A group of Sixth Form students at Harrogate High School studying music recently took part in a competition called ‘Down with the Kidz’ at Grand Opera House in York in support of the local charity, ‘York Against Cancer’. The band, named ‘Forever’, were using the event as an opportunity to raise money for the charity and also as one of their final assessments for an assignment which involves performing as an ensemble.
Liam Gambles, Nathan Malton, Helena Popplewell, Jordan Swales and Chelsie Ward who make up the group spent a number of weeks practising for this event and also performing in front peers in the schools popular ‘The Friday Jam Session’ where students perform at lunch times. They rehearsed in and out of lessons like true professionals, selecting their own repertoire.
It was unbeknown to the band when they arrived at the venue they were actually taking part in a competition with other local schools bands. They performed to ‘Back to Black’ by Amy Winehouse, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ by Nirvana and ‘I Will Survive’ by Gloria Gaynor. The band went down a storm with the crowd up dancing and singing along – the band deservedly won the competition! They were described as a ‘class’ act and Chelsie was likened to the late Amy Winehouse.
Their prize is to perform again at the Grand Opera House at the York Rocks Against Cancer Concert on Saturday 15th June 2013 at 7.30pm. The show will also consist of three local professional rock groups, a local dance group and stars from Emmerdale singing as Edna’s Hat, with Emmerdale’s own Bob Hope (Tony Audenshaw) acting as compere. It is a night not to miss whilst supporting a great local charity and our amazing students.
Head of Music at Harrogate High School Amber Southern said:
We are extremely proud of these students and we look forward to their next performance. They are now working to put together a new set ready for this event. If you can’t make the York Rocks Against Cancer event then there will be an opportunity to see these students at Harrogate High School’s Summer Concert on Monday 24th June at 7pm.
