Spreading the Love with House Music
The 2023 House Music Competition raised the roof of Perrins Hall, with each House bringing together their musicians to form a band, (all live, no backing tracks) to perform a cover version of a song linked to the theme of ‘Valentine’s Day’.
Students from Year Seven through to the Upper Sixth worked together for each House, arranging their parts and rehearsing in their break and lunchtimes over a focused three-week period.
Elgar performed ABBA’s, ‘Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A Man After Midnight)’. The arrangement was really striking, with a full string section and sparkling flute solo, alongside piano, percussion fronted Charlie’s rich baritone voice, supported in the chorus by his backing singers. Visually, the performance was a treat, with huge heart shaped balloons, roses thrown to the audience and the band suitably dressed for after midnight, in their pyjamas, onesies and dressing gowns!
Last year’s winners, Whiteladies, performed Bruno Mars’s ‘I Think I Want To Marry You’, ably led by trumpeter Toby. The band featured several singers, with lovely vocal harmonies in the chorus sections, a driving drum beat and bass guitar, piano, flute and violins. The students were dressed ready for a wedding, with top hats, veils, tiaras, and wedding dresses.
Wylde performed Frankie Valli’s, ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, led by Tobey, who featured on vocals as part of a vocal trio, accompanied by piano, strings, trumpet, guitar percussion and drum kit. The performers were all really in sync with each other, blending brilliantly to give a heartfelt performance. Students were all dressed in the house colours of blue, with the return of the sparkly tutus from the House Dance competition!
Ottley performed ‘It Must Be Love’ by madness, brought together by Wil, who featured on vocals, alongside a team, who all had solo lines. The band was driven by an accomplished rhythm section of piano, electric and bass guitar and drums, supported by the violin, trombone and a fantastic saxophone solo. The singers’ hair featured the House colours and they had even choreographed a dance routine which saw them begin their performance on the upper stage before descending down to join the rest of the band. The performance had everyone smiling and dancing along.
The final standings saw Ottley and Wylde judged to be in joint 1st place, with Whiteladies 2nd and Elgar 3rd.
Thank you to our judges, Miss Mosely, Mrs Newport, Mrs Atyeo and Mr Farmer, and to everyone who took part and came along to support the event.
Ms Claire Spencer, Teacher of Music