0:00:02 > 0:00:04Choral conductor Tim Rhys Evans has set himself a challenge.
0:00:04 > 0:00:08He's created a top singing Academy for a bunch of teenagers,
0:00:08 > 0:00:10hand-picked from his choir Only Boys Aloud.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15A rigorous audition process has whittled down the hopefuls
0:00:15 > 0:00:17to find Tim his 32.
0:00:17 > 0:00:18"Congratulations".
0:00:18 > 0:00:20LAUGHTER
0:00:20 > 0:00:22In just six weeks,
0:00:22 > 0:00:26Tim hopes to turn these rookie singers into a polished choir,
0:00:26 > 0:00:30ready for a performance at this castle, to the paying public.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Everyone is expecting results.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37Make sure that, if you've written something on your score, you do it.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40And if you haven't written something down, why not?
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Because it's the first one, it's the first Academy.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46There are plenty of people that would love to see it fail.
0:00:46 > 0:00:51And the first test for the Academy choir is a showcase at Eton College,
0:00:51 > 0:00:55home to some of the UK's most accomplished young choristers.
0:00:55 > 0:01:00Tim's ambitious repertoire has created a daunting workload for the boys.
0:01:00 > 0:01:01It looks quite hard actually.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Oh, my gosh.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08They're sung in Latin or German, or...did he say French or something as well?
0:01:08 > 0:01:13They're facing long days of note learning and music theory lessons.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17It's sink or swim for Tim and his Only Boys Aloud Academy.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31It's day one and the eager boys arrive for their first rehearsal.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Weeks of planning and preparation are now behind Tim
0:01:34 > 0:01:36and his team of music coaches.
0:01:36 > 0:01:42It's here. It's Academy day preparation weekend number one.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45What has been just a series of words on a piece of paper
0:01:45 > 0:01:48in the long-term planning is here.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50I'm nervous, I'm really nervous.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54The boys are turning up. What are they going to be expecting?
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Are they going to be expecting a really easy day?
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Because they're not going to have it!
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Are they expecting an exciting day,
0:02:01 > 0:02:03as they probably won't have that either.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06There's going to be a lot of sitting down, learning notes.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08I've had a look at the repertoire.
0:02:08 > 0:02:09More difficult than I was expecting.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Tim's going to challenge them a lot, which is the reason for the Academy.
0:02:13 > 0:02:18It'll be hard for us to teach it, let alone for them to sing it, so it'll be a good day.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Spread out a bit, boys. That's it. That's fine. We've got a lot to do
0:02:22 > 0:02:23in a very short space of time.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25You'll get your music in a minute,
0:02:25 > 0:02:27so you'll see our repertoire.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30We're singing in four different languages - Latin, Welsh,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32in German and in English.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36There's a lot to do and I'm thinking, "Why do I do this to myself?".
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Why do I put myself in this public arena of failure?
0:02:39 > 0:02:44I'm sure it will be fine, but ask me at the end of the day,
0:02:44 > 0:02:46when I've got a drink in my hand!
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Unaware of the pressure,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52some of the boys are still on a high after getting into the Academy.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55I told you, I told you, didn't I?
0:02:55 > 0:02:57For 17-year-old Ben Bateman,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00his acceptance is a life changing moment, and for his family.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01Stop crying now, man!
0:03:01 > 0:03:05My parents are crying, so they must have been happy.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08They really need a reason to cry as they don't cry much.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12I think they're proud, which is good - I want to make them proud.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16I would never in a million years have thought one of my children
0:03:16 > 0:03:19would ever be in a choir.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23I think the Academy is going to push Ben further
0:03:23 > 0:03:25than I think he thinks he can go.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29You know, and it can only be for the better.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33I've been waiting for this day since the audition.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36I'm very proud of him. Very emotional.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Singing and, you know, making people happy, is something he wants to do.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42I'm glad that he's got through now.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47The acceptance letter has brought immense relief for 16-year-old Niall Hunt from Cwmbran.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51When I was opening the letter, I didn't know what it was going to be.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54I didn't want to look at what it said first -
0:03:54 > 0:03:55I wanted to read it all,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58and then I saw in capitals, "congratulations",
0:03:58 > 0:03:59and I thought, "Woo, I've done it!".
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Forget about GCSEs, I just want to go and do it now.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Niall was one of the youngest people
0:04:05 > 0:04:08that auditioned, so I did wonder if he would actually get through.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11He thought it had gone well but I did think...
