The QEGS Junior School Inter house Music Competition, held during the Spring term last year, was once again a resounding success that showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our young musicians. With a remarkable variety of entries, the event was a testament to the vibrant musical community within the school. Boys from all year groups participated across multiple instrument categories, creating a rich tapestry of sound and performance that resonated throughout the Junior School hall. It is for a very good reason that this is one of my favourite events of the year!

One of the standout features of this year’s competition was the sheer number of participants. It was heartening to see so many boys eager to take the stage, whether they were strumming guitars, tickling the ivories, or showcasing their vocal skills. The variety of instruments and musical styles on display—from classical piano solos to jazz and pop—ensured that there was something for everyone. This diversity not only enriched the competition but also encouraged camaraderie and a sense of healthy rivalry among the houses.

As the day unfolded, it became clear that the level of talent was exceptional. Each performance was a unique expression of the musicians’ hard work and passion. The adjudication process, led by Mr. Jones from the Senior School, was no small feat; he faced the challenging task of evaluating numerous outstanding acts. The boys demonstrated impressive accuracy and fluency in their playing, and it was evident that many had invested countless hours in preparation.

Several performances stood out for their musicianship and communication, a hallmark of a mature musician who thinks not about which notes to play, but more how to play them. 

As the finals approached, the anticipation was palpable. Mr. Jone’s task of selecting winners was undeniably challenging, given the high calibre of performances across all categories. Each act brought something special to the table, making it increasingly difficult to narrow down the overall category winners. Sadly there can only be one winner but happily, this was a very difficult decision to make.

My congratulations go out to the following boys as winners of their categories:

Under 9 Wind – Bukunmi Ibitoye

Under 9 Voice – Lewis Lole

Under 9 Piano – Lawrence Chen

Under 9 Rhythm – Jude Robinson

Under 9 Strings – William Hilton

Under 9 Young Musician of the Year: Lawrence Chen

Under 11 Piano – Madhav Vineeth

Under 11 Wind – Joseph Cafferkey

Under 11 Strings – Saathvik Saravanan

Under 11 Voice – J.J. 

A League of their own – Ibrahim Ali and Abel Jackson 

Under 11 Young Musician of the Year – J.J. 

Huge congratulations to Bentley House this year who proved to be very worthy winners of the overall house cup for music.