Students from Calday Grange Grammar School took to the stage today for the annual House Music Competition, a much-anticipated event that sees performers from Year 7 to Year 13 compete across a range of musical categories. This year’s competition was one of the closest in recent memory, with Bennett House taking first place, narrowly beating Hollowell into second and Glegg into third. The margin between each house was just two points, reflecting the high standard of performances across the board.
The event, held in front of a lively audience, featured a mix of solo performances, ensembles, choirs, and rock bands. The atmosphere was electric as students put months of preparation into their moment on stage, determined to earn points for their houses.
Bennett’s success was boosted by several standout performances, including their choir’s rendition of Blame It on the Boogie, which brought energy and enthusiasm to the competition. Their junior rock band delivered a crowd-pleasing performance of Highway to Hell, while their ensemble captured the playful spirit of Wallace and Gromit with a well-received instrumental performance. Adam B impressed in the junior instrumentalist category with Grandfather’s Clock, showcasing skill and confidence well beyond his years.
Glegg also made a strong impact, particularly in the ensemble and solo categories. Their choir delivered a powerful performance of Proud Mary, while James D captivated the audience with A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman. Senior pianist Shay D took on Chopin’s challenging Fantaisie Impromptu, earning recognition for his technical ability.
Hollowell, despite finishing second, had several standout moments of their own. Their senior rock band’s mashup of Even Flow and The Pretender was a highlight of the day, blending grunge and alternative rock into a dynamic performance. Ava G impressed in the musical theatre category with a heartfelt rendition of Burn from Hamilton, and Chloe S’s performance of It’s a Man’s World demonstrated her vocal power and stage presence.
The competition was a true display of the musical talent within the school. From contemporary and classical pieces to theatrical and rock performances, students showcased a wide range of skills and styles. The adjudicator, Daniel Lawton, praised the confidence, creativity, and effort put into each performance, noting that the final results reflected an exceptionally high standard across all houses.
With the competition over, the excitement is not yet finished. The winning and highly commended performances will be featured again tonight at the House Music Concert, giving students another opportunity to shine in front of their family and friends.
This year’s event proved that music remains a central part of life at Calday, with students bringing passion and dedication to their performances. With such a closely fought contest, the competition is sure to be just as fierce next year.
