battle of the bands

As a fun culmination to Year 9's time spent studying music throughout this year, and as an opportunity to showcase their talent, Mr Harrison today organised a very special event for the cohort: Battle of the Bands!

Taking place in our Theatre, a host of multi-talented vocalists and musicians from Year 9 took to the stage to, yes you guessed it, battle it out to be crowned champions, with performances of songs ranging from The Lion Sleeps Tonight:

to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline (a real crowd pleaser):

to the brothers Gallagher's Britpop classic Wonderwall:

to Bieber's Baby:

The White Stripes Seven Nation Army (twice, and why not?!):

Zara Larsson's Lush Life:

OneRepublic's I Ain't Worried:

and a slickly performed Cups with a Twist:

Not forgetting MJ's Billie Jean:

And The Backstreet Boys:

Taking place over 2 sessions, interspersed with a break for lunch, all spectators were joyously engaged and audience participation was high:

But there could only be 3 ultimate champions, and they were crowned in a grand finale by judges Head of Year Mrs Ryan and former UGS student Marnie, who returned specially for the day.

Taking first place: Chinyelu, Siya, Zunairah & Aidah with Coldplay's Rule the World:

Second: I Wonder by Muhau, Emeka, Kairon and Vikash

Third: Uptown Funk by Marianne, Lara, Anna and Sikemi:

Really well done all!

It was truly a vibrantly epic end to the week that hit all the right notes; with thanks to all of our Year 9 musicians, to judges Mrs Ryan and Marnie, to Mrs Glen for supporting, and huge especial thanks to Mr Harrison for arranging and orchestrating this special event.

Here's to Battle of the Bands 2025!