The annual Boarding House Singing Competition took place in Chapel on the evening of Sunday 1 March, with a combination of house spirit and vocal prowess being exhibited by the pupils in the eight Middle and Upper School houses. A wide of range of popular songs had been selected for performance, in front of the watchful eyes and ears of Director of Music, Peter Davis, in the adjudicator’s chair.
School House set the standard for the boys’ houses, with terrific solo singing and a warm house sound in Rag ‘n’ Bone Man’s song, Human. Haywoods were full of enthusiasm and entertainment as they built to the exuberant chorus of I’m a believer, and Wharflands demonstrated great corporate spirit in their singing of Toploader’s Dancing in the moonlight. The crown of best Boys’ House went to Chapmans this year, with great solo and group singing backed strongly by the whole house.
All four girls’ houses performed very well, leaving the adjudicator with some difficult decisions! Stevens tackled the tricky Royals by Lorde, with the support of a backing track featuring little more than drum beats, and treated the audience to some strong harmonies. Buchanans crafted a creative performance of Keane’s Somewhere only we know, combining a strong Form 3 soloist, good groups and a warm house sound. Rushebrookes created the most vibrant sound of the evening, treating the chorus of the Mark Ronson/Amy Winehouse song Valerie to bright, smiley singing, complementing a number of strong soloists. However, Round House saved the best until last, treating us to a passionate performance of Lewis Capaldi’s song of the moment, Someone you loved, featuring the most accomplished soloists of the evening and incredibly powerful collective singing. They received the best Girls’ House trophy, as well as being the overall winners of the entire competition.
Congratulations to all the pupils for their commitment to this entertaining annual competition, and particularly those boys and girls who led or directed their house’s rehearsals and performances.
