Congratulations to all of the treble, soprano, alto and tenor soloists, partsong performers and unison song choirs who, from the hundreds of competitors entering the preliminary rounds of this year’s House Singing Competition, were selected to compete in the grand final, taking place on the evening of Wednesday 31st January in the Sports Hall. Selecting these finalists was challenging enough given the high standard of so many entries, and so former Tiffin School Director of Music Simon Toyne (who first established the competition over 20 years ago) faced many difficult decisions as he adjudicated a final round full of impressive singing, conducting, choreography and even musical arranging, as the pupils presented performances which they had prepared themselves. The programme opened with the Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass Solo Song category. With a high a commendation going to Jasper (DW) for Tchaikovsky’s None But The Lonely Heart, joint 2nd places were awarded to Kavin (KM) and Lia (L) for Vaughan Williams’ Vagabond and Wolf’s Verborgenheit respectively. It was Nad who was victorious in this category for KM with Love’s Philosophy by Alexander L’Estrange. The Partsong Category arguably represents the most impressive work of the evening, showing off both the competitors’ own complex musical arrangements and their commitment to perfecting their close harmony singing. In third place with an excellent ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ was KM whilst it was Drake’s entry of ‘Feeling Good’, remarkable for its scale, range of brilliant soloists and exciting modulations, which achieved 2nd place. But, for its impressive precision, purity and pithiness, it was CG’s ‘Your Feet’s Too Big’ which came out on top. Adjudicator Mr Toyne noted that the third category of Solo Treble Song is arguably the most exceptional and important in Tiffin’s singing culture, celebrating and nurturing the singing achievements of the youngest members of the school, and showcasing the leading musicians of tomorrow. It was Tom (DW) who was awarded 3rd place for his joyful and well-choreographed ‘Who Will Buy’ from Oliver, with Max (R) achieving 2nd place for ‘Path To The Moon’ sung with excellent intonation and confidence. For his brilliantly expressive performance of ‘A Shepherd Loved A Nymph’ it was Calan who won first place in this category for DW. And finally, the category everyone was waiting for: the Unison Song, involving this year well over 200 competitors. In 3rd place with a brilliantly funny and meticulously prepared performance of Sondheim’s Little Things You Do Together was Raleigh, directed by Arjan who was also awarded the conductor’s baton prize. In 2nd place, recognising the energy brought by their marching choreography, was Churchill-Gordon with their performance of The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles. But for its legato, intonation and complexity, it was Darwin-Wilberforce’s A Million Dreams which took first prize, completing this annual highlight both of the music and house calendars. Congratulations to all who took part.
