Trust schools rock at battle of the bands!

The Trust-wide competition saw 14 bands from eight schools - Beauchamp College, The Castle Rock School, The Cedars Academy. Humphrey Perkins, Judgemeadow, Martin High School, The Newbridge School and Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College - battle it out for the right to be crowned best in the Lionheart Trust!

The groups were split into two categories the juniors (Key Stage 3) and the seniors (Key Stage 4 and 5). The judges were also keeping an astute eye out for a performer to take home the Outstanding Achievement Award!

The panel consisted of Steve Jordans (a former Cedars pupil who now runs an online guitar shop), Joey Hughes (another alumnus of Cedars and current presenter of Leicester Community Radio), Kieran O’Riordan (a decorated employee of Leicester Music) and Laura Sanchez (Executive Head of three Trust schools).

The four would be judging the bands’ musical ability, band cohesion, audience participation and stage presence.

A strong crowd exceeding 200 people were in attendance at The Palmer Tomkinson Centre, generating a superb atmosphere as the clock ticked down to 6:30pm and the bands took to the stage.

All groups wowed both the judges and the audience with superb vocal displays, expert instrument playing, props, co-ordinated outfits and lots of outrageous stage movement.

A range of classic rock and pop songs were on display; from Metallica to ABBA, there was something for everyone.

The competition was fierce and very close. Eventually, though, after deliberating with one another, the judges selected their winners.

Juniors:

Taking home the juniors prize was The Bluebirds, an 18-piece band from Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College. They wowed the judges with their rendition of ‘Sweet Child o Mine’ by Guns n Roses and Bon Jovi’s ‘You Give Love a Bad Name.’

 Seniors:

Claiming gold in the seniors category was Humphrey Perkins’ entry; The Hysterics. They had the audience on their feet with their performance of ‘Can’t Stop’ by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and cemented victory with a confident cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It.’

Individual Outstanding Achievement Award:

The individual accolade, though, went to vocalist and guitarist Ella from The Newbridge School’s band Christian. She brought the house down with a stunning performance of ‘Barracuda’ by Heart.

It was a fantastic evening and one that demonstrated the amazing outcomes that can be achieved through cross-school collaboration.

Schools were incredibly supportive of one another and cultivated an atmosphere of mutual respect and camaraderie.

The countdown for next year’s competition has well and truly begun!