NICOLA BENEDETTI
On Friday 18th September Chrissie Johnston was invited to perform alongside international violin superstar Nicola Benedetti at the Inverness leg of her current UK Tour.
The sell out audience at the Eden Court venue were treated to movements from a Vivaldi Concerto Grosso as part of the “Italy and the Four Seasons” event. Nicola Benedetti is partly using her tour as a vehicle to showcase some of the talented young musicians she has been working with and Chrissie joined colleagues from the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland for the performance. In addition to her sixth year studies at Earlston HS Chrissie is attending St Mary’s Music School’s Pathways to Music Specialism course in Edinburgh.
On Friday 18th September Chrissie Johnston was invited to perform alongside international violin superstar Nicola Benedetti at the Inverness leg of her current UK Tour.
The sell out audience at the Eden Court venue were treated to movements from a Vivaldi Concerto Grosso as part of the “Italy and the Four Seasons” event. Nicola Benedetti is partly using her tour as a vehicle to showcase some of the talented young musicians she has been working with and Chrissie joined colleagues from the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland for the performance. In addition to her sixth year studies at Earlston HS Chrissie is attending St Mary’s Music School’s Pathways to Music Specialism course in Edinburgh.
CASTING AND ACTING SUCCESS - Elizabeth Bowie
One afternoon in September 2013, I received a text from my Mum saying essentially that there was a casting in Edinburgh the next day, and asked if I wanted to go. It has been a dream of mine since I was tiny to be an actor, so naturally, I enthusiastically agreed.
When I got home that night, I looked at the casting notice more closely. They were looking for a girl, between the ages of 10 and 17 with brown hair and blue eyes, to play a small part in Starz TV’s new adaptation of the Outlander. So far, so good. At least I met the criteria.
4 o’clock the next day and I was sitting in the café area of the Eric Liddell Centre in Morningside, with about 30 to 40 other girls between the ages of 10 and 17, and guess what? They all had brown hair and blue eyes. Oh dear. My misplaced confidence dissolved and nerves kicked in as I was led down a corridor and into a very bright studio. The casting director for the programme, Simone, greeted me cheerfully, and explained the format of the audition.
A few improvised scenes later, I was leaving the studio in relatively high spirits, but I was definitely not going to get my hopes up. Especially when I saw the next girl coming along the corridor, with a handful of headshots and a CV. Egads, was I meant to have all that stuff? Too late now.
A week passed, and I had all but forgotten the audition. That was until my Mum phoned me to say that she had just got an email saying I had got the part. Most of the rest of the evening is a blur, but I remember running around laughing and screaming ecstatically for about 45 minutes. After a month of paperwork and a few trips to Falkirk (which ended once in my Dad getting lost on the way back- I mean, how do you even manage to drive half way from Cumbernauld to Glasgow when your SatNav is set to take you back to Edinburgh?), I was ready to go on set, apparently.
What is often left out in “behind the scenes” featurettes on DVDs is the sheer amount of waiting on set. Seriously. I was scheduled to film my scene at 1 o’clock that day, but we didn’t actually start until nigh on 4:30, due to a slight drizzle which had sprung up. It wasn’t all bad though- I did get to sit in my own dressing room for all that time, and the carrot and coriander soup they had on for lunch was delicious. Another thing which is surprising about professional filmmaking is the extraordinary amount of people who turn up to shoot one 2 minute section. As I meekly tiptoed down to the Egyptian tomb that had been created out of a castle’s ruins, I was blown away by the 70+ people who had come down to shoot this small scene, which had only 5 actors in it. I remember the nerves kicking in again as I clung to my Mum’s arm. I think she was as blown away as I was.
At this point, I feel I should give a brief account of the plot of the show. Outlander centres around an Englishwoman called Claire Randall who, while on a second honeymoon in 1945 with her husband Frank in the Highlands, falls through time, to wake up in the midst of the Jacobite rebellion. My part was “Young Claire”- i.e. Claire Randall in flashbacks to her youth.
I greeted the director, John Dahl (who I must admit, was a bit scary at first), and we blocked through the very simple moves. Walk into the tomb, light a CGI cigarette, speak to Uncle Lamb (played by Prentiss Hancock), and then kneel down to look at the latest archaeological discovery. Who knew something so simple could be made so difficult, when you have nearly a hundred people in hushed silence watching you intently, a camera to every side, and you know for a fact you are being streamed live to even more people back at “base camp”? I’m not complaining though. Far from it.