0:04:11 > 0:04:14I said to people that it was 50-50 - it could go either way,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17but everyone's going to be delighted and we're over the moon about it.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22I think to celebrate I'll have a nice cup of tea and a biscuit.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27I had a letter to say that I was successful getting into the Academy.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31It was great, and it was a relief as well that I was involved.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34It was a good feeling to get into something which could be promising.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37And for Tom Hier from Merthyr Tydfil,
0:04:37 > 0:04:42a place in the Academy is a huge boost as he weighs up his options for the future.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47I think it's a bit of a dream, but if the Academy goes really far
0:04:47 > 0:04:50then it could be a kind of way out
0:04:50 > 0:04:57from the Biologies and the Maths, yeah.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00But the boys' enthusiasm comes to a halt with the first
0:05:00 > 0:05:04shock of the day - a file bursting with difficult repertoire -
0:05:04 > 0:05:06and it's not going down well.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10It looks quite hard, actually. Oh, my gosh.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11I just looked at the music now
0:05:11 > 0:05:15and it looks very hard, actually. We've never sung in Latin or
0:05:15 > 0:05:19German or... Did he say French or something else as well?
0:05:19 > 0:05:20Well, when we got the pack,
0:05:20 > 0:05:24we got all the music out and there was just sheets after sheets and
0:05:24 > 0:05:27sheets of music, and I was like, "Oh..." It was so daunting.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31With the Latin one, I thought it was called Agyness Deyn,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34after the model. Obviously it wasn't but that's how I thought
0:05:34 > 0:05:38it said. It was called Agnus Dei or something like that.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41I thought it was called Agyness Deyn. I'm so silly.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Salve Regina. Just say that for me.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47ALL: Salve Regina.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50SINGING
0:05:50 > 0:05:53It's straight in at the deep end for the boys as they start
0:05:53 > 0:05:56rehearsing a 15th century chant.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- I'm actually quite nervous about the Academy.- I'm nervous now.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I'm really happy we're doing Rent, though.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Yeah, at least that's in English.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Oh, God. I'm not even good at English, let alone different
0:06:09 > 0:06:13languages. It should be hopefully easy to remember,
0:06:13 > 0:06:16and if they're repetitive maybe, then hopefully they're
0:06:16 > 0:06:17easy to learn.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21In a matter of weeks they must gel as a choir fit to impress
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Eton's choristers.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26But Tim is gambling on a repertoire that may prove to be
0:06:26 > 0:06:28too stuffy for a group of teenage lads.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31There'll be things that they love, there'll be things that are,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34"Oh, God do we have to do that again?"
0:06:34 > 0:06:37But it's like eating prunes or whatever, isn't it?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40We know that it's good for us but we might not want to do it.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45Tim decides to split the boys into sections based on vocal ranges.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48The academy coaches or team captains - come from Tim's
0:06:48 > 0:06:53professional male voice choir, Only Men Aloud. But it's the first time
0:06:53 > 0:06:56they've seen the repertoire, too, and the boss has shown up
0:06:56 > 0:06:57to observe.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02SINGING
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Sorry, that's entirely my fault.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08With basses left to learn the notes,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11will the second tenors show a little more confidence with their
0:07:11 > 0:07:13run-through of a traditional Welsh folk song?
0:07:13 > 0:07:18SINGING
0:07:22 > 0:07:25But the boys are struggling with the basics.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37It's also a steep learning curve for first tenor coach David,
0:07:37 > 0:07:41having to draw on some rudimentary piano playing skills.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Well, these weekends, it's a learning process for everyone,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48including all the team captains. We're having to learn how to teach
0:07:48 > 0:07:51these young lads the music so quickly, you know.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54None of the team captains are trained pianists,
0:07:54 > 0:07:55and I don't want them to be,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58but what they can show in their vocal technique...
0:07:58 > 0:08:00David's got the most beautiful voice
0:08:00 > 0:08:04and he's a very capable musician, just not a pianist.
0:08:07 > 0:08:08We're used to having time on our side
0:08:08 > 0:08:11but trying to encourage the boys that there is
0:08:11 > 0:08:14light at the end of the tunnel, we'll get through it.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16I don't think they can all see it yet,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18but give it a few weeks and they'll realise
0:08:18 > 0:08:21just what all the hard work can do when it pays off.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28It's actually started. I'm listening to sectional rehearsals
0:08:28 > 0:08:32going on, and what I'm more thrilled about than anything else is
0:08:32 > 0:08:35they're already making a fantastic sound.
