House Music brought the half-term to a thrilling end with a fiercely contested battle that showcased some exceptional ensemble and solo performances from each of the five Houses.
In its first House Music competition after launching at the beginning of the year, Glyn House emerged triumphant. The House won over the judges and audience with an outstanding solo performance from Amelie (Y12), who performed Billy Joel’s Piano Man on vocals, piano and harmonica, followed by the ensemble performance, a swinging and harmonic medley of Stand By Me, Lean on Me and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, the last being a upbeat performance complete with audience interaction and an unfurling of a specially produced ‘Glyn 4 the Win’ banner.
Glyn House was given a run for its money by the competition from the other Houses, with a repertoire that included enthusiastic ensemble performances of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Amy Winehouse/Mark Ronson’s Valerie, Elton John’s Don’t Go Breaking my Heart and an 80s mash-up, while solo pieces included vocal, guitar and piano performances from Cecilia (Y9, Bramley), Valentino (Y8, Prendergast), Lucas (Y9, Norton) and Artemis (Y7, Beardwood).
The competition was the culmination of a busy half-term for the Music department, with many opportunities for performances for senior school musicians. The new year began with a rousing brass quartet recital from visiting Trinity Laban Conservatoire musicians. Some of Colfe’s’ own music scholars then delighted an audience of pupils, staff and parents with a Music Scholar Recital, featuring outstanding performances on piano, guitar, violin and drums from senior music scholars.
Director of Music, Tim Newberry, said: “We have enjoyed many remarkable performances from our talented musicians this term. Our music scholars gave a delightful recital demonstrating a range of instrument and musical genres, while the House Music competition was at a very high standard indeed. Well done to Glyn House, who presented a spirited ensemble piece and an accomplished solo performance.”
Head of Glyn House, James Hope, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Glyn House has taken the House Music trophy. Glyn pupils are demonstrating so much ambition, commitment and mutual support, and this shone through in the joy and unity of the ensemble piece, the support given to Amelie by her House mates for her solo performance, and the jubilant celebrations when the winning House was announced. The House might still be in its infancy but we have already made our mark in a big way.”
