STUDENTS at a North-East secondary school closed out the summer term with a bang by throwing an all-singing, all-dancing musical extravaganza to celebrate the end of exams.
The Hummersknott Academy College Music Festival showcased incredible talent from all of the school’s five colleges, as students electrified the audience and did their best to impress the judges.
Dozens of the Darlington school’s brightest stars took part in the festival, which consisted of a music-themed art exhibition, a choir sing-off, a dance contest, and a battle of the bands.
Despite fierce competition and many rousing performances, there could only be one winner, and the Music Festival Cup went to the overjoyed students of Cuthbert College.
Aimee Clarke-Davies, Hummersknott’s Head of Music, said: “The festival has been just amazing. This is why we’re music teachers – to see the passion and enthusiasm the students have when they perform.”
Winners were chosen by a panel of guest judges, which was composed of Elizabeth Wood, a singing teacher with Durham Music Service, and two former Hummersknott pupils who have gone on to train as professional dancers, Chris Pilbeam and Louis Baxter.
Elizabeth said: “What an absolute treat for the senses it’s been for us. It’s been absolutely amazing to see all the talent they have at Hummersknott.
“We particularly love the way the students all encourage each other and support each other, even though they’re in competition.
“The quality on show has been incredibly high, especially considering the students put the acts together themselves in under two weeks. It’s just phenomenal.”
Students were also treated to a surprise performance by the Hummersknott staff band, The Educators, who performed a unique rendition of Pharrell Williams’ feel-good hit, Happy – and even returned for an encore!
The final standings were:
- Art contest – 3rd Wyvern College, 2nd Ketton College, 1st Cuthbert College
- Choir contest – 3rd Ketton College, 2nd Wyvern College, 1st Cuthbert College
- Dance contest – 3rd Cuthbert College, 2nd Ketton College, 1st Stephenson College
- Battle of the Bands – 3rd Ketton College, 2nd Wyvern College, 1st Quaker College
- Overall winner – Cuthbert College