A group of young musicians from Beverley Grammar School are celebrating after winning the prestigious Battle of the Bands competition for school pupils at Bridlington Spa.
Satin & Smoke – a six-piece group made up of Year 10 pupils – were named winners by the judges on a competitive night of high-quality music, organised by East Riding Music Hub.
Lewis Pemberton (vocals), James Harman (guitar), Ben Kerswill (guitar), Jamie Baldwin (bass) Alex Zaichevs (keyboard) and Kasper McMath (drum kit) performed Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits and It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World by James Brown. Pemberton also took the individual prize for vocal performance.
The judges’ feedback said the Beverley Grammar School band put on a “strong performance from the opening chord” and “exceptional individual performances came together to create a great whole”.
They added: “Song choices served the style and the character of the band, both guitarists soloed, which was great to see and there was excellent stage presence by all members.”
Satin & Smoke are the first band from Beverley Grammar School to win Battle of the Bands and their prize is to headline their own gig at Bridlington Spa. This year’s Battle of the Bands starred ten schools, each performing two songs each at a venue that has previously hosted the likes of David Bowie, Oasis and The 1975.
Along with Beverley Grammar, schools in action included Hornsea, Kings Mill, Longcroft, Aldbrough, Hessle, Wolfreton, Cottingham, South Hunsley and local favourites Headlands. The night also featured a guest appearance from last year’s champions from Goole, Counterproducts.
Ben Croombs, area relationship manager (secondary schools) at East Riding Council, said: “This was my 11th year organising Battle of the Bands, and I can honestly say the standard of performance was the highest I’ve ever heard.
“Although it’s a competition, it’s never really been about that, it’s about creating a community of like-minded young musicians. The way each band supported and encouraged each other throughout the event was truly inspiring – they are a credit to their schools.”
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