Our Great Hall radiated an atmosphere so electric that it was evident we were about to embark upon one of those nights that would be remembered for years to come. Â
House Singing is the event which, if you ask any Old Bedfordian, evokes such fond memories of their days at school, as well as fiery competitiveness so that many of them still tune in to see how their old House has fared.
For the 2022 competition, the Great Hall was packed to the rafters with parents, staff and boys attired in their House colours, who showed their support with handmade signs. There was, as is very much the tradition, much chanting and stomping of feet, and all the usual theatrics as each House took to the floor for both a unison song and part song. 
The first round comprised of the unison songs and at this point a more serious air settled as boys, who have been rehearsing in their Houses for weeks, belted out an eclectic mix of popular songs, including James Blunt’s 1973, George Ezra’s Budapest and Avicii’s Wake Me Up to name just a few.
Senses were heightened further – if that was possible – in the next round, the part song round. The boys delighted the audience with gems including a soulful arrangement of Bob Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love from Ashburnham, and a delightful rendition of Darts’ Come Back My Love from St Cuthbert’s.
We were honoured to welcome James Lark, Director of Music at Westminster Abbey Choir School, as adjudicator, who had the difficult job of naming a winner. While he gathered his thoughts it was the turn of the teachers and support staff to shine as they took to the stage to sing Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t Worry Be Happy – some singers making their debut solo performances.
After more stomping of feet and crescendo style cheers, the winners were announced:
Unison Song – St Peter’s
Part Song – Ashburnham
Overall winners – Ashburnham
If you missed the action, you can watch the whole event here (fast forward to the 15-minute mark for the start of the concert). For a more abridged version, a highlights reel will be available on the Bedford School Music’s YouTube channel after half term.
