Every year, a major house competition takes place, alternating between House Music and House Drama, both of which are hotly contested amongst the students. This year, it was House Music that took to the stage! 

Here Dhavina, Year 12 Lamb, tells us all about this event.

It all started in January, when each house called on its students to take part in house choir and/or orchestra. Whether you’re musically inclined or not, everyone across all years is encouraged to participate, like myself - a non-music student - who got involved in house choir to support my house and have some fun. There is also a chamber ensemble consisting of a select few sixth formers. With each house performing three pieces, there is an abundance of opportunities for talent to be showcased, but collaboration is key! With one rehearsal per week, it was a good opportunity to meet others in my house from a range of different year groups.

The competition was held on Thursday 12th February. After a quick final rehearsal and pep talk, each house took their seats in the Great Hall, already packed with many enthusiastic and excited parents and teachers. After a warm welcome from Miss Greally and introduction to the night’s adjudicator, Edmund Jolliffe, Dolbe (faces adorned with blue hearts) kicked off the evening suitably with Live and Let Die, from the James Bond film. Keats (decorated in red bows) then performed Shrek Medley, a fun performance. Wyatt followed with the grand He’s a Pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Up next was Lamb’s chamber choir with O Sacrum Convivium, a piece with an utterly different tone that created an enchanting mood and captivated the audience. Their house choir (embellished with purple ties) performed the well-known The Circle of Life, featuring a powerful solo.  Ashworth featured the elegant Vuelie, from Frozen 2. Last, but certainly not least, Latymer’s large choir performed The Greatest Show’that utilised stomping, echoed throughout the Great Hall to create an uplifting atmosphere. The final performance of the night was Latymer’s orchestra’s A Nintendo Medley, which was performed brilliantly and had the audience on the edge of their seats. Not to mention they were unarguably the best-dressed house; the orchestra sporting the famous Luigi hats and conductor Galen dressed as Yoshi (very on brand).  

As Amelie, Year 12, commented “I found it really exciting, there was so much house spirit, and everyone was so talented and encouraging.  I can't wait for House Drama next year!”   

With all performances done, Miss Greally and Edmund Jolliffe had to decide on a winner. Tension built and excitement rose in the Great Hall from students and parents alike. At last, deliberation was over and a winner had been chosen. Firstly, Edmund congratulated all participants for their hard work and commitment, then thanked the Sixth Form students for their dedication to organising and leading rehearsals. Then came the results…in 3rd was Ashworth, 2nd was Lamb, and the winner of House Music 2026 was Latymer House! (Luigi) Hats off to them! 

Ella, Latymer House’s choir conductor, concluded “It was such a fantastic evening with so much brilliant music, everyone's hard work really paid off. Conducting Latymer house choir was an amazing experience and I'm extremely proud of every single Latymerian who helped win it for our house! Long live Latymer!”

Main contributor: Dhavina P., Year 12 student.