scissorum issue 190 march 9 2018 - mtsn.org.uk · ‘caprice for clarinets’. september 29 2017...

ScissorumIssue 190

Merchant Taylors’ School

Music at Merchant Taylors’ Hall

September 29 2017

Weekly Newsletter 9 March 2018

02

From the Head Master

On Monday our musicians took centre stage, performing with distinction at Merchant Taylors’ Hall, along with boys from St John’s and Merchant Taylors’ Prep. It is always a slightly invidious task trying to select highlights from so many exceptional performances but Yasar Cohen-Shah, Matthew Cooper and Nicolas Alvanis, playing the Molto Vivace from William Alwyn’s String Trio,were truly memorable.

Phab has played a signifi cant role in the charitable life of the school for decades now and I was delighted to hear of those boys (and staff) who ran a half-marathon to raise funds last weekend. It is an inspirational cause which allows guests (and their carers) during Phab Week to experience something unique - I am sure all involved will be looking forward to the Easter holidays and the chance to renew friendships made last year.

Last night Sixth Formers Otto Weisselberg, Charlie Woolley and Alex Muller performed an extract of a play by Jean-Paul Sartre at the Théâtre Francophone competition at King Alfred School. They didn’t quite manage to defend their title from 2017 but I am told they still represented MTS with fl air and skill in a most challenging piece.

This WeekMerchant Taylors’

Sixth Formers and Mr Mills before running a half marathon for Phab

September 29 2017


03


Merchant Taylors’ Hall Concert

The scene was set for a very special evening of music on Monday when over a hundred young performers from MTS, MT Prep and St John’s Prep School travelled to the magnificent Merchant Taylors’ Hall in the City of London.

MTS’ finest string players opened the concert with two movements from Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony. Deft playing of the contrapuntal passages in the Boisterous Bourée was followed by the Sentimental Saraband, a piece whose beautiful melodies really did make the listener feel as the composer intended. Penderecki’s ‘Three Pieces in Old Style’ followed,

showcasing some excellent ensemble playing.

St John’s School’s Chamberlain Ensemble then gave us 3 contrasting pieces including ‘Phil the Fluter’ with its upbeat lilt. There were some charming solos in a lovely arrangement of Faith Hills’s song ‘There You’ll Be’ from Pearl Harbour.

Duncan Saunderson’s Vocal Group demonstrated accomplished tuning and a good sense of ensemble in one of Ralph Vaughan Williams’s best-known folk arrangements, ‘Linden Lea’. The group then provided a sensitive accompaniment for soloist Oliver

Maxwell who sang beautifully in Bob Chilcott’s arrangement of ‘Yesterday’.

Merchant Taylors’ Prep School’s String Quartet impressed the audience in Edward McDowell’s ‘To a Wild Rose’. It was good to see such young musicians working in a chamber ensemble, one of the most demanding types of ensemble for young players.

The intricate lines of J S Bach’s Little Fugue were carefully brought out by the Clarinet Quartet who then delighted the audience with their lovely rendition of Clare Grundman’s ‘Caprice for Clarinets’.

September 29 2017


04


The Bass Boys of St John’s School gave a rousing performance of the traditional 16th century tune ‘Watkins’s Ale’ followed by ‘That’s What Friends Are For’.

The majestic sound of Taylors’ Brass was perfectly suited to the marvellous acoustics of the Hall. The audience was treated to a performance of Tielman Susato’s suite of dances, ably demonstrating the strength of talent in this area of MTS musical life.

Having benefited from a successful coaching session at the South East Schools Chamber Music Festival last Sunday, the String Trio gave an exciting rendition of the Molto Vivace from Alwyn’s String Trio, showcasing a wide variety of colours and dynamics.

Merchant Taylors’ Prep School Senior Choir then sang ‘I am the Wind’ in an enjoyable performance distinguished by excellent diction. St John’s School’s String Trio performed a march by Elgar and a touching arrangement of Lennon and McCartney’s ‘Yesterday’, both notable for some lovely ensemble playing from the young performers.

The concert finished with Merchant Taylors’ Chamber Choir singing two renaissance motets and a contrasting contemporary piece by Will Todd, bringing the evening to a resounding conclusion.

September 29 2017


05


September 29 2017


06


September 29 2017


07


September 29 2017


08

NoticesMerchant Taylors’

Wednesday 14 March 20187.30pm in the Exam Hall

Tickets available on the school website

Music DepartmentPresents

September 29 2017


09


Sixth Formers perform Sartre at Théâtre FrancophoneSixth Formers Otto Weisselberg, Charlie Woolley and Alex Muller took part in the Théâtre Francophone at King Alfred School last night. Having won Best Play last year for their extract of Camus’ Les Justes, this year they presented an extract of Sartre’s Les Main Sales, a complex political drama set in the fi ctional country of Illyria in the 1940s. The boys gave a fi ne, nuanced performance in which their linguistic skills (and impressive preparation) shone through. On this occasion they didn’t manage to come away with any silverware but they can all hold their heads high nonetheless. They performed a challenging work with great distinction - bravo!