I returned to Edinburgh at midnight, exhausted, covered in dodgy fake tan, but exhilarated, ecstatic and filled with awe. Even if I had only been a miniscule part of it, it was amazing to experience a day on a professional set, working with so many talented people both on and behind the camera. In short, being in Outlander, however small my contribution, it was one of the best experiences of my entire life.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Filled with a variety of acts and songs applicable to all that came to see, once again Earlston High’s Christmas Concert was a great success. The first act of the concert, hosted by the Head Team as the host and judges of Strictly Come Dancing, consisted of a variety of excellent performances from the music department’s various music groups. From Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’ to Frozen’s ‘Let It Go’ there was a great variety of songs and groups performing, each exhibiting their amazing talent and the hard work which has gone into putting on such excellent performances.
The second act of the concert was ‘The Million Sellers’ presented by the Senior Choir. After hours of rehearsals, Mr Thomson’s Senior Choir produced a stunning revue of The Official Chart’s top songs, celebrating the beginning of the charts in 1952.
Featuring a variety of solo and group singers within the ensemble, both familiar faces and new ones, this revue covered every corner of the music industry: ‘Baby One More Time’ to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Wannabe’ to ‘Wonderwall’. With dances choreographed by former pupil Jan Baird as well as current S6’s Roan (me!) and Rachel, the choir pulled off yet another visual and aural treat that continued Mr Thomson’s long list of brilliant productions at EHS.
The revue ended with ‘You’re the One That I Want’, the hit song from the musical Grease which will be brought to the stage by the Senior Choir in June. Ashley (Sandy) and Simon (Danny) looked very much the part. There’s already much excitement about the show, which will be performed at the end of June. Opening night is Wednesday 24th June and tickets will be available nearer the time. If you have yet to experience an EHS summer show or are a regular to them – this is one not to be missed!
Roan (S6)
SPRING WAS IN THE AIR - April 2014
Last night’s Spring Concert was a delight. The Music Department had prepared a varied programme which showcased the students’ talents superbly. Hosting the evening were the students themselves and each item was introduced by a different senior who gave the audience and insight into the music as well as the musician. It was interesting to hear where the sixth years were continuing their education after the summer. No doubt their passion and talent for music will be still shine through even when they are studying Business or Law or English or Spanish at university.
Opening the concert was Mrs Hume’s Guitar group who played two pieces: ‘Trip to Europe and ‘Where Two Rivers Meet’. Calum Thomson, one of the Advanced Higher Music students, is a member of the group and later in the programme, as a solo guitarist, he performed ‘I Dare you’. Calum is going to study Music at Edinburgh Napier University next year. Another student off to study Music is Grace Rhatigan and Grace performed ‘Popular’ from the musical Wicked. Other solo performances from sixth year were from Callum Love on the viola, Grace Reid on the piano, Joe Thomson singing ‘Empty Chairs and Tables’ and Chloe Tobin-Kemmer played ‘Sonata in C’ on the piano. Fifth year student James Ross took to the stage and expertly performed ‘The Acrobat’ on the trombone.
In the second half, the audience was introduced to relatively new set of performers - the Ukelele Group and this was their second public performance. Led by fourth year student, Becky Farnish, the group entertained the audience by singing ‘I’m a Believer’ as they played the ukulele. Mr Haywood’s jazz group played ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ and transported the audience to the jazz era. The EHS Pipes and drums and the Scottish Group played a variety of reels and there were polished performances from the String Group, Woodwind Ensemble, Senior Percussionists and the Windband.
The junior dance group made their debut performance, which was a lovely addition to the programme. The dance group is supported by sixth years Jenny and Alexis, who have worked with the group since August. Well done girls!
No EHS concert would be complete without hearing the amazing vocals from the Junior Choir and Choral group. Mrs Brown conducted ‘Get happy’ and ‘Oh Happy Day’ for the Choral groups and Mr Thomson led the juniors in their performance of ‘What a Wonderful World’. To conclude a splendid musical evening, the senior choir performed some excerpts from the summer show – ‘ 42 nd Street’. Tickets go on sale on the 4th June and show starts on Sunday 22 June.
Thank you to all the performers, the EHS music teachers – Mr Thomson, Mrs Brown, Ms Flanagan and Mr Haywood – and the music instructors: Mr Johnston, Mrs Hume, Mr Kennedy and Mrs Mooney. Thanks also to Dave Coyle for helping with the sound and to fifth year student Daniel Kaczan for the lighting.
Last night’s Spring Concert was a delight. The Music Department had prepared a varied programme which showcased the students’ talents superbly. Hosting the evening were the students themselves and each item was introduced by a different senior who gave the audience and insight into the music as well as the musician. It was interesting to hear where the sixth years were continuing their education after the summer. No doubt their passion and talent for music will be still shine through even when they are studying Business or Law or English or Spanish at university.
