Last term our students were given the opportunity to enter our songwriting competition 2021 and record their very own song in a professional studio. Open to all students from Year 7-13, either as individuals or a group, we were looking for the best songs in the theme of ‘Resilience’.

We received entries from all year groups and the three best entries along with Mr Whitford-Williams, Sexey’s Composer in Residence from the Music Department attended the Beehive Studio in November to bring the songs to life.

Congratulations to Eliza C, Year 8, who was unanimously chosen as the overall winner due to not only the amazing tone of her voice but also how she managed to fulfil the brief of writing a song about Resilience in such a mature and concise way. The title of the track is ‘Voices in My Head’ and you can listen to the recording below.

Rose B, Year 12, was given the award of best musical composition for her song ‘What Time Is It in California? and you can listen to the track below.

Mr Whitford-Williams said “We arrived with scraps of paper and some crazy ideas. But to great surprise and delight, these amazing young people from our school proved that there is no lack of talent, imagination, professionalism and creativity within our student community.

“Through the pandemic, lockdowns, and isolation, these amazing young people have shown that their voices will be heard. And as one of our main school values, they have shown true resilience.”

Mr Whitford-Williams added “Unfortunately, we were not able to record all of the songs that were entered into the competition, but every one of the submissions along with the constant activity in the Music Department with students writing and practising in their own time, shows that Sexey’s not only can be, but already is a centre of musical excellence.”

Thank you everyone who made this project possible and to all the students who entered and to those who take the time to listen to the recordings.

We are already starting to plan the songwriting competition for 2022 with the theme ‘Forgiveness’ chosen by Headteacher Mrs Cullen. More information will be released later this term.