Highsted’s a cappella choir, The Origin, recently had the exciting experience of taking part in the Regional Final of the Jack Petchey Foundation Glee Club Challenge. The a cappella performance – sung in close harmony without instrumental accompaniment – was presented by a group of 19 students from Years 10-13, selected by one of the judges following assessment of their entry of I Found (originally by Amber Run). Seven acts competed for the top place in Kent, and only the top three went through to the national final.

At the Regional Final, the girls performed this song – together with a second selected piece – at the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks.  Only seven groups in Kent are selected for this stage of the competition, and the top three of those go on to the Grand Final at London’s 02 Arena in March. Although Highsted’s a cappella choir narrowly missed this opportunity by coming fourth of the seven acts, the girls were thrilled to have taken part and are looking forward to entering next year’s competition.

Choir member Elizabeth said: “It was very exciting to be able to compete in the Regional Finals.  We had been practising every week to ensure we were ready. We sang I Found by Amber Run and Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye, the Belgian-Australian multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter.”  She added: “I really enjoy singing in a group with others who also enjoy singing.”