Opening the concert was Mrs Hume’s Guitar group who played two pieces: ‘Trip to Europe and ‘Where Two Rivers Meet’. Calum Thomson, one of the Advanced Higher Music students, is a member of the group and later in the programme, as a solo guitarist, he performed ‘I Dare you’. Calum is going to study Music at Edinburgh Napier University next year. Another student off to study Music is Grace Rhatigan and Grace performed ‘Popular’ from the musical Wicked. Other solo performances from sixth year were from Callum Love on the viola, Grace Reid on the piano, Joe Thomson singing ‘Empty Chairs and Tables’ and Chloe Tobin-Kemmer played ‘Sonata in C’ on the piano. Fifth year student James Ross took to the stage and expertly performed ‘The Acrobat’ on the trombone.
In the second half, the audience was introduced to relatively new set of performers - the Ukelele Group and this was their second public performance. Led by fourth year student, Becky Farnish, the group entertained the audience by singing ‘I’m a Believer’ as they played the ukulele. Mr Haywood’s jazz group played ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ and transported the audience to the jazz era. The EHS Pipes and drums and the Scottish Group played a variety of reels and there were polished performances from the String Group, Woodwind Ensemble, Senior Percussionists and the Windband.
The junior dance group made their debut performance, which was a lovely addition to the programme. The dance group is supported by sixth years Jenny and Alexis, who have worked with the group since August. Well done girls!
No EHS concert would be complete without hearing the amazing vocals from the Junior Choir and Choral group. Mrs Brown conducted ‘Get happy’ and ‘Oh Happy Day’ for the Choral groups and Mr Thomson led the juniors in their performance of ‘What a Wonderful World’. To conclude a splendid musical evening, the senior choir performed some excerpts from the summer show – ‘ 42 nd Street’. Tickets go on sale on the 4th June and show starts on Sunday 22 June.
Thank you to all the performers, the EHS music teachers – Mr Thomson, Mrs Brown, Ms Flanagan and Mr Haywood – and the music instructors: Mr Johnston, Mrs Hume, Mr Kennedy and Mrs Mooney. Thanks also to Dave Coyle for helping with the sound and to fifth year student Daniel Kaczan for the lighting.
POSTERS FIT FOR SPORTING HEROES - Feb 2014
Congratulations to a group of second year students whose entries to the Game-On Scotland Art competition have been selected for display in the Athletes’ Village at the Glasgow 21014 Commonwealth Games.
Using the Games and its seventeen sports as their inspiration, pupils in Mrs Burnside’s S2 Art class entered the national competition, which was open to both primary and secondary pupils. Eight pupils from EHS had their art work selected by the judges and their designs will decorate bedrooms in the Athletes’ Village where athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth will be staying. Who knows who will see these pieces created by EHS students: Mo Farah, Usain Bolt or maybe our very own Sammi Kinghorn!
What is even more special, is that the athletes will be given the artwork to take away with them as a memento and gift from Scotland. Game-On organisers are hoping that the athletes will thank the young artists by sending a postcard to them. That way the students will learn who has received their artwork. How amazing is that and what a great reward for the eight pupils: Imogen Walls, Finlay Anderson, Lucy Robertson, Kale Haswell, Bethany Carrick, Lauren Flack, Isobel Reid and Lewis Murphy (not in photo).
Congratulations to a group of second year students whose entries to the Game-On Scotland Art competition have been selected for display in the Athletes’ Village at the Glasgow 21014 Commonwealth Games.
Using the Games and its seventeen sports as their inspiration, pupils in Mrs Burnside’s S2 Art class entered the national competition, which was open to both primary and secondary pupils. Eight pupils from EHS had their art work selected by the judges and their designs will decorate bedrooms in the Athletes’ Village where athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth will be staying. Who knows who will see these pieces created by EHS students: Mo Farah, Usain Bolt or maybe our very own Sammi Kinghorn!
What is even more special, is that the athletes will be given the artwork to take away with them as a memento and gift from Scotland. Game-On organisers are hoping that the athletes will thank the young artists by sending a postcard to them. That way the students will learn who has received their artwork. How amazing is that and what a great reward for the eight pupils: Imogen Walls, Finlay Anderson, Lucy Robertson, Kale Haswell, Bethany Carrick, Lauren Flack, Isobel Reid and Lewis Murphy (not in photo).
SPRING CONCERT MARCH 2013
This is an opportunity for pupils who have been working on their SQA courses to showcase their talent. The evening was delightful and many in the audience commented on the vast array of talent amongst the young people.
