The Queen's College Record 2020

Reports and College Activities
THE EDGAR LOBEL SOCIETY
President: Joseph Botman
The Queen’s College Edgar Lobel Society, named after one of our famous former
Classics dons, is devoted to composing verse in Latin and Greek. Every week, we
meet in a small group and discuss our translations of English verse into either one of
the classical languages over a glass of wine. There is also frequently room for original
compositions, for example small epigrams in Latin about something that happened
that week. Each meeting, one member of the group gives a presentation about a
piece of classical verse or about a technical aspect of the composition of Latin or
Greek verse. Over the past terms, we’ve had students talk about the best order in
which to fit words into a line of verse, about different kinds of metre in Greek, and
about selections of Vergil, among other subjects. The Society was founded with the
idea that additional practice in using these classical languages can significantly help
one’s understanding and feel for the original text, leading to greater enjoyment and
swifter reading. While we still learn to write Latin and Greek prose over the course of a
Classics degree, verse is no longer common. We welcome more individuals than just
classicists, but obviously some background in Latin or Greek would be ideal!
THE EGLESFIELD MUSICAL SOCIETY
President: Rachel Howe
It is a pleasure to report that The Eglesfield Musical Society (EMS) remains one of
the University’s most vibrant college music societies. Whilst famously the oldest
music society in Oxford, EMS has sprung into 2020 with renewed enthusiasm and
technological innovation to combat the year’s unexpected challenges. Furthermore,
the society continues to foster a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere and is proud to
provide exciting opportunities for musicians within Queen’s and throughout the wider
Oxfordshire community.
Our largest ensembles, The EMS Orchestra and The EMS Singers, have both
performed to an exceptionally high standard this year under the able direction of
Queen’s music students, Tom Dilley and Tamsin Sandford Smith. The Michaelmas
term concert was a particular highlight and also featured several stunning solo and
small ensemble performances by members of the Queen’s JCR. The EMS Singers
concluded the term singing Christmas carols in the Broad Street Christmas Market,
raising a fantastic £305 for local charity, Homelessness Oxfordshire. The EMS Jazz
Band made an equally triumphant return this year thanks to the leadership of Hugo Till
and Will Cashmore, and the popular ‘5 th -week blues’ nights in Michaelmas and Hilary
will be sure to continue in years to come.
Throughout the academic year, EMS has continued its two popular recital series:
the Wednesday organ recitals and the Saturday lunchtime recitals. These weekly
70 The Queen’s College | College Record 2020