The House Music Festival took place on the evenings of 5th and 6th February, with packed audiences in the 
Tom Stoppard Theatre.
The standard of musicianship achieved on the second night was arguably the best we have ever seen in this event, and there were certainly many stand-out performances.
Choral items were a significant strength for all of the Houses. Hutton, with perhaps their largest choir ever, accompanied by Georgina Lloyd on piano, performed very effective arrangements of ‘Use Somebody’ and ‘Sweet Child of Mine’.
Gruggen sang two cappella arrangements; ‘Sunny Afternoon’ and the remarkable ‘Love You’. This latter piece had complex vocal textures, yet was impeccably sung by the group.
Dolman produced two pieces; ‘With or Without You’, as well as ‘Candyman’, in a challenging unaccompanied 
arrangement. Wilberforce opted to present just one choral item, but the beautiful solo singing of Olivia Turner, as well as the exquisitely achieved harmonies, made this a memorable performance.
The quality of instrumental work was very encouraging, and we were treated to a diverse range of pieces. Wilberforce presented two pieces.
The performance of Pachelbel’s ‘Canon’ was sublime, with the violins of Emma Norgate, Emily Wride and Harry Kneeshaw weaving their complex contrapuntal lines perfectly.
There followed a large-scale orchestral arrangement of Star Wars (with Alfie Brash dressed as a Stormtrooper on drums).
A very impressive performance, expertly executed. Hutton performed the theme to ‘Live and Let Die’, with some effective choreography to complement on the second evening. Gruggen and Dolman opted for improvised arrangements of pop songs, the ‘horn section’ in Dolman’s ‘Play that funky Music’ being particularly impressive.
Each house concluded with their special item. Again I would like to congratulate the bands who accompanied each House; they showed a tremendous level of musicianship, and the balance between instrumentalists and singers was excellent this year.
Dolman presented ‘Living on a Prayer’; loud and exciting, with a mosh pit on stage! Hutton gave us ‘Teacher’s Pet’; well-choreographed and with a superb guitar solo from Jordan Smith.
Wilberforce presented ‘Livin’ la Vida Loca’; musically excellent and with suggestions of the Pamplona bull-run in its staging!
Gruggen gave a thrilling performance of ‘Jailhouse Rock’, with appropriate costumes, superbly choreographed, and confidently sung.
After the first night’s performance the adjudicators were able to compliment each House on the standard of their work, and give some pertinent advice as to how things could be improved for the second night’s performance.
Consequently Wednesday’s performances were significantly improved. The award for the best individual item over the two nights was given to GRUGGEN for their performance of ‘Love You’ by Free Design, but after careful and lengthy deliberation, the overall trophy was awarded to WILBERFORCE; a well-received decision.