This year’s House Singing competition was a vibrant and energetic celebration. Changes to the rules this year allowed costumes, props, and choreographed dance moves, filling the week with school spirit and a healthy sense of competition. The theme this year was Eurovision, which presented opportunities and challenges!
We were privileged to have former Oakham parent and professional operatic tenor Johnny Graham-Hall as our adjudicator this year. He praised the singers’ enthusiasm and encouraged them to sing with a full voice and explore their higher registers, offering valuable insights to all participants.
The first round saw Buchanans and School House emerging as the winners with Loreen’s Tattoo and Brotherhood of Man’s Save all your kisses for me. In the second round, Rushebrookes and Clipsham stood out, with Gina G’s Ooh ah, just a little bit and Duncan Laurence’s Arcade, securing their places in the final stage. There was a range of approaches adopted by the Houses, blending musical talent with imaginative staging and enthusiastic participation.
We also had the addition of the House Ensemble round, offering those with a passion for music the chance to collaborate. Points from this part were added to the House Singing on the night, with School House coming out on top on Day 1 and Clipsham taking the title on Day 2. It was heart-warming to see the Houses embrace the challenge of performing in smaller groups, working together with different instruments and ideas.
The final competition was fiercely contested. In the Boys’ Houses, Clipsham claimed the top spot with a performance that delivered rousing singing and infectious enthusiasm. Among the Girls’ Houses, Rushebrookes triumphed with a performance that combined spirited singing, playful dance moves, and an infectious sense of fun, ultimately earning them the title of overall winners.
Both of their performances captured the spirit of the event, highlighting their enthusiasm, creativity, and a strong sense of teamwork.
