The first half of the Autumn Term ended in true St John’s tradition, with the buzz and excitement of the hotly contested House Singing Competition. The School community came together in the Chapel on Friday 20 October for the most revered event of the year!
Pupils have been enthusiastically learning the words (and choreographing moves) to their chosen songs since the beginning of September, with fun filled rehearsals heard across the School during many break times! Pupils have spent time perfecting their two entries with high hopes of impressing this year’s adjudicator, an experienced baritone and teacher from Churcher’s College, Mr John Lofthouse.
The competition began with the Part Song programme, in which a small group of pupils from each house performed a Disney song in acapella. The results of the Part Song saw South House with Where You Are (Moana) in first place, followed by Surrey House with You’ve Got a Friend In Me (Toy Story) in second place, Gloucester House with Show Yourself (Frozen 2) placing third, and North House with The Bare Necessities (Jungle Book) in fourth place . The adjudicator John Lofthouse, remarked on the great atmosphere, fabulous singing and the amazing work that had gone into pupils creating such dynamic arrangements.
Following the Part Song, each house came together to perform with all pupils. A huge amount of creativity, enthusiasm, and house spirit was on display in each House Unison performance. Their tuneful performances featured the greatest hits of Sir Elton John and included some fantastic dance moves. Rapturous applause ensued as the Unison winners were announced, with West House delightedly taking first place with their rendition of Your Song, followed by Hawkins House in second place with Don’t Go Breaking My Heart and Gloucester House with Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting, placing joint third alongside South House with Crocodile Rock.
Lower School pupils performed in their houses and provided some highly entertaining and enthusiastic performances. Mr John Lofthouse adjudicated their Sir Elton John themed performances, which all featured fantastic smiles, impressive energy and buoyant dance moves. After much deliberation, Wilson House took first place with their performance of I’m Still Standing, followed by Browne House with Crocodile Rock, and Millbourn House with I Just Can’t Wait to be King, sharing the place of runner up!
