Traditionally, the summer term has been a quieter time for the Music Department at Harrodian — but this year, that all changed. Director of Music Ms Kay Le Doujet set out to make summer a season of performance and creativity for pupils of all ages. “Summer has never traditionally been a major term for music events at Harrodian,” she says. “So my aim was to change that and give our pupils more opportunities to perform throughout the year.”
Summer has never traditionally been a major term for music events at Harrodian [...] so my aim was to change that and give our pupils more opportunities to perform throughout the year
Director of Music, Kay Le Doujet
The result? A packed calendar of music events that brought together pupils from across the school — from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form — and provided an inclusive platform for performers of every kind.
The musical celebrations began with the Summer Fair, organised by the Friends of Harrodian. A range of performers — soloists, duos, and groups — took to the stage throughout the day, entertaining the crowd with music spanning different genres and ages. With hay bales scattered across the grass, families could sit back and enjoy the performances at any point during the afternoon. “We curated a fantastic mix of performers — across a range of genres and age groups — to take to the stage, and they were all brilliant entertainment,” says Kay.
That same weekend, Harrodian musicians were also performing further afield — on the River Stage at the Isle of Wight Festival. This prestigious slot has seen past Harrodian Battle of the Band winners make their debut, and this year it was Esquire and Kyle who took their turn. Esquire, made up of Ramsey (vocals and guitar), Charlie (keys), Mack (drums), and Sam (bass), all from our 13s and 14s (Years 9 /10), delivered a high-energy set, while Kyle, a duo featuring Kyle on vocals and Ramsey on keys, offered a more stripped-back, intimate performance. It was a proud moment and a clear sign of the dedication and talent that Harrodian pupils bring to their music — not just within school, but in the wider world too.
The music continued back on home turf with the Summer Soirée on Thursday 26th June — a new event launched by Ms Le Doujet to bring a more informal, festival-like feel to school music-making. “We wanted the first Summer Soirée to feel like a mini festival — making the most of Harrodian’s amazing outdoor space in the warmer weather, with a more relaxed atmosphere,” she explains. “And that’s exactly what it was!”
We wanted the first Summer Soirée to feel like a mini festival — making the most of Harrodian’s amazing outdoor space in the warmer weather, with a more relaxed atmosphere [...] and that's exactly what it was!
One of the other key purposes of introducing the Summer Soirée event was to offer a continued platform for our choirs and instrumental ensembles, enabling pupils to build confidence, grow musically, and enjoy the shared experience of performing together right through to the end of the year.
Set against a backdrop of bunting and picnic rugs, the evening featured soloists, ensembles, and choirs, with performances from every level of the school. Visiting music teachers introduced their pupils where relevant, adding a personal and supportive touch. Despite the occasional gust of wind threatening to carry away sheet music and music stands, performers stayed composed and kept going, a true show of professionalism.
To experience the Soirée vibe, watch the clip below:
To view a gallery of photos taken at the Summer Soirée (Thursday 26 June 2025)
To download a copy of the Summer Soirée programme please CLICK HERE and to watch a reel made about the evening on our @harrodiannews instagram account please CLICK HERE
Rounding off the summer’s music programme was the final of the Songwriting Competition, held at the Olympic Studios in Barnes and organised by Harrodian Music Technician Dan Almond. This event was all about giving solo singer-songwriters a platform to showcase their original work — an important counterpart to the more band-focused Battle of the Bands competition. “Our bands already have a chance to do this through our Battle of the Bands competition, so it only seems fair to offer the same kind of opportunity to our solo performers,” Kay points out.
Our bands already have a chance to showcase their original work in the Battle of the Bands competition, so it only seems fair to offer the same kind of opportunity to our solo performers
The competition was a true testament to the depth of songwriting talent across the school, with six pupils making it to the final: Kyle (13s), Ramsey (13s), Freya (15s), Maria (15s), Rex (12s), and Tabetha (13s), who was awarded first place for her witty and heartfelt song Top Maths Set by judge Ben Kohn — a British songwriter, record producer, and guitarist. Tabetha was especially praised for her lyrics, which celebrated both her humour and individuality. You can read them below.
Lyrics: Top Maths Set!
I came in the 11s, expecting sunny days;
But all I got was rain and work and, well, bank holidays;
I swear that I was good at maths until you tested me;
Then all my knowledge crumbled into low grade anxiety;
I started in the 3rd set, then moved down to 4th.
And then this year just like I feared,
I dropped down one set more.
The ratio of things I know gets smaller every day.
The urge to kneel from the guilt I feel just won’t go away.
Top Maths Set, how was summer camp?
Oh wow, you did geometry, I was doing dance.
Top Maths Set, wait, Russell who?
Oh, not some boy! I promise that I’m college-bound like you.
Now end of year’s approaching;
It’s wrecking my hormones.
Expressions and equations
And all of these unknowns
The test that waits to show my fate,
Oh how I wanna die.
But I’ll face my fears, hold back my tears and try to hit my stride….
Top Maths Set, what’s it like up there?
Not a single 80 and you got it fair and square.
Top Maths set, any room for me?
Is there anyway way that I could finally have a seat…
You have pictures up in halls,
scholarships on walls,
Academic curtain calls,
While I am in free fall…
The work ahead is so immense,
The pressure makes my head feel dense,
But I won’t fear i will commence
Because I believe it will make sense.
I’m not a human calculator,
I’m not lesser, I’ll be greater,
I’ll be the dream of educators,
Not some low denominator.
Top Maths Set, I see bright days ahead,
I’ll sum it up, I’ll make my mark,
There’s nothing left to dread.
Top Maths Set, you’ll have room for me!
I’m taking it from all my dreams into reality.
To view a gallery of photos of the Songwriting Competition finals
“It’s safe to say this has been one of the busiest summer terms ever for Harrodian musicians and the Music Department,” Kay concludes — and judging by the energy, talent, and variety on display, it’s a tradition that looks set to continue.