On 28th September, Downside community came together for the annual House Singing competition – and what an event it was!
Katrine Reimers, currently Musical Director of Wincanton Choral Sociely and Priddy Singers, Acting Musical Director of Fairford & District Choral Society and Director of Music at St. Mark’s, Swindon, shared some insightful comments in her adjudication, and in particular emphasised that a successful performance has many elements: not just high-quality singing, but an ability to engage the audience, careful selection of repertoire and the courage of some Houses to choose something more reflective, good ensemble, and presentation. She thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening!
George Bevan, Acting Director of Performing Arts commented, “The whole school put on the most fabulous show last night, and I am genuinely bursting with pride. I always say that a singing school is a happy school’ and we nailed that last night. My only regret is that I was out of the room with our adjudicator as she was making her deliberations, and therefore missed everyone singing Sweet Caroline led by The Edukators (our in-house staff band) – although I suspect it could be heard from miles away!
Each of the Houses were truly (and uniquely) awesome, and although this was of course a competition, I hope that everyone appreciates that we all won a huge prize last night. We had it all – courage, commitment, humour, generosity, and a wonderful spirit of community both within the Houses and also as a whole school.”
Prizes:
Part Song – Smythe
Hymn – Isabella
Whole House Song – Caverel & Barlow
Best conductor – Sofia (Isabella)
Best accompaniment – Smythe (for their hymn)
Most improved house – Roberts
Best House Overall, of the opposite gender to the winning house overall – Smythe
Best House Overall – Isabella
Click here to look at our Flickr account for some videos of the evening