As every student knows, and probably most parents also know, the day before Michaelmas half term is arguably the most action packed, competitive day of the academic year. Not only are House Hockey and House Rugby competitions played, but the House Shout and House Harmony competitions takes place. To an outsider it may seem like a singing contest, however to anyone who steps inside the school grounds on that day it is clear that it is much more than that. Tensions run high and even the worst singers ready themselves for their two and half minutes of glory.
By 5:05pm the Memorial Hall was packed full in anticipation for the House Harmony Competition which kicked off at 5:15pm. We heard everything from The Beach Boys to Adele, and even a bit of Madonna was thrown in at one point. It was clear just how many hours every single house had spent arranging and practicing every harmony that went into their performance. However when it came down to it we all knew that there had to be one winner, and for their beautiful performance of 'Wayfaring stranger' by Jamie Woon, Cotton went away with the cup, with Morris and B1 as close runners up.
As for the House shout, there were four prizes to be given away: girls House, boys House, mixed House, and the all-important overall trophy. As each house stood up to perform I sat wincing as each performance seemed to be better than the last, and I could see the chance my own House (Mill Mead) winning getting slimmer and slimmer. After all of the performances were over, the House representatives lined up on stage to hear the final verdict. The winners of the boys' competition were Barton Hill with a captivating rendition of 'Keep on Moving' by 5ive; the girls' was won by Elmhurst, and their great song choice of 'Bad Romance' by Lady Gaga; and the mixed house competition was one by Summerfield with their upbeat performance of 'Music to Watch Girls By' by The Bob Crewe Generation. Now, the only prize still to be awarded was the coveted overall winners trophy; after much suspense this was deservedly won by Morris (pictured) for a combination of their beautiful house harmony 'And so it Goes' by Billy Joel, and their flawless house shout performance of 'Don't Stop Me Now' by Queen. This year's competition may be over but rest assured, it won't be long before rehearsals begin for next year.
Georgina Daniell (Senior Prefect, MM U6)