September 29 2017


10


Phab Half MarathonCongratulations and well done to those who took part in ‘the big half’ in London. We have raised a phenomenal amount for PHAB. There is still time to sponsor any member of this team of 14. Here is the link:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mtsrugbymarathon

September 29 2017


11


September 29 2017


12


Lower Sixth Higher Education ConventionMany thanks to all our visiting academics who visited MTS this week to provide our L6th students with an insight in to areas for study at university. We were also

joined by OMTs who gave their time to inspire and talk about the realities of applying for and studying their subject and about the opportunities ahead. The

Convention is an excellent way of widening ideas for study beyond school and we appreciate the time given by all of our speakers in supporting this event.

Seminars GuestSpeaker

Biological Sciences Dr Chris Keating, University of Hertfordshire

Business Studies and Management Martin Rich, Cass Business School, City, University of London

Chemistry Dr Richard Stephenson, University of East Anglia

Choosing a University Lucy Nottingham, University of East Anglia

Computer Science Dr Jon Bird , City, University of London

Economics Christian Soegaard, University of Warwick

Engineering Alastair Campbell-Ritchie, University of Nottingham

English Dr Setara Pracha, University of Buckingham

Geography Professor Simon Blockley, Royal Holloway, University of London

History Barny Nemko , STHN

Law John Hayes, Brasenose College, Oxford

Mathematics Peter Davison-Reiber, MTS

Medicine Professor Sue Smith, Imperial College London

Modern Foreign Languages Polly McMichael, University of Nottingham

Oxbridge Applications Led by Philip Harrison, MTS staff and Alice Savell

Personal Statement Writing Katherine Pagett, University of Birmingham

Philosophy Dr James Stazicker, University of Reading

Physics Professor Akram Khan’Particle Physics and E-Science, Brunel University

Politics Jamie Roberts, Political Studies Association

Preparing an Application for Medicine Maria Ahmad, Queen Mary, University of London

Psychology Taslim Thirani, Kingston University

Student Finance Lucy Nottingham, University of East Anglia

Study in the USA Nina Turton MTS & University of Virginia

September 29 2017


13


September 29 2017


14


September 29 2017


15


September 29 2017


16


SGS Geopolitical DebateRohanKapoor(L6th)writes:

On Thursday 8th of March the Senior Geography Society held the school’s first geopolitical debate in the exam hall with the following question: ‘After the 2048 treaty renegotiation which country has the greatest claim to Antarctica

and its resources’. The debate was chaired by me and the participants from MTS included Brij Kantaria, Ben Carter and Jake Lewis, who represented Argentina. Isaac Betteridge, Lakshman Samarakoon and Olly Powell-Tuck represented the USA and Max Kendix, James

Combe and James Haywood formed the Russian delegation. The debate was well contested on all sides and each team debated articulately ensuring there was never a dull moment.

The most notable moments included a passionate argument

September 29 2017


17


from Jake on the UK’s distance from the continent and how Max, Isaac and James Combe constantly rebuffed points from the other delegates, most notably Max goading the Norwegian delegates over an ‘ex-Russian spy in Oslo.’ I would like to thank St Albans, Harrow and Berkhamsted for sending students to take part and

I hope that if and when we repeat this event that they return. The Norwegian delegates from Harrow deserve and honourable mention likewise the St Albans team representing the UK who stood out in terms of defending and putting their points across. However, the title of most laudable debater went to Isaac Betteridge as he

eloquently argued his points with the occasional quip. All in all, the debate was a major success and whilst it is very difficult to nominate a winner the Argentinian delegates took the plaudits, as not only did they deliver their arguments with vigour, but the depth and strength of their points were most commendable.

September 29 2017


18


September 29 2017


19


Latin and Greek Reading CompetitionMerchant Taylors’ participated for the first time this year in the Classical Association’s Greek and Latin Reading Competition. Reading Greek and Latin poetry is a challenging task which requires you to balance the rhythm of the metre – in itself often difficult to analyse – with the natural stresses of words. Four 5th-form students took this challenge on and had considerable success, particularly given that for all of them this was their first experience of reading Greek and Latin poetry aloud. Dowan Bellerose received a bronze medal for an emotive speech from Virgil’s epic the Aeneid, Harrison Robb received a silver medal for his performance from Ovid’s Amores, and Ishy Levy and Vincent Mastin also received silver medals for their performance of a dialogue from Sophocles’ tragedy Antigone. Many congratulations to the boys for their success in the competition!

