On Friday 13th October, Christs Hospital hosted its annual House Singing competition. The different boarding houses spend the first six weeks of term working on a song they choose themselves. Songs range from The Spice Girls to The Jackson 5 with every single student having a role. The night before half term, the pupils perform and are judged by an external adjudicator. This year it was Charlotte Corderoy. Students are judged on their singing although many houses add actions such as swaying and turning in time that make the event even more exciting. The categories are best Girls house, best Boys house, best Grecians (upper sixth form) house and best conductor.

As is the fashion, both Grecian houses gave outstanding performances. The upper sixth form houses are judged separately as they are made up of only one year group rather than the other houses that are made up of students from Second Form (year 7) to Deputy Grecians (year 12). As it is their last House Singing at Christs Hospital, they make a medley of songs that fit a genre of their choosing. Grecians East performed a Boy/Girl Band Medley that was bright and fun with every performer on time and in tune. Grecians West sung a heart-warming R&B mashup ending with their own version of Miss Me When I’m Gone as they will be leaving at the end of the year. A girl in Barnes commented that Grecians West’s sings was ‘good and neat, but not exciting as it lacked actions which made it less interesting to watch’ Although the adjudicator, Charlotte Corderoy, thought it was close, she selected Grecians East as the winner between the two houses.

The evening was judged by the aforementioned Charlotte Corderoy who is a London-based conductor and graduate of the Royal Academy of Music. After the event, Corderoy said ‘I think the future of singing is in very safe hands’ and commented that ‘it was a joyous evening where everyone did themselves proud’ She was clearly impressed with the quality of music throughout and was inspiring and energetic as she read out the winners.

The best Conductor went to Abi Wamala who gave an exceptional performance. She is a year 12 and the Music Captain of Coleridge B. Although the competition was intense, it was very well deserved. The winner of the Girls House category was Leigh Hunt A who sung Out of my League by Fitz and the Tantrums. It was a terrific performance with thrilling actions and great harmonies. The winner from the Boys House category was Peele A singing Treasure by Bruno Mars. It was a well-deserved win and they did themselves proud.

Overall, it was an inspiring evening full of good music and lots of fun. It is amazing to see what pupils can pull together so quickly. It is even more inspiring as it entirely pupil lead. The Music captains of Barnes B Kaira Ohaji and Tami Adedayo who can be seen in the picture above said they would not want to conduct anyone else even though Barnes B did not win and that everyone is a winner in their eyes.