0:08:38 > 0:08:46# Down by the Sally Gardens
0:08:46 > 0:08:52# My love and I did meet... #
0:08:52 > 0:08:56I've noticed already the difference between the ability
0:08:56 > 0:09:00of the boys in the Academy, because there are some people like me
0:09:00 > 0:09:02who can't read music. Tim Rhys-Evans will say,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05"Oh, can you draw some sort of musical symbol?"
0:09:05 > 0:09:08And I'm having to look at everyone else because I don't know
0:09:08 > 0:09:10what he's on about.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14There was one time he told us to do something, so I didn't want to look
0:09:14 > 0:09:16like I didn't know what I was doing so I just drew a squiggle
0:09:16 > 0:09:18somewhere on the music.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20I thought, "Oh, no, nobody'll know that I don't know
0:09:20 > 0:09:22"what he's on about."
0:09:22 > 0:09:25SINGING
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- Sounds brilliant.- Very good teacher.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36THEY LAUGH
0:09:37 > 0:09:41After a draining day of rehearsals, the boys head off with
0:09:41 > 0:09:43a heavy bag full of homework.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46First preparatory weekend is over. This is down to them now.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49If they don't know it, they have to make sure that they do,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52because, by the time they come back on the next weekend,
0:09:52 > 0:09:54I'm expecting not to be doing the same work again.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01With the boys left to break the back of their repertoire before their
0:10:01 > 0:10:06Eton performance, Tim goes off-duty for a royal rendezvous in London -
0:10:06 > 0:10:10an invitation from the Queen for his outstanding dedication to youth
0:10:10 > 0:10:12choirs in the South Wales Valleys.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16I'm really excited, to be honest.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21You know, going to Buckingham Palace, it's a nice thing
0:10:21 > 0:10:25to be doing. This is the first time that I'll have met the Queen and Prince Philip,
0:10:25 > 0:10:29and I just wish I had some of the boys here to experience it as well.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32I wore these in one of the rounds of Last Choir Standing
0:10:32 > 0:10:33but I thought they were appropriate.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36They're old and bobbly but they have got crowns on them.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41I thought, "If she's got one on her head, I'll wear one somewhere else."
0:10:44 > 0:10:47OK, lets go to the Palace.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Oh, what am I going to say to the Queen?
0:10:50 > 0:10:54I don't know. I guess she'll ask me a question, you know.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57"What the hell are you doing in my house?" maybe.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08Back in Neath, Ben is working hard on the repertoire.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10Although the Academy has brought hope for the family,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13it's also important for Ben to have his family around him,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17especially at the final Academy concert.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21I have a really good relationship with my dad.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23We also have a laugh. He can't do as much as he used to.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26He's had a stroke so he can't go many places on his own,
0:11:26 > 0:11:29so he needs someone with him. He doesn't like to go out.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31He stays in the house where it's quiet.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35One thing he wants to do is come and watch the Academy concert.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37If he can, I think he'll really enjoy it.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41And maybe that'll help him go outside more instead of staying in the house.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46It would make his day if he knew his father was there watching him.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49What it is... I think if you know your parents are there,
0:11:49 > 0:11:54you tend to sing stronger, you know, give it your all, don't you?
0:11:54 > 0:11:58Ben's like that. But to Ben it's important that his father be there.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01I think if he was there it'd be special because it'd just make me
0:12:01 > 0:12:04want to do better than I already am doing.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07So he enjoys it and hopefully he'll be proud of what I do.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Although expectations are high for the Academy,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15there's a different mood in the office.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Tim's gruelling workload has left the coaches taking care of all
0:12:18 > 0:12:23the preparations for Eton and the final academy boot camp.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26But with many of the decisions needing his stamp of approval,
0:12:26 > 0:12:29finalising details is a little frustrating.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33'Tim hasn't been around for the last week or so.'
0:12:33 > 0:12:37He's the guy that signs everything off, so when he's not here
0:12:37 > 0:12:41we can't accomplish what we want to. So it's been a bit stressful, the last week,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44'and I think we're really realising now that possibly
0:12:44 > 0:12:46'we may have bitten off a little more than we can chew.'
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- Costume is booked. - Yeah, that's on the way.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51There's a lot to do.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56'I don't want to sound like a whinger, but it is very difficult to juggle all the balls
0:12:56 > 0:13:02'and it is very difficult to make sure that you're giving everything the attention that it needs.'
