Singing supreme

The House Singing Competition took place in All Saints’ Church this year due to the refurbishment of the Winter Gardens. The houses adapted to the change of venue well and all tackled their performances with aplomb and commitment. Aidan Oliver, Director of Music at St Margaret’s Westminster, Director of Philharmonia Voices and an old school friend of the headmaster, came to judge the event. Mr Protin and Mrs Whiddett Adams took control at the top of the show and compered the afternoon with style and panache. The Watt House A Capella group entertained a packed church while the judge took a moment to consider his verdict and then, after eleven excellent performances, Mr Oliver delivered an entertaining and pertinent adjudication. Powell, with a powerful and energetic rendition of Sweet Caroline were announced as winners of the boys’ competition and Arnold, with a brilliant version of Don’t Stop Believing,  as winners of the girls’. It was encouraging to see the rise in quality and effort, particularly from the boys’ houses and Craig and Pennell received a special mention from Mr Oliver, along with Watt and Nugent. Special thanks to the band and to those senior pupils who took control of their respective houses and gave the audience such an entertaining afternoon.