Congratulations to Darwin, who reclaimed the top spot and were crowned House Music 2026 champions!
The event was once again expertly compered by Mr Wysome, Head of Music, whose trademark blend of jokes and good‑natured roasting kept the audience entertained throughout the day.
We were delighted to welcome Melvin Rickarby as this year’s adjudicator. Melvin has been producing music recordings and radio programmes since the late 1990s, working as a producer, journalist, sound designer and mixing engineer. His musical journey began with instrumental lessons and participation in council‑run music groups in Leeds, before reading Music at the Universities of Edinburgh and York.
A Fiercely Contested Competition
Eight classes were hotly contested, featuring solo instrumental and vocal performances, instrumental ensembles, small choirs, large choirs and bands. Taking place just after A-level mock exams and EPQ presentations, the standard of work produced by the House Front Teams was remarkable. They took full responsibility for assembling, arranging, motivating, scheduling, rehearsing and conducting each entry — a testament to the truly student‑led nature of the event.
The Junior School enjoyed the live performances in the morning, followed by the Senior School in the afternoon. Winners of the solo categories were announced at the end of each session.
Outstanding Solo Performances
Mr Rickarby praised the winning soloists for their ability to make each performance feel “like the most important thing in the room at that moment in time.” It takes immense courage to stand alone on stage in front of a large audience, and we congratulate all 20 soloists who represented their houses.
Exceptional Group Entries
In the group categories, Mr Rickarby looked for performances that could fill the hall with sound while still respecting the musical dynamics of each piece — reminding performers that “if everything is loud, nothing is loud.”
Small choirs, capped at 16 singers, faced a new challenge this year: instead of all performing a set song, houses were randomly assigned one of five songs by The Beach Boys. In contrast, Big Choirs — with up to 75 singers — had free choice and for the most part performed medleys of their own arranging, showcasing an impressive variety of musical styles.
A Celebration of Adams Spirit
Reflecting on the day, Mr Wysome commented: “We saw the very best aspects of Adams on show today – the collaboration among students, a sense of community, communication, courage, resilience, concentration, listening skills and the joy of participating in something very special.”
The Winners
Solo Instrumental Junior: Max Tung on piano – Etude Op. 10 nr. 5 by Chopin – Talbot
Solo Instrumental Senior: Arjun Toora on piano – Sonata Pathetique, 1st Mvt by Beethoven – Darwin
Solo Vocal Junior: Kit Watson singing No Good Deed by Stephen Schwartz – Darwin
Solo Vocal Senior: Henry Shaw singing Feeling Good by A Newley & L Bricusse – Webb
Instrumental Ensemble: Chameleon by Herbie Hancock arr by M. Ferguson/R. Nahoi – Webb
Small Choir Set artist: Surfin’ U.S.A by The Beach Boys arr Arjun Toora – Darwin
Big Choir Free Choice: Rollin’ in the Deep by A. Adkins & P Epworth arr. Will Cooper – Owen
Bands: The Kids Aren’t Alright by The Offspring – Webb
The Saull Cup, awarded to the House whose choral ensemble performances combine the best musical performance with the greatest inclusivity across the House was won by Owen.
The Coomer Cup, for outstanding individual contribution to the House Music competition, was presented to Will Cooper and Neason Tai of Owen for “bringing joy and positivity to the whole event throughout the last month and particularly today”.
The House Trophy, awarded to the house gaining the highest number of marks overall, was won by Darwin.
