Stand Up Stand Out

Stand Up Stand Out 2026

Attending Stand Up Stand Out for our second time this year was a real treat for everyone involved. This year, we competed across multiple parts of the competition, entering Group Vocals with two choirs, Bands with seven bands, Solo Instrumental with three performers, and Solo Vocal with one student.

It was a fantastic day from the moment we arrived. Our students came in wearing their full school uniform and immediately made their presence felt. What really stood out was how much variety there was across our performances. Every group brought something different, from our group vocal performance of Man in the Mirror, to our choir singing I Want to Be a Cat.

Our seven bands then brought an equally wide range of music to the stage. We had everything from The Mighty Mighty Bosstones to Skillet and Paramore, as well as our string quintet performing a chamber-style version of No Surprises by Radiohead. Our jazz band took on Hold On, I’m Comin’, while Juan and his band Scissors performed an original song of their own.

We were also incredibly proud of our solo instrumental performers, with excellent performances from Samuel Speedy, Rupert Archer and Milla Forgain, who also entered the Solo Vocal category.

One of the things I was most proud of, however, happened away from the stage. Throughout the day, we were repeatedly told how well behaved, respectful and professional our students were. This was across all areas of the competition, not just while they were performing. Whether they were waiting for their turn, watching other schools perform, moving between venues or simply hanging out together, our students represented St Ignatius incredibly well.

For me, that is just as important as what happens on stage. Stand Up Stand Out gives our students the opportunity to experience the nerves, excitement, pressure and achievement that comes with performing, but it also gives them a chance to show who they are as young people.

With so many students involved across so many different categories, it was a great reflection of the diversity and talent we have within our Music Department. More importantly, it was a chance for our students to support each other, represent our school and simply get up there and make music.

It was a fantastic day, and one that we can all be very proud of. The performances were great, but seeing our students conduct themselves with such maturity, respect and professionalism throughout the entire competition was probably the biggest win of all.