Melodious students have been tucking themselves away in halls and classrooms around the College, rehearsing their top-secret chosen songs in preparation for the House Singing Competition in Centenary Hall later this week.

Every year, all students from Years 7–12 across 16 Houses go head-to-head in the contest, with a bonus 17th performance by the Boarding House to top it all off. The event has become a highlight of the Newington calendar, filled with joie de vivre and inspiring good-natured competition across the College. With the inaugural sing-off first held in 2012, House Singing was added to the House Shield as a means for students to be awarded points towards the overall house competition.

‘It’s the only opportunity in the year for the entire College to be simultaneously involved in the performing arts space,’ says Mr Mark Scott, Head of Music and responsible for coordinating adjudication at the House Singing Competition.

‘At the end of the day it’s a fun thing that provides an excellent opportunity for students to get involved who may not otherwise have a lot of experience with singing, music or performance.’

House Singing is completely student-driven, with minimal input from staff at the College. The students from each of the 16 houses choose the repertoire, rehearse, arrange, accompany and direct. Rehearsals are organised by the Heads of House.

So, what is it that the judges are looking for?

According to Mr Scott, much the same things as they do with any other music performance.

‘We want the students to sing as well in tune as they can, we want to be able to understand what they’re singing about, are they making a nice sound, is it obvious that they have rehearsed and worked together,’ he explains.

‘It’s not about having a solo or star performers – it’s about the whole house singing together as a team.’

Along with a ban on solo singers, House groups are not permitted to use musical instruments as an accompaniment for their singing. If they wish, they may choose to use a backing track instead.

‘That’s a matter of equity, because not all houses have musicians who can play,’ says Mr Scott.

‘We want to level the playing field as much as possible!’

Over the years there have been some truly memorable performances, including a rendition from Disney’s Frozen, where one of the participants dressed up as Elsa in a tutu and wand.

 We look forward to seeing what this year’s performers have in store!

House Singing will run from Period 5 until the end of the school day on Friday 13 June. May the best House sing!