“Such creativity and innovation” as House Music showcases boys’ talent to sell-out crowd

Tonbridge’s annual House Music Competition took to the stage on Friday 14 October, with more than 200 boys demonstrating their talent and versatility before a sell-out audience at the School’s EM Forster Theatre.

Boys from all year groups performed one amplified and one acoustic song, playing their own arrangements of classic tracks. Highlights included a minimalist instrumental version of Declan McKenna’s Brazil and an unforgettable ‘vaudeville-style’ rendition of Abba’s Dancing Queen.

There was even an impressive performance of an original song by Ash Dodd from the Upper Sixth (winner of Best Amplified Item, as below).

The competition was judged on various criteria, including standard and variety of performance, musical creativity and age range of performers.

Manor House was crowned the overall winner, with all results listed below.

Mark Forkgen, the School’s Director of Music, said: “This year’s competition had the usual eclectic mix of songs, but also a consistently high level of performance across all the Houses. It was really pleasing to hear such creative and innovative arrangements, which challenged us to listen to the music in new ways.”

Tonbridge parents, in the UK and around the world, were able to watch via a live link, and the show was also streamed live to boys at the School, many viewing it on the giant screens in Big School and the Barton Science Centre.

This year’s competition adjudicator was Simon Speare, Head of Composition at the Junior Royal College of Music. A staff band took to the stage to entertain the audience while the final judging was taking place.

A ‘crew’ of Tonbridge boys was also involved in the stage management of the event, providing outstanding sound, filming and technical support.

House Music Competition 2022: Results

Winner of the House Music Cup: Manor House
Runners Up: Welldon House and Judde House
Cullen Award for Best Acoustic Item: Ferox Hall for Losing My Religion
The Paul Gamblin Award for Best Amplified Item: Cowdrey House for Dysphoria by Ash Dodd (CH5)
Best Arrangement: Alastair Wu (MH5) for In the Stars