MESSENGER

SPRING 2010

MESSENGER

JANUARY 2010

MUSIC

MCLEOD MUSIC COMPETITION

At the end of the Summer Term 2009 the School hosted the

annual McLeod Cup (musicians up to and including the Shell) and Forbes Bowl (Fifth and Sixth Forms). The adjudicator was

Andrew Jenkins, Director of Music at Kilgraston. Competition for the McLeod Cup was especially hard fought, with the winner

being Fingal for his performances on the recorder and the piano. Second and third places were awarded to Joe and Iain for their performances on piano and tenor saxophone. The Forbes Bowl was won by Marco for his performance of the first movement of Vivaldi’s ‘Spring’ Concerto. The others to be placed were Craig (piano), Rong Bing (piano) and Angus (saxophone). The Cups were presented by Mrs Forbes, widow of former Headmaster Donald Forbes, who gave the Senior trophy to the School.

CHORAL AND INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT

The annual Choral and Instrumental Concert involves around 150 boys from the whole range of musical genres and groups in the School. A notable highlight this year was provided

by Elbow’s ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’, arranged by Mr Dennis, Head of Music, that included the Chapel Choir, Pipe Band, Orchestra, and the Upper Sixth Band, ‘Bwani Junction’.

PRINGLE LUNCHTIME CONCERTS

The Junior School regularly hosts musical performances at lunchtime for parents, staff and other boys to enjoy.

9

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE NEW HEAD OF MUSIC, MR DENNIS

I began teaching piano when I was still at school in England. Ever since then I have been involved in teaching. I have taught at schools such as St Mary’s Music School and Newbattle High School. My favourite musician is Frederic Chopin. As a pianist myself I enjoy listening to and playing his pieces; they are incredible works and fit the hands.

Merchiston Music is different from other schools because we can offer anything to any boy. We are not tied to certain instruments or styles and with the quality of teaching in instrumental and academic lessons, we allow boys to devote as much time as they are able to progressing as musicians. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20