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Royal Hall hosts Ashville's movie-themed music spectacular

Pupils from Ashville took to the Royal Hall stage in front of more than 1,000 people.

Ashville pupils performed in front of more than 1,000 people at Harrogate's Royal Hall for the school's annual House Music Competition.

Every pupil in the Senior School took part in the three-hour showcase, which featured a theme for the first time – A Night at the Movies.

Performances included music from Les Misérables, Kung Fu Panda and James Bond, alongside instrumental solos, ensembles and House choirs.

The competition was the culmination of weeks of preparation, coordinated by pupil House Captains and Musical Directors who chose the music, organised performers and led rehearsals.

Ellis House was crowned overall champion after winning the Large House Choir category with September, featured in Night at the Museum. Windermere finished second overall, followed by Riverdale and Duckworth.

Finley Tuck won the Instrumental Solo category with Chopin’s Nocturne in C-sharp minor, while Eva Jalal took the Vocal Solo award for I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables.

Windermere won both ensemble categories. Its instrumental group performed Kung Fu Fighting, featured in Kung Fu Panda, bringing together violins, flutes, trumpets, electric guitar and bass, among other instruments.

The House also secured the Vocal Ensemble award with a harmonised rendition of Adele’s Skyfall.

Laura Jackson, Ashville’s Head of Senior School, said:

“Many congratulations to all our performers. A Night at the Movies celebrated much more than musical achievement, it strengthened our community spirit and showed what pupils can accomplish when they work together.

“Behind every performance lay an enormous amount of hard work, preparation and commitment from pupils across all four Houses.

“Special recognition must go to the House Musical Directors, who took on the considerable responsibility of choosing repertoire, organising performers and leading rehearsals.

"The dedication, creativity and leadership they demonstrated in inspiring others, and bringing these performances to life, were truly awe-inspiring.

“Pupils demonstrated the remarkable breadth of musical talent at Ashville. From expressive solos to accomplished ensembles and spirited House choirs, every performance contributed to an engaging and hugely enjoyable occasion.”

Choral director, organist and adjudicator John Dunford judged the competition.

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