Shelley College Christmas Showcase 2008

The 2008 Shelley College Showcase took place on the 18 & 19th December at the end of last term.  Over the 2 performances students amazed parents, sixth formers and the whole school with their unbelievable talents.

The show open with the newly formed "Shelley College Cheerleading team" performing amazing stunts and choreography, lifting 2 students 18 feet above the audience takes amazing balance and skill.  The show progressed with Poppy Rawson giving a superb and heart melting rendition of Norah Jones' version of "Love Me Tender" and rockers "Last Second Chance", a year 9 band performing Buck Rogers by Feeder.  Displaying amazing vocal harmony, year 11 girls Daisy Leonard, Jodie Schofield, Lydia Sykes sang "Tracks of my Tears" made famous by Smokey Robinson. 

It was then the turn of Jenny Stevens, accompanied by Mr Hoyle on the guitar to keep us in the same musical era and sing a beautiful version of "Killing Me Softly."  The string group followed with their great version of the traditional Irish song and Corrs favourite Erin Shore/Toss the Feathers.

Keeping with the acoustic theme, year 11 band "Volume" sang a totally chilled out cover of "Iris".  The Audience were now ready to be brought right up to date with a mega mix of dance music and chorography by Amy-Kate Newsome, Danielle Walker, Steph Lowen and Sarah Kenyon, all girls from year 13 and performing in their last Showcase. 

Performing her first Showcase was Bryony Leeson who, accompandied by left-handed guitarist Ben Stonehouse sang Oh Boy by Duffy.  It was the right time in the evening to the big guns and Rock with XPloder whose Singer Reece Whittaker and lead guitarist Peter Kieley rocked the hall to the tones of "Green Machine."  Slowing the pace down was Jonathan Bates, youngest ever member of the National Youth Brass Band, who played a truly great performance of "Star of Bethlehem" on his tenor horn.  Breaking Social Boundaries were next up, a band from numerous year groups who gave an emotional version of the Goth classic "Bring me to Life."

Two solo performers followed, with year 9 students and Yorkshire Young Musician, Lewis Reynolds who played and exception and note perfect rendition of "Lily Was Here" made famous by Candy Dulfer and Dave Stewart, and returning to the stage for the final time was Daisy Leonard to sing "Perfect Moment." The Jazz group, yet again chilled the groove with some utter jazztastic classic, with each member playing solos.  Amazing stuff, such skilled musicianship. 

Then it was time for a gem of a performance by the Flyntz, who originally missed their audition slot, but totally rocked the whole school and most of the local area with their version of "Song 2" by Blur.  A year 9 3-piece rock band gave it the full beans with a superb performance by Alistair Dyson on vocal and a powerhouse drum solo from Ian Walker...the Flyntz have a great future...but remember: you heard it here first!!!!

Slowing the pace down again was Emma Melling (Vocals), Amy Brennan (Vocals & Acoustic Guitar) and Megan Davies (Acoustic Guitar) who sang a gorgeous version of Cannonball by Damien Rice.  The vocal group made of students and staff filled the stage and accompanied by drummers, percussionists, and dancers Olivia England, Fran Blacker, and Melissa Kilner.  Emily Berry then stunned the audience with a contemporary dance piece to "The Rose", showing such confidence for a year 9 student.  Feena Mcloughlin and Jess White then sang Perfect by Fairground Attraction.  A wonderful sing-a-long and clap-a-long song. 

Performing for the final time after numerous years were the Penny Traitors. We have got used to a great performance from these lads, and this year was no exception.  With Stuart Bray stood in the spotlight singing Mariah Carey's "All I want for Xmas" they suddenly powered into a soul medley including "RESPECT" and "WAR."  A great way to finish their Showcase career.  A special mention must be made at the is point to Joe Black, our resident comedian who did a great job of introducing acts with a blend of sharp observation and witty jokes. Thanks Joe!! The staff band did their usual turn and ended another great year with their versions of "James Bond" by Scouting for Girls and "Band Aids "Do they know its Christmas."

Although it is said every year, the performances of ALL students are amazing...a testament to the talents we have at Shelley College.  Roll on next year.