Let the music battles commence!
Musical repertoire has been chosen, the auditions are complete, the ensembles assembled, the soloists are warming up and the rehearsals are well underway.
Every large space with good acoustics has been booked and scheduled.
Every small music room has been fought for and secured for intensive practice.
Calendars checked, WhatsApp groups created and meetings secretly arranged in hushed voices.
Competitive members of opposing houses try glimpse a sight or sound of another’s potential winning number…
The excitement is palpable already!
The annual House Music Competition is a long-standing Ashville Community favourite event. Indeed the “Flagship” event as described by Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Norton. It is the only house event where every single senior and sixth form student gets to collectively stand shoulder to shoulder with their teammates, whether they are musically talented or not. The intention, of course, is to win by making some (hopefully tuneful) sounds, but music has a powerful strength and a wonderful way of drawing people close together in competitive fun. In the words of Ella Fitzgerald, “Music is the universal language… it brings people closer together”
I reached out to the student music directors from each of our four houses to comment on their thoughts about house music as a whole and how it was progressing so far…
All our musical directors have been chosen specifically for their musical expertise and commitment to their houses. They are rightly proud to be representing their house and are very excited to have a key role in what they all agree is a main event of the school year. I’m grateful for their feedback.
Rosie J, from Ellis house, is clearly passionate about House Music; “I really want this year to be remembered as being enjoyable. I’ve always loved House Music, this year I want to convey my excitement and passion in our performances.” This is echoed by Duckworth’s Musical Director, Niamh A, “I’m very excited, House Music is such a fun event. I hope everyone in my house has fun and enjoys the performance.” Everyone is equally committed to delivering an event that the audiences will love and are working hard to deliver a memorable evening. Riverdale’s Anna J “wants to make sure everyone enjoys the process and has fun whilst preparing for the big event as well as on the night”. Rosie “hopes everyone will enjoy a fantastic night of music! As Musical Directors, it’s sadly our last year of House Music, so we’re going to make sure it’s the best one yet and we go out with a bang. All houses have put in extraordinary amounts of effort and, no matter who comes out on top, we want you to have as much fun watching it as we’ve had rehearsing it!” Niamh shares this enthusiasm; “I hope you enjoy the event!” and is gives praise to those in her house, saying “watch out for Duckworth’s amazing musicians, we have some very strong entries this year!” Windermere’s Music Director, Tilly H, is also hoping to “present a wide range of songs and celebrate everyone’s individual talents.” All the musical directors have taken inspiration from their predecessors and have some high standards to live up to. However, there are some excellent musicians in all of the houses and no doubt, everyone will make their mark for others to aspire to.
Unsurprisingly, there have been few spoilers divulged as the competing houses try to keep their repertoires under wraps, with the notable exception of Riverdale, whose Music Director Anna J has revealed that their large house choir is singing one of her favourite songs, “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis. Windermere’s Tilly H was a little more cryptic when describing which part of their repertoire she was most excited about, saying “Definitely, Rick Rolling the crowd with our ensemble”. I wonder what she means by that?! The other Music Directors however, have remained more tight-lipped about their houses’ plans, although it might be advisable to bring some tissues, as it sounds like there may be some emotional performances from some of the small house ensembles! It seems that people have some exciting ideas up their sleeves to entertain us with this year.
So, House Captains, Musical Directors, comperes, musicians and performers… do your best, and let the power of music unite us and show Ashville College at its finest!
Let’s raise the roof of the Royal Hall, Harrogate and make Monday 9th October 2023 an evening of uplifting, inspiring and memorable musical performances for all.