S2 BATTLE OF THE BANDS WINNERS 2026

2026 Winners (drum roll)... 2.1 With or Without You (U2)

Today, Thursday 22 January 2026, our nine S2 practical classes performed on the stage with lights and mics!

Each class chose a song in October and were given at least 6 music lessons to practise it together:

  • 2.1 With or Without You (U2)
  • 2.2 Hard Times (Paramore)
  • 2.3 Dancing Queen (ABBA)
  • 2.4 Firework (Katy Perry)
  • 2.5 Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand)
  • 2.6 Wonderwall (Oasis)
  • 2.7 12 to 12 (Sombr)
  • 2.8 Valerie (Amy Winehouse)
  • 2.9 Iris (Goo Goo Dolls)

3 competitive heats took place in house groups: Garleton (2.1, 2.2, 2.3), Lammerlaw (2.4, 2.5, 2.6) and Traprain (2.7, 2.8, 2.9). These heats were judged by a panel of the 2025 Battle of the Band winners (2.5 Everybody Wants to Rule the World) and S6 House Captains. A huge thank you to these wonderful judges! Thank you to talented fourth year student, Sam Maguire, who provided the stage lighting for each class so that it felt and looked like a professional show. The Final took place in the hall period 7 with all nine classes in the audience. The judging panel was made up of the class teachers, Emma Robertson (Librarian), Mr Russell (Depute Headteacher) and VIP Community Guest, John Arnold (Actor, ECFM Radio DJ). Judges marked the musical performances on melody, harmony & rhythm and our Music Department values of creativity, communication and confidence.

FINALISTS

  • 2.1 With or Without You (U2)
  • 2.5 Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand)
  • 2.8 Valerie (Amy Winehouse)

We are delighted to announce the WINNERS of the S2 Battle of the Bands 2026 (drum roll…) 

2.1 With or Without You

2.1 have won 500 House Points for Garleton, will have their band photo published in the East Lothian Courier and, those who continue with Music in S3, can look forward to judging the 2027 competition. 

VIP Judge John Arnold also very kindly offered anyone who participated in the competition the opportunity to sign up for a live Take Over on East Coast FM for 20 minutes! Students just need to send an email to apply.

What a joy to see our students developing the invaluable transferable skills of creativity, communication and confidence as part of the curriculum. Mrs Loughrey & Mrs Middlemiss are incredibly proud of the way students entered into the competition with such teamwork and determination to do well, pursuing our school values of Ambition, Respect & Community.