September 29 2017


20


On Wednesday English Language A-level students attended the annual English Language Conference at The Friends House, Euston. As the snow swirled outside, we were treated to a range of fascinating talks by leading linguists. Talks included a discussion of contemporary tribal talk, a metalinguistic analysis of how metaphor hides and highlights ideas and an entertaining exposé on how American English has actually ‘saved’ the English language. Speakers included Susie Dent, the lexicographer from Countdown, and David Crystal, an icon of contemporary linguistics who walked on the stage to rapturous applause.

Sixth-Form Language Conference

September 29 2017


21


September 29 2017


22


September 29 2017


23

With the continued threat of climate change bringing snow in March and the need for research into sustainable resources, some 5th form mathematicians aptly took the opportunity to use the uncharacteristic wintery conditions to their advantage and used the snow as their medium to consolidate their understanding of differentiation.

Without pens and paper, students demonstrated their abilities to find the coordinates of maximum and minimum points, writing full working amidst the flurry of a snow storm.

Could this be a turning point in the battle against climate change?

Mathematics in the Snow


September 29 2017


24

Praise goes to form 3RGH this week who seemed to enjoy taking part in the MFL Department annual poetry competition. Han Se won, but it was very difficult to decide on a winner with such strong performances.

Poetry Competition


September 29 2017


25

Anyone expecting the arrival of spring was disappointed this week as snow swept across the UK, all thanks to the so-called Beast from the East. As you may have guessed, this beast is coming to us from the east, bringing ice, snow and frost as it passes westwards through the continent. This weather event has been brought about by a polar vortex. This is an area of low pressure in the upper parts of Earth’s atmosphere that normally resides at the poles. It frequently has centres in Canada and over northeast Siberia.

From 26th February, people braced themselves for low temperatures and heavy snowfall. There was a red weather warning – the most

extreme – issued in Scotland. It was the first red snow alert to be given in Scotland and only the second ever in the UK. Over 2,000 schools closed in just England, though un/fortunately ours wasn’t one! Supermarkets saw an increase in sales and a spokesperson for the Co-Op said it was usual to see sales rise as “people stock up, ready to stay indoors.” At least 14 Britons have died since the ‘Beast From The East’ swept across the country, including one good samaritan who died after getting out of his car to help a fellow motorist stuck in deep snow. Normally, spring would be expected to come around now, and it has in parts of the UK. Incredibly, spring has actually sprung in Cornwall. In 6 major gardens,

gardeners have reported blooms of their Magnolia trees, which is a sign that the seasons are changing.

The Beast from the East Causes ChaosRaj Shah writes:


‘BBC News School Report’ is a national project which encourages students to produce their own real news reports. Reports are made on national, regional, local and in-school news; students choose the topic. BBC School Report at MTS runs as a 4th Form activity. In this club, students decide on what to report on, then research the topic, interview people around school, photograph, record and write-up.

September 29 2017


26

ActivitiesMerchant Taylors’

House ChessHouseChess:Heat2

The house chess competition continued this week with the second heat. After some brilliant matches it was Manor and Clive who prevailed. The scores were:

Clive4-1Walter

Manor3-1Andrewes

Following these results the semi-final draw is as follows:

ClivevSpencer

ManorvHilles

The semi-finals take place next

week on Thursday 15th March at

1:40 in Ma32.

September 29 2017


27

Parent 2 ParentMerchant Taylors’

Our 13+ Offer Holders & Upper Third Choices Evening

has been postponed until

Monday 19th March

An arrival time of 5.30pm is requested for a 6.00pm start in the Great Hall

September 29 2017


28

SportMerchant Taylors’

vDrChalloner’s

U15AWon6-0Scorers-Shahx2,Redman,Horridge,Brownx2,RugbyMoMBrown

The U15As played their second game in two days against Dr Challoner’s. Both sides struggled to break the deadlock with a disallowed goal for Merchant Taylors’. At half-time the game was 0-0 and MTS knew that after the break they would have to come out and play at a higher intensity.

MTS did exactly that and came out at a fierce pace scoring within the first 5 minutes. More of the same followed with Taylors’ scoring another five goals before the end of the game. It was a pleasing performance against a strong, well-drilled side. Archie Brown was exceptional, controlling the attacking midfield and showing off his individual skills.

The U15s have made some fantastic progress this season and face their toughest challenge this coming Saturday against Magdalen Collage School, who will be very strong. The team performances have been excellent and I want to see them really click against tough opposition.

vHarrow

U14AWon2-0Scorer-MatthewCrowx2MoMMatthewCrow

After early opportunities and a top class save from a well struck shot heading towards the bottom left corner by Matthew Crow the sides went back and forth. MTS had sustained pressure but

counter attacks from the Harrow side kept the MTS team on their toes. A great passage of play lead to an initial goal by Matthew who finished a well worked chance created by Amaan Patel.

