Monday 12 May 2025
The Great Hall was bursting with energy and House pride as it hosted the annual Small House Music Competition for 2025. Each of the 12 Houses took to the stage with bold musical arrangements, choreographed performances and a clear sense of teamwork, making this one of the most memorable House Music events in recent memory.
With performances judged across four key categories - Style, Togetherness, Accuracy, and Commitment - this year’s competition demonstrated not only musical ability, but leadership, collaboration and creativity. From impressive vocal solos and energetic dance breaks to unexpected mashups and engaging crowd interaction, every House brought something unique to the afternoon.
Adjudicators Kings, Ella Monnery and Kirsten Scouller were deeply impressed with the calibre of performances and shared thoughtful praise for each House. Their comments reflected both the professionalism of the performances and the creativity of the student-led arrangements.
Top Three Overall Results:
🥇 1st Place – Marsden House (210 points)
Feeling Good - Michael Bublé
Judges' Comments: This performance was praised for its tight band, strong vocals, and standout soloists, with the lead singer delivering a particularly impressive performance. The horn section was highlighted as the best of the house performances, and the overall musicality and stage presence were described as polished and captivating, comparable to a professional show. Minor feedback included adjusting band volume to better support the vocalists and holding notes slightly longer for added impact.
🥈 2nd Place – Major House (190 points)
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Judges' Comments: This performance was tight, polished, and highly engaging, praised for its strong vocals, impressive choreography, and well-executed band moments. The dramatic opening set the tone for a dynamic set, with standout dance moves, a powerful bass player, and a high-energy band intro that captivated the audience. Although the tempo felt slightly rushed at times and some vocals got a bit shouty, the overall performance was cohesive, entertaining, and full of memorable highlights.
🥉 3rd Place – Greenbank House (185 points)
I'm Outta Love - Anastacia
Judges' Comments: This performance stood out for its high energy, clever arrangement and strong musicality. The band delivered dynamic hits with standout solos from Ollie Coleman (Year 13) and Jordan Yang (Year 13), while Dan Mead (Year 13) opened with a stunning vocal performance. The key change was a highlight, showcasing impressive coordination. While the group could benefit from tighter cohesion and improved mic technique, the creativity, unexpected song choice, and individual vocal moments made it a memorable and exciting set.
Notable Mention:
Taylor House shone as the top-performing girls’ House, placing 4th overall with their vibrant rendition of Street Player by Chicago.
Judges' Comments: Their performance featured strong individual vocalists and an impressive ensemble overall, though there were moments where cohesion could be improved. Highlights included a standout flute solo, a tight horn section and vibrant disco energy. The purple sequins added flair, and the band’s instrumental section - especially the bongos - brought the energy back after a mid-performance dip. With some refinement in mic technique and ensemble unity, this performance has the potential to be truly outstanding.
Full Results:
| Place | House | Points |
| 1st | Marsden | 210 |
| 2nd | Major | 190 |
| 3rd | Greenbank | 185 |
| 4th | Taylor | 171 |
| 5th | Averill | 169 |
| 6th | Marion Bruce | 155 |
| 7th | Middlemore | 151 |
| 8th | St John's | 150 |
| 9th | Selwyn | 136 |
| 10th | Peart | 133 |
| 11th= | School and Parnell | 132 |
In Summary
Adjudicator feedback praised the students’ passion, vocal strength, and willingness to take risks, whether through unexpected genre twists, clever skits, or complex arrangements. Importantly, every House showed commitment to the spirit of the event and the joy of performance.
Congratulations to all the students, student leaders, and staff who contributed to another unforgettable event of music, House pride, and camaraderie at King’s.