Electric Performances Ignite the Stage in Battle of the Bands 2022

The sounds of drums, guitars, keyboards, strings and vocals filled the Great Hall as each band erupted on stage with the most electrifying performances at the inaugural Alleyn’s Battle of the Bands. The second loudest sound was that of the cheering and whooping from the audience. The evening of rock and pop was a much welcome burst of energy and heat on a cold Tuesday evening and the smiles on the faces of the performers and audience said it all.

The competition, which felt more like a professional gig, was closely fought between six Senior and five Lower School bands. The two categories which straddled either side of an intermission were judged by musicians Jason Thompson and Sam White who were clearly blown away by the standard of skill and the “rock and roll” stage presence of every band. And who would have thought that these young musicians would master such classics as “Layla” by Eric Clapton as well contemporary hits such as “Take Me to Church” by Hozier.

Mr Thompson was very moved to see the pupils, some of whom he had taught as Music teacher at Alleyn’s, perform so confidently on stage and “felt like a proud father”.

Ms White added that it was a thrill to hear live music again and was also happy to be back at the school. In past years, she has judged the Year 9 Music Festival.

It was almost impossible to decide on the winners but in the end, the award for Best Senior Band was handed to God-Like Geniuses, whose members are Sophie, Albert and Zephyr (Year 13), for their performance “All on the Watch Tower” by Bob Dylan covered Jimi Hendrix, and the Best Lower School Band award went to Heatstroke formed by Arthur, Ben, Tatiana, Edo and Leon (Year 7) who won with “Layla”. Congratulations to everyone who performed, and we look forward to Battle of the Bands becoming a future fixture on the school calendar and a highlight of Lent term.

Music teacher Miss Darcey Wynter, whose idea it was to revive and produce Alleyn’s Battle of the Band, was delighted by the evening’s event.

“I am thrilled for all the bands who absolutely blew us away with their preparation, performance and attitude. It’s so exciting to see different kinds of music being performed at Alleyn’s and I really think that Battle of the Bands showed yet another aspect of the musical talent that our pupils possess. I am so proud of all of them!”

Head Mrs Lunnon expressed her joy, “What an evening! I was astonished by the performances, beyond impressed by our remarkable musicians”.

Miss Wynter also acknowledged the Alleyn’s team that produced the show.  “The atmosphere in the Great Hall and the incredible quality of the event could not have been possible without the enthusiasm and professionalism of my colleagues around the school. My huge thanks go out to all of them for making this first Battle of the Bands a truly memorable one.”

About the Judges

Jason Thompson has played the piano for nearly 40 years and has been teaching music for over 25 years. His main musical influences are from the church where he grew up but he successfully straddles the worlds of Jazz, Blues, Pop, R&B, Classical & Gospel Music.

Over his career, Jason has had many national & international performances, which have taken him to over 25 countries, and has performed with artists such as Incognito, Mica Paris, Ruby Turner, Patti Boulaye, Sir Cliff Richard, Womack and Womack and James Ingram to name but a few.

Sam White is a professional singer who tours the world with many pop and soul artists. Her career which spans almost 25 years, has taken her to arenas, stadiums and festivals across the world. Some of the artists she has performed with include Rag N Bone Man, Billy Ocean, Westlife and was a band member for four years of Alleyn's own, Florence & The Machine. Sam has adjudicated the annual Year 9 Music Festival at Alleyns for over 10 years.