Alexander (Year Ten), who is participating in the Young Reporter Scheme, wrote this fantastic article about the recent Battle of the Bands competition. You can see many other articles written by Wilson’s students for this scheme on Young Reporter | This Is Local London; over the next term we will highlight some more of the excellent student journalism produced by pupils in Years Ten to Twelve through the scheme. Many thanks to Mr Kramer for organising the contest and to Mr Burton for his pictures of the event!

On the 12th of October, the annual Wilson’s School Battle of the Bands was held, with sixteen competing bands and two winners, a Junior Award for Years Seven to Nine, and a Senior Category for bands above Year 10. I spoke with the band Censor* d before their well-earned victory in the Senior Category of the event.

The four-man progressive rock group had quite the energetic atmosphere in the warm-up room with their anticipation clearly on display. The band have been together for just over a year, yet their chemistry is clearly outstanding. As budding musicians, they hold the event quite dearly, as a chance to showcase their skills and perform for an audience.

Baodi (Year Ten), drummer for the band, explained to me that the Battle of the Bands “is great for students with musical abilities to express themselves outside of normal subjects.” This opportunity is certainly what drew the many bands and spectators to the after-school action. Many different styles of music were put on display—with even an original song being played, showing how diverse the students’ tastes are. Without the contest the myriad forms of music wouldn’t have been exhibited to so many viewers and many of the bands would have few other occasions to be on stage.

Besides this, the chance to come out of one’s shell is another way the tournament benefits our school. Many people struggle with performing for others but being able to appear in such a safe environment is an incredible building block for the young performers.

In a fitting show of humility, lead singer Haresh (Year Ten) mentioned beforehand that “I don’t care if we win or lose, I just want to perform”. Despite the nonchalant attitude, the band proceeded to be victorious, just further demonstrating how important the Battle of the Bands is for the students—as an experience to play rather than to win.

The Battle of the Bands 2023 was truly an incredible experience, both for the spectators and the musicians. The hard work of the teachers and students culminated in a great evening and I will certainly be returning next year.