0:13:02 > 0:13:06Actually, the hardest thing to do, I believe,
0:13:06 > 0:13:10is realise that you can't do everything.
0:13:10 > 0:13:16Being the controlling person that I am, I find that really hard.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19NIALL SINGING
0:13:22 > 0:13:23Oh no, that sounds AWFUL!
0:13:24 > 0:13:28There's probably people that know this off by heart
0:13:28 > 0:13:30and I've probably offended them all.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I've ruined their favourite song, or something! Oh no.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38Niall has been struggling with the workload that this brand new choir demands.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43'The work is much more serious than I thought it was going to be,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45'but I'm sure we'll be able to do it,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48'but it does seem very daunting at the moment.'
0:13:48 > 0:13:51"The blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus
0:13:51 > 0:13:54"and after this our exile show unto us."
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Well, it's not Lady Gaga, I can tell you that!
0:14:00 > 0:14:03But for some, the repertoire isn't the problem.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05The glittering prospects that could be offered by the Academy
0:14:05 > 0:14:09now mean that Tom is doing some serious soul searching.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13'When I had to pick the A-level subjects
0:14:13 > 0:14:16'there was a massive battle going on,'
0:14:16 > 0:14:20whether I should go down the academic route of doing medicine and stuff,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23which I want to do to get a job and all that stuff,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25'or do the subjects that I enjoy.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30'So, I decided, obviously, to do the academic route, which I now regret.'
0:14:33 > 0:14:35'Maybe because I haven't taken music or drama'
0:14:35 > 0:14:42the possibility of going to do musical theatre may not be possible.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46After a week of tense note bashing at home,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49the boys get back together again for the second major rehearsal.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Everyone's enthusiastic,
0:14:51 > 0:14:57but the big question is...have they been doing their homework?
0:14:57 > 0:14:59'We've come to the last rehearsal day.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01'It's also the last rehearsal before we go to Eton.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04'The last time that they'll get together and rehearse
0:15:04 > 0:15:07'before they perform in the surroundings of Eton and to those boys.'
0:15:07 > 0:15:08I think we as leaders,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11as team captains have really got our work cut out.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14'I think with the Academy, which is different to Only Boys Aloud,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17'we've had to raise the bar so we expect a lot more from the boys.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21'It'll be interesting to see how much they've done on their own.'
0:15:21 > 0:15:25If they've learnt the words, been practising their own music, their parts.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28I don't know what Tim will be like if they haven't done that work. It's going to be interesting to see.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30# Dum-dum dum-dum... #
0:15:33 > 0:15:35'The boys are going to Eton on Friday'
0:15:35 > 0:15:39and for that I need them to be absolutely spot on.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42'I need them to have done their homework.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45'I don't want to be making excuses.'
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Gareth Evans, your trousers might crease,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51but just try and dance a little bit more, OK?
0:15:51 > 0:15:53'So, yeah, I'm feeling pressure.'
0:15:53 > 0:15:57It's part of my job is to absorb that pressure partly,
0:15:57 > 0:16:02'but at the same time it's important that they now step up to the plate.'
0:16:02 > 0:16:06(Ready? One, two, three...)
0:16:06 > 0:16:07BOYS SING
0:16:29 > 0:16:31'From now on it's about specifics.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34'It's really important in a rehearsal to give off an energy,
0:16:34 > 0:16:36'even if you're feeling knackered,'
0:16:36 > 0:16:42you've got to look and engage with that rehearsal process.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45So, yeah, not much really!
0:16:45 > 0:16:48Just as long as they're fantastic singers, great musicians,
0:16:48 > 0:16:53loads of energy and with 150% commitment, that's all I'm asking!
0:16:53 > 0:16:54HE LAUGHS
0:16:54 > 0:16:58All of the repertoire must be covered by the end of the day.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02One piece is a difficult unaccompanied chorus in Latin, by Mendelssohn.
0:17:02 > 0:17:03So, Beati Mortui, please.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07I really hope you've been doing your work because we've got no time.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12As Tim takes the first full rehearsal of the day,
0:17:12 > 0:17:16he must gauge if this new choir is responding to the demands.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19OK. # Once again please. #
0:17:19 > 0:17:20THEY SING
0:17:20 > 0:17:21OK.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Let me tell you what I just heard