The second half saw the two teams battling it out, but another sweet strike by Matthew from a very tight angle killed the contest and the MTS side were able to control the game.

Hockey

September 29 2017


29


Rugby vOrleyFarm

U13A

Win45-20Scorers-TheoRussellx3,OscarJohnx2,MaxDuce,QinuoWang,TimAdeoye-Showole,FinnCombeMoMQinuoWang

Last season, Orley Farm inflicted a heavy defeat on the junior 1st team and the mood was subdued pre-match with much discussion of relative strengths and a keen eye cast on the home side as they emerged from their dressing room, unbeaten in the season so far.

This squad are encouraged to self-manage and the warm-up, led by MD, may have been unconventional but was clearly effective as the visitors raced into a 3 try lead with an opening score from Theo soon followed by a brace from Oscar. Orley Farm tackled well though, and their counter-ruck was hugely effective and with MTS guilty of taking some backward steps, Orley clawed their way back with three good scores of their own, levelling the game by half-time.

A mature self-appraisal at half-time identified the key issues and a second ‘fast-start’ after the break saw the lead swiftly restored with tries from Max, Theo and from MoM Qinuo

whose work rate and contribution was simply exceptional - alternating non-stop between incisive attack and punishing defence. Orley Farm cut the lead once more before Theo completed his hat-trick; Tim put the result out of doubt and Finn dotted down as the beneficiary of the best passage of play in the match.

A five try margin did not flatter MTS who defended heroically and attacked creatively though it was only in the final quarter that the margin grew and the result was put beyond doubt.

Thoughts now turn to Sevens, but with excellent players already moving to support the B team, further cutting this excellent squad for the smaller format will be tough... If you are to hold your place you will need to train well gents!

U13C

Won70-5Scorers-DanielOgunrox4,ArthurPopivkerx3,FarisAhmedx3,AaryanSawantx2,HarryWilliamson,MatthewAultMoMDanielOgunro

The Junior Rugby C team produced a stunning performance to defeat a spirited Orley Farm side in Harrow. Merchant Taylors’ played an abrasive, hard-running style of rugby, supplemented by deft handling, tremendous work at the ruck and some tenacious defence.

Daniel Ogunro and Arthur Popivker stormed through the opposition to score a slew of great tries, the jet-heeled Aaryan Sawant collected a brace, whilst the stellar Faris Ahmed was a constant thorn in Orley Farm’s flesh. In addition, Matthew Ault dazzled with some lovely angles of running, Austen Bettridge and Hal Hills bustled with unbridled energy, and Christopher DeSouza made the cover tackle of the season. Well done to all who played on a most enjoyable afternoon.

U12B

Won55-0Scorers-DavidAdeeinwox2,ReubenBaxterx2,ThomasTrinder,AriMoneke,NoahSoftleigh-Moore,MonjolaAkinola,FoluOnamusix3MoMEdBennett

On Thursday the U12B had a rugby match against Orley Farm. After the snow fall of last week the team were excited to get going. The score was 65-0 with a number of try scorers. Folu Onamusi scored his first try of the year and went onto score a hatrick. The team voted and decided to elect Ed Bennett as MoM and he deserved it! He showed everything that was good about the forwards play. Orley Farm put up a good fight, especially in the second half and we enjoyed their company after the game.

September 29 2017


30


Fives vStPaul’s

1stIVWon116-85MoMSarthakGarella

The 1st IV were very convincing in their victory against St Paul’s. In the singles, three of the four matches resulted in MTS wins, despite the slow starts that have become customary this year as the boys reacquaint themselves with the dimensions and bounce of a Rugby fives court. Sarthak Garella’s 11-9 victory was especially pleasing, seeing him overcome a 3-9 deficit. In the doubles, Sarthak and Ewan Townshend led the way, winning each of their matches with ease. Not to be outdone, Jamie Graham and Nikhil Kapadia also put in very strong

performances, splitting their games against the Pauline first pair. Overall this was a very pleasing result and one which hopefully augurs well for a successful Nationals on the same courts in four weeks’ time.

Colts(IV)U16

Loss58-121MoMTunveerMangat

In their fixture the U16s found themselves up against a strong St Paul’s side. St Paul’s were dominant throughout, especially in the singles where they conceded no more than three points in three of the games. In the fourth, however, Tunveer Mangat was excellent in his 11-2 victory. In the doubles the scores were slightly more balanced, though only one of the eight games resulted in MTS victory as St Paul’s ran out deserved victors.

September 29 2017


31

scissorum issue 190 march 9 2018 - mtsn.org.uk · ‘caprice for clarinets’. september 29 2017...

Documents