Music in the House

Almost lifting the roof of the David Russell Theatre, the eight Houses of the Senior School entertained a large audience as the annual House Music battle took place, with performances that included jazz solos, pop ensembles and classical music.  

Smith-Hawkey opened the evening with impressive vocal solos from Sasha H taking us to the slopes of Austria with her rendition of "My Favourite Things" and a powerful and emotional performance of "She Used to Be Mine" by Chi-Yee L. This was followed by Ben R’s virtuoso trumpet performance of "Carnival of Venice". The audience were then treated to a performance of Indie rock, also featuring Ben R on guitar, and a cleverly arranged medley of ABBA songs by Rufus M. Smith-Hawkey deserve credit for such a strong opening, which set the standard for the rest of the night. 

Whitcombe-Summers followed with two impressive piano solos from Luca C and Harry D, who really summoned the spirit of Rachmaninov! Isabel D then sang "I’d Give my Life for You" from Miss Saigon, a performance that particularly impressed the adjudicator. Two enjoyable ensembles followed: Hozier’s Take Me to Church and the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want it That Way”, a 2000s classic that elicited nostalgic participation from a few members of the audience. 

Latter-Eastwood opened their performances  with “Mr Blue Sky”, featuring Mackenzie G on the megaphone! Sam M and Edward G treated the audience to trumpet and saxophone solos, which adjudicator, Rosie Whitfield said reminded her of Ronnie Scott’s. Samuel B’s performance of Chopin’s Minute Waltz was also well received. Latter-Eastwood concluded their performance with a small ensemble playing Stick Season, in which Eleanor M’s vocals were impressive. 

Grant-Barton, the fourth House to perform, managed to steal the show. Soloist awards were won by Vanessa H for her performance of Einaudi’s Nuvole Bianche, by Narina D for her performance of Chopin’s Nocturne, Op 62 No 2 and by Henry B for his trombone solo, The Acrobat. Vanessa, Narina and Henry deserved their awards for their virtuosity and musicianship. In particular, I have never seen a trombonist entertain an audience so much with a solo! 

Not content with winning all the soloist aways, Grant-Barton also won both ensemble awards! The small ensemble was a jazz instrumental of Backroom Politics by Gordon Goodwin, a performance that featured a lively saxophone solo by Henry X. The large ensemble was Michael Jackson’s Don’t Blame it on the Boogie, with enthusiastic singing, lively musicianship and Rocco C’s charismatic dancing. 

Grant-Barton won a clean sweep of awards in every category, placing them first in the competition. Smith-Hawkey came second, with Latter-Eastwood third and Whitcombe-Summers fourth. The audience, however, enjoyed every minute, and thank all pupils involved for putting together such a memorable evening. Despite being a house competition the clear winner was the music and it is a real testament to our PGS musicians that the standard was so high. Our adjudicator, Rosie Whitfield, particularly commented on the level of enjoyment and engagement in music making and was hugely impressed at the standards achieved by all performers; high praise indeed as Rosie is Head of the Junior Department of the Guildhall Conservatoire of Music in London and used to working the most talented young musicians.