
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 usually
has 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.

10. 10
LOWER SCHOOL CORNER
Decipher this secret musical code
and see what it says!
Secret message
ANS:
C E H I
M R S T
U V W Y
CODE BREAKER
COMPOSER HUNT
The names of six famous composers are hidden on the musi-
cal staff. Part of their first name is over part of their surname.
Can you figure them out?

11. 11
PRIMARY PROMSA 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!
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!
Here is what Stephanie Peretz from F1 had to say about it!

12. 12
Shanaaze Mang-Smith
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
your singing teacher?
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
venue to sing at is the O2 Arena in London!Fergie
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
Published by St. John’s Prep. School
© 2012 Jonathan Ang