STUDENTS showcased their musical talents for one of the highlights of their school calendar. Freman College in Bowling Green Lane, Buntingford, held its 32nd house music competition – an event that proved as popular as ever. Students from the college s

STUDENTS showcased their musical talents for one of the highlights of their school calendar.

Freman College in Bowling Green Lane, Buntingford, held its 32nd house music competition - an event that proved as popular as ever.

Students from the college's four Houses - Hepworth, Mills, Moore, and Butler - performed in front of an audience of 350.

Each house performed a selection of music which had to feature a choral piece, instrumental group, and a composition written by a student.

The choice of pieces - performance, direction, and rehearsals, were all made by the students.

All houses performed to a high standard, which made the judges' - acclaimed musicians Simon Router and Lorna Davies - decisions even more difficult.

They said they had been overwhelmed by the talent and enthusiasm shown by the students, and gave detailed and very positive feedback to each house, singling out many groups and individuals for particular praise.

Sara Woo-Sam was awarded the prize for the best individual contribution for composition, direction, and saxophone solo, while her house Moore claimed an award for best instrumental group.

Hepworth House won the best choir award for its rendition of Abba's Take a Chance on Me, and the Ramones' What I Like About You.

The award for best individual performance went to David Harriman-Smith of Butler House, for his rendition of Beethoven's Sonata Number 14.

The overall winner of the competition was Mills House, with the adjudicators praising the contribution of director David Hill, and Becca John and Lydia Leggatt.

Headteacher Helen Loughran said: "It was a great evening. Every year it is hard to believe that the students can possibly match up to the standard set the previous year - but they always do.

"It was lovely to see the pride they all have, not only in their own performances, but also in one another's.

"There were a lot of very proud mums and dads in the audience.