PITCH perfect pupils entertained with a medley of musical hits as they took to the stage for their annual winter concert.
More than 50 singers, guitarists, pianists, ukulele players and musical theatre performers from Haughton Academy, Darlington, heralded the run up to Christmas with an evening of seasonal music and song.
The event, attended by a packed hall of parents, carers, staff, family and friends, was led by academy head of music Lisa Armstrong.
“Our annual winter concert is an ideal opportunity to show off the incredible range of musical talent that we have here at Haughton Academy,” she said.
“The pupils, from Year 7 to Year 11, have been rehearsing every week since September and have been really looking forward to performing in front of their family and friends.”
The glittering show opened to a parody of the Disney film Frozen with the academy’s musical theatre group putting on their own mini musical ‘A Little Bit Nippy’.
Guitarist and singer Dan Rimmer,15, who performed Folsom Prison Blues, by Jonny Cash, alongside fellow Year 11 pupil Lucas Woods, said: “I have performed at all of the academy’s music concerts as well as playing at outside venues, such as the Forum in Darlington.
“I think people will be surprised by the level of talent that we have in the school and its good to be able to share that with people in the local community.”
Festive fun was had with a solo by pupil Sam Hoggart singing X Factor Matt Terry’s hit single When Christmas Comes Around, Issac Moore playing The Turkey on the trumpet and the academy singing group rounding up the evening with a rendition of Jingle Bells.
Parent Kerami Roberts added: “This is my daughter Emily’s first concert here at Haughton and she has been a bit nervous but very excited to play her violin as part of the Jingle Bells ensemble.
“Having an inclusive music department was a big factor for us choosing Haughton Academy for Emily and the school has been incredibly supportive and engaging with her since she started in September.
“A lot of schools don’t seem to prioritise music so having the opportunity to come to a concert like this, where the pupils are given their moment to shine and parents get to meet the staff and other parents, really helps create a real community feeling.”