A melodious line-up of contenders turned up the volume when they took to the stage for the annual house music competition at Wisbech Grammar School.

Cambs Times: Maddison Taylor at Wisbech Grammar SchoolMaddison Taylor at Wisbech Grammar School (Image: Archant)

More than 200 pupils from the school’s four houses took part in the choral and instrumental contest, which attracted a total of 500 students and parents who were treated to a broad range of numbers ranging from Purcell to popular modern classics.

Cambs Times: Wisbech Grammar music awardsWisbech Grammar music awards (Image: Archant)

A vibrant rendition of ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi sung by a choir from Clarkson House helped them to lift the overall winners’ prize.

Cambs Times: Ensemble winners - ClarksonEnsemble winners - Clarkson (Image: Archant)

Along the way musicians from Clarkson, with their rendition of You’ve got the Love by Candi Staton, also took first place in the ensemble category.

One of their members, Miles MacLachlan, topped the results in the intermediate solo performance as well with New Orleans Nightfall.

Other solo standout acts were Jennifer Robinson, a member of Sparks House, with Tragedy and Madelaine Corney, from Peckover House, singing in Italian Nella Fantasia.

The award for the most promising musician went to Maddison Taylor, from Sparks House, who sang and played the piano in the senior solo section.

An Abba tribute group, comprising members of the school staff, which performed while the verdicts were being prepared, won a standing ovation.

Adjudicator Graham Griggs, who complimented the students on their performances, is a former director of music at King’s Ely who has been a practical examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and has made significant contributions to the Music Masters Association at a regional and national level.

Head of houses Mr Tim Chapman said: “It was another fantastic evening for both performers and the audience.”

Headmaster Nicholas Hammond added: “The house music competition is one of the highlights of the year at Wisbech Grammar School.

“This year was no exception and we were extremely proud of the skill and enthusiasm shown by our musicians.”