Hitting the High Note in House Singing

Friday, 27 February hailed the annual House Singing competition. With the opening of the John Turner Building, staff and fellow pupils alike were keen to get underway with the contest, showcasing skills gained in the impressive new Music Department. Over 95% of the school participated in the event, wowing the audience and judges by singing a range of contemporary and classical hits. Competition was fierce, with students from across the houses demonstrating creativity, determination and teamwork.

The event began with the solo competition. Five talented students stepped up to the microphone to offer mesmerising renditions of their chosen song. Jordan Gibson, from Skipwith House, showcased exceptional vocal skills, singing his way to first place in the solo competition. Rebecca Robinson from Burr House also sang her way into the heart of the audience, with an operatic style of singing. Charles Marsden, from Orchard House, Josh Hirst of Everett House and Ben Atkin, from Welsh House, all took the stage for the solo round, which left the Headmaster revelling in the quality of performances.

Whole House performances were to follow, with students from each House given the opportunity to perform as a whole and wow the judges. The afternoon performances consisted of a small group ensemble, followed by a whole House rendition of a chosen song. Skipwith House took to the stage first, setting the bar high with a creative version of The Script’s hit Superheroes. The ensemble performed Sheppard’s song Geronimo.

The ensemble from Orchard House were up next, with Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud. Wearing the signature green in the form of bow ties, a small group of students layered Sheeran’s hit with Sam Smith’s I’m Not the Only One, bringing a level of complexity to the performance. The full House song choice was The Foundation’s Build Me Up Buttercup. Bringing comedy to the well-known song, several students donned wigs and props and acted out the courtship described by the lyrics.

Burr House were third to the stage, with the ensemble’s rendition of Rihanna’s chart-topping Diamonds. Rebecca Robinson took the stage for the second time, following up her earlier solo performance as part of the ensemble. Elvis Presley’s ever popular Suspicious Minds was the choice of song for the full house recital. 

Everett House followed. The ensemble chose to sing Bill Wither’s Ain’t No Sunshine, expertly harmonising the classic song with Aloe Blacc’s hit single I Need a Dollar. The full house performance was One Republic’s Counting Stars, a toe-tapping version of the song. Encouragement came from the crowd and staff to up the volume!

Welsh House brought the competition to a close with the ensemble’s heart-melting performance of Passenger’s Let Her Go, accompanied by piano. The Foundation’s Build Me Up Buttercup was back again to close the show, as performed by the full house.

Whilst the judging panel of the Rev, Mr Chris Ham, and Mrs Louise Rapple-Moore deliberated, entertainment was provided in the form of three lower school pupils, Charlie Thomas, Jack Underwood and Jack Powell, performing Sam Smith’s I’m Not the Only One. Nerves were nowhere in sight as the boys impressed staff and students, earning a standing ovation. 

The return of the judges signalled that a decision had been made. The tension was tangible as Mr Paul Jones, Director of Music, announced the winning houses. Welsh House took first place for their ensemble performance of Passenger’s Let Her Go, with Everett a close second. First position for the full House competition was won by Orchard House, with Build Me Up Buttercup, with Skipwith achieving second place. This just left the coveted first place for the overall winner. Third place went to Burr House, with Skipwith awarded second place. The winning place was given to a deserving Orchard House, who graciously accepted the trophy to tumultuous applause.

Highlights of the event can be viewed below. This is by no means the last we have seen from our fabulous Music Department this year, with the Spring Concert set to take place on Thursday 26 March.

To view more photos from the event please click here.