Students in Taverham have been taking part in a competition to celebrate musical excellence.

The Bullard Competition has been held each year at Taverham Hall School since the Bullard family, local Norwich brewers, donated funds for a cup.

The competition was originally organised for singers, but this year it became a 'house' music competition to involve all pupils at the school.

William Drew-Batty, director of music at the school, said: 'This was an excellent event, enjoyed by all.'

There were twelve soloists, seven ensembles and a song from each of the four houses; Crows, Hawks, Owls and Wrens.

Head chorister of the chapel choir, Samantha Blackman, began the event with a song by Leonard Bernstein, My House. She has also recently successfully auditioned for a place in the National Youth Choir.

The adjudicator was Mr Andrew Jenkins, director of music at Saint Felix School, Southwold, who fed back his comments to the performers at the end of each section.

Winner of the solo category, for Owls, was saxophonist Sophie Richardson who played I'm late for school, by Andy Hampton. Amelia and Lydia Ellis-Baumber were the winners of the ensemble category, with their clarinet duet of Morning Has Broken, and the winning house song was awarded to Wrens, led by Miss Pennell, for their rendition of I Just Can't wait to be King, from The Lion King.

Crows performed Mr Blue Sky, Owls sang Don't Stop Believing and Hawks entertained with their choreographed version of YMCA, by Village People.

The winning house overall was Owls.

Mr Drew-Batty added: 'With Taverham Hall's Senior Choir having just returned as finalists at the Barnardos Choir Festival at the Barbican and looking forward to appearing with Blake at Norwich Theatre Royal on July 3, music at Taverham Hall School is looking up.'

To see all the photos of the event visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk to view the online photo gallery.

Has your school been involved in an exciting event? Contact Local Life editor Donna-Louise Bishop at donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk or call 01603 772438.