Malton School: Getting a buzz from being in the jazz club

The idea to make new friends and to get involved with the school was always something I wanted to do, but since being in Year 12, at the time, there has been a lot of work to do, and to me the jazz club seemed to be something I would have to put aside while I concentrated on my studies.

However, now coming back afresh after a relaxing summer and the enthusiasm of our music teacher, it appears that joining the ‘new’ jazz club seems to be a better idea. I feel much more able to go with the enthusiasm coming from the students, not only in the lower ages of the school, but also in the sixth form.

What is the jazz club and where does it run? The jazz club, run by Mr Taylor, is a small collaboration of students from Year 7 up to Year 13 – what appears to be a vast array of ages and talent.

It is scary for the younger years at first, but once you are surrounded by the talent, one seems almost encouraged to join in and take part, and you feel part of a group.

It runs on a Wednesday lunchtime in the music room of Malton school, a small room. This is a good thing due to the attendance of so many students and with the small room comes the acoustic and being able to hear the sounds each one of you is making. What an amazing experience.

The instruments which are used by the students vary from trumpet and cornet to saxophone and drums, and even some vocals on a good day. This obviously means there is something for everyone; anyone who can play an instrument which can sound even the slightest bit jazzy can join. Why not?

What are the benefits? Well, like I said, the younger ones are surrounded by older students who have had previous experiences in other bands whether it is in an orchestra, a brass band or on your own.

Some of them have the knowledge of A-levels providing the help to the younger ones who need to know about dynamics and rhythms of the pieces being played. This provides not only encouragement for them but also something to look up to; this being vital while performing.

Being a performer myself, being surrounded by older ones has always spurred me on to carry on and play.

It is scary being sat next to a tall, talented student/adult who seems to be this amazing player who has been playing for 10 years compared to his/herself, but the effects in the long run mean so, so much more.

But all of the older ones understand how they are feeling, as they were in this position once. They help the younger ones gain confidence to play on their own in front of a crowd and a solo or improvise in front of the group.

Not only this but you also get this buzz of making new friends your own age and having older friends, almost like a family as you perform with and watch each other grow not only as a person but as a performer.

Being in a vast array of bands myself watching the younger ones, who you were once helping advance into the group and flourishing into great performers is a very good feeling. It makes you feel as though you have witnessed something.

By Amie Grice

New life to be breathed into former school gym

By Barney Plews and Finn Dalton

AT MALTON School, the old east wing gym is being converted into a drama studio and theatre. This will also be used as the new meeting place for the Malton Scouts.

A wall will be put up halfway through the gym, seating will be placed and the stage will be newly- renovated. The other side of the wall will be used for scouts.

We interviewed Mr Williams on the subject and he told us that drama is one of the gaps in our curriculum.

He said that creating a drama studio was something he had wanted to achieve since he came to the school.

“We had to build the sports centre first, so PE didn’t rely on east wing gym, and then raise funds,” said Mr Williams.

The gym will be ready for Easter. However, it will not be used for drama lessons until September.

Mr Williams has big hopes for the renovation of the gym. This doesn’t just mean new drama facilities for the school. He hopes that in coming years the bigger space – the one that will be the main drama section – could be used for zumba and yoga like activities.

The seating will be retractable so it can also be used for rehearsals and physical activities. Mr Williams hopes that this part can be rented out for big gatherings such as council meetings.

The smaller part will be sound-proofed and will be used as sixth form study room during school hours.

The storage room at the back of the gym will be turned into an extension for the scouts, so this means they will have the extra space as well as the bit behind the wall.

One Malton parent said: “I think the new drama studio will make a big impact on the school. Drama is a vital part of the curriculum and Malton School has been lacking in good quality drama for a long time.”

Students give their vote on presidential election

HANNAH TETLOW asks students for their thoughts on the recent US Presidential election

THE United States Presidential Election was held earlier this month.

Incumbent, Democrat President Barack Obama ran for a second and final term during this election, with his major challenger being Republican Mitt Romney.

As this topic is current and relevant, I decided to investigate exactly what students thought about the election.

For my inquisition, I asked a random sample of 36 pupils ranging from Year 8 to Year 12.

Twenty-eight of those asked said they thought that Barack Obama deserved to win the election again, while the remaining eight believed that somebody else should be given the chance.

I interviewed Freya Cole-Norton, a Year 10 student, who strongly thought that Romney was worthy of winning the election.

She said: “I don’t think it is fair that Obama should win the election again.

“He’s fulfilled his time as President. He should accept that now and step down to let somebody else have the chance.”

However, she was only one of eight who took this view, the rest felt that Obama was entitled to another chance.

One of these was Joe Tetlow, a Year 8 student.

He said: “Since he won the election in 2008, Obama has achieved many great things for America. From what I’ve heard, he seems to be a kind, genuine man who has worked incredibly hard to reach the top, and be where he is now.

“He is never associated with bad things in the press, on television, etc. I strongly believe that he deserves the right to continue in his role as President.”

Year 12 student Evie Fothergill, also expressed the same views, saying: “Obama is such an inspirational person to everyone. The first black President of the USA is such as amazing thing to achieve, especially in America which has a history of racial inequality.

“He has only been President for four years, but in that time he has done a fantastic job, and I think he should definitely continue pursuing his dream.”

An interview with...

Mr Julian Taylor, new head of music at Malton School

By Tom Wing

You’re trying to reinvent Malton School’s musical clubs. How are you planning to achieve this?

By making the music clubs fun and exciting and by getting the clubs to play music people enjoy. The clubs should hopefully be more interesting, meaning larger numbers of people turn up.

So, what kinds of clubs are on offer?

There’s the jazz club – we play the classic jazz songs. There is also glee club – a singing club for all ages and abilities, including teachers, so anyone can come along and join in. Lastly, there is the soul band, playing classics such as Mustang Sally and Walking on Sunshine. There’s also a music theory workshop, GCSE coursework drop-ins, orchestra, and we’re planning a guitar ensemble.

What ideas do you have for music at Malton School?

 I’m currently working on upgrading the IT and music technology provision. I’d like to improve the use of Cubase, Reason and Sibelius software for all of our students. As well as this I want to get the bands playing more often and develop our community profile.

What’s your favourite TV programme?

Question time. I like listening to politicians arguing with each other.

Lastly, why do you like teaching music?

The satisfaction of seeing a student suddenly get a point. If they’ve been struggling with a piece of music, say, and then it clicks and they can play it. That never fails to put a smile on my face.