IN October 2004 Elgar Technology College pupils rocked out to their half term holiday with a Battle of the Bands competition.

There were three student bands as well as a special performance by teachers impersonating chart band The Darkness.

The bands performed in front of a packed audience comprising students, teachers and a panel of judges including staff dressed as Christine Aguilera, Nicky Chapman, Sharon Osborne and Simon Cowell.

The winning band was Where’s Ellie Gone? made up of Year 9 and 10 pupils Ellie Haines, pictured above, Chris Page, Tom Barnett and Jake Howarth.

The event was organised by the Bilford Road school’s head of drama and expressive arts Sam Roach to encourage greater student involvement in music.

Mrs Roach said: “The quality of music really stood out and we are hoping that the event.

“Together with our new recording studio, will encourage students to form more bands in the future.”