Ben, a sixth year, recently won a prestigious music award from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Congratulations to Ben. His guitar solo of ‘Grand Valse’ was as skilful as it was entertaining. – superb. Other solo performances were from Higher and Advanced Higher students: Chloe (piano), Claire (cello), Grace (clarinet) and Jane singing ‘Electricity’.
The EHS Pipes and drums played ‘The Mercury Sweep’ and the Scottish group conducted by Ms Flanagan played three marches. Other groups were also performing and many thanks to the music instructors for supporting the Windband, Woodwind Group, Chamber Group, Guitar group and String Ensemble. Mr Haywood’s Jazz Group also performed and it was good to see Mrs Farnish (Pupil Support teacher) and Miss Hope (Modern Languages teacher) playing the saxophone and clarinet alongside the students.
No EHS Concert would be complete without hearing the choirs perform. The junior Choir was the first of the singing groups and they performed ‘I’m a Believer’ as one of their songs. The choral group, conducted by Mrs Brown, performed ‘Windmills of Your Mind’ and the Senior Choir, along with Mr Thomson, offered the audience a sneak preview of the summer show – ‘Miss Saigon’ – by singing various excerpts from the musical.
Thank you again to the Music teachers and instructors for supporting the students to deliver such a polished set of musical pieces. The summer show will be in the summer term, starting on Wednesday 19 June for three nights.
Ben, a sixth year, recently won a prestigious music award from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Congratulations to Ben. His guitar solo of ‘Grand Valse’ was as skilful as it was entertaining. – superb. Other solo performances were from Higher and Advanced Higher students: Chloe (piano), Claire (cello), Grace (clarinet) and Jane singing ‘Electricity’.
The EHS Pipes and drums played ‘The Mercury Sweep’ and the Scottish group conducted by Ms Flanagan played three marches. Other groups were also performing and many thanks to the music instructors for supporting the Windband, Woodwind Group, Chamber Group, Guitar group and String Ensemble. Mr Haywood’s Jazz Group also performed and it was good to see Mrs Farnish (Pupil Support teacher) and Miss Hope (Modern Languages teacher) playing the saxophone and clarinet alongside the students.
No EHS Concert would be complete without hearing the choirs perform. The junior Choir was the first of the singing groups and they performed ‘I’m a Believer’ as one of their songs. The choral group, conducted by Mrs Brown, performed ‘Windmills of Your Mind’ and the Senior Choir, along with Mr Thomson, offered the audience a sneak preview of the summer show – ‘Miss Saigon’ – by singing various excerpts from the musical.
Thank you again to the Music teachers and instructors for supporting the students to deliver such a polished set of musical pieces. The summer show will be in the summer term, starting on Wednesday 19 June for three nights.
ART EXHIBITION
On the 5 th and 6 th of December, Earlston High school’s Art and Design department opened their doors to the public for its annual exhibition. On show was the work of last year’s talented Higher and Advanced Higher pupils. The Higher work included a design unit and expressive unit for each pupil.
In our expressive units we were encouraged to choose a theme and develop our ideas to reach a final composition. Working from a still life and often including a mirror, this took hours of dedication to complete. Mr Kelly’s class then focused on graphic design whereas Miss Lees’ class studied fashion and textiles. The brief for our design unit was to produce a hat or neckpiece often in alliance with our ‘technical advisor,’ Spike.
The work exhibited showed the steps which led us to our innovative designs. The different hats and neckpieces at the exhibition were praised for the variety of materials they were made from; ranging from satin to cupcake cases. The course was very enjoyable and seeing our work displayed was gratifying for us all. Being the largest advanced higher class in recent years, with fourteen eager students, there was also lots to see in the S6 studio where students were working to meet one of Miss Lees’ impossible deadlines! Overall the exhibition proved a great success and the department hopes for the same interest next year!
Emma (S6)
In our expressive units we were encouraged to choose a theme and develop our ideas to reach a final composition. Working from a still life and often including a mirror, this took hours of dedication to complete. Mr Kelly’s class then focused on graphic design whereas Miss Lees’ class studied fashion and textiles. The brief for our design unit was to produce a hat or neckpiece often in alliance with our ‘technical advisor,’ Spike.
The work exhibited showed the steps which led us to our innovative designs. The different hats and neckpieces at the exhibition were praised for the variety of materials they were made from; ranging from satin to cupcake cases. The course was very enjoyable and seeing our work displayed was gratifying for us all. Being the largest advanced higher class in recent years, with fourteen eager students, there was also lots to see in the S6 studio where students were working to meet one of Miss Lees’ impossible deadlines! Overall the exhibition proved a great success and the department hopes for the same interest next year!
Emma (S6)