First Open Mic Night of the Year

The first Open Mic Night of the year took place in the Michael Baker Boathouse on 17^th November.

These popular events attract a large audience of pupils, staff, parents and family friends, who together create a relaxing and encouraging environment for all the performers.

Last week’s Open Mic Night was the first of the year and the first of a series of musical events coming up,  culminating in the Carol Service on the last day of term.

There were 20 performances during the evening featuring over 30 pupils. We had an Upper Sixth Boy Band performing Locked  out of heaven and a FF girl band singing Blondie’s heart of glass – what will they sound like together as a super group? The evening began with Hannah B singing Play that funky music. It was an excellent opening to the gig and particularly impressive featuring pupils from five different year groups including a debut performance form U4 Music Scholar Edward S on guitar. There were solo debuts from Flo S (LR), Jack F (UR),  Sophie R (FF), Bella C (FF), Sam C (L6) and Sam T-E (U6).

Gabriel T led a 6th-form band who performed an original song written by the band members called Easy on me. Seasoned performers including  Ava H (UR)  Elijah B (U6) performed their usual aplomb. Music during the night ranged from Michael Jackson through to The Smiths, Dire Straits and contemporary artists such as Taylor Swift and Adele.  Brothers Austin and Jack B were impressive throughout the evening on guitar and drums respectively in the role of the session band for several performances.

The audience was treated to an excellent evening of entertainment.  A small selection of ambient recordings from the evening can be found on the music department’s Soundcloud page along with over 700 recordings from previous music events  – https://soundcloud.com/ksw-music/sets/open-mic-night-nov-23

Next term’s Open Mic Night takes place on Friday 22^nd March in the Michael Baker Boathouse.