As ever there are House Competitions running throughout the year, but House Music is always a highlight. And what an evening it was! The sports hall was transformed into a professional concert venue with an electric atmosphere we could all sense, setup with professional lighting, sound and dramatic effects. All the houses had been separated into four different groups, Stickways, Doristud, Knormston and Kambersbury and the contest was fierce. Before the main event houses attended rehearsals with the Director of Music, Mr Scamardella for the Big Song, Small Song, the band and solos. Everyone was practising relentlessly in their groups, hopeful that they would be crowned House Music 2022 champions! The whole event showcased the enthusiasm and dedication of all pupils, staff and the technical crew. 

As a member of Stickways I was extremely proud of the energy that everyone had given and our house spirit, encouraging other groups in their performances. All houses had something unique and personal in their performance, and their rehearsal time together to make the performance seamless, was evident. As a soloist, I was thankful for the opportunity that my “house” had given me to perform a medley of two of my original songs “Answer the Call” and “Runaway”. These two songs in English, Cantonese and Spanish encapsulate the feeling when I’m far away from home and missing my friends and family in my home country. On the day, I was so grateful for the reception and encouragement the Bede’s community gave me, with students waving their phones lit up against the darkness - I brimmed with confidence the whole time I was on stage.  I am so delighted I won the solo category and I could participate and contribute to help my house to achieve points in the inter-house competition. 

The standard was exceptionally high and every soloist - especially Charlie Swan - performed incredibly well. One of the things which touched me most was how different cultures came together - it was wonderful to be part of this. From our Big Song, ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, to our small song, no matter what group we were in, we came together on this special occasion as a whole school community. Ultimately, despite the competition and high stakes, House Music is not about winning, it’s about participating, working together and supporting one another. House Music is very special at Bede’s, one of the highlights of the calendar, showcasing the many talents of the pupils and giving the pupils from far and wide a sense of belonging. I will hold the moments from this evening in my heart - the evening when my peers came together for a very special performance. This event would not be possible without the help of technical crew - Mr Hopkins, Mr Phelps, the band - Mr Scamardella, Mr Aburn and Mr Williams, Mr Boorman and the house staff, and to them, we are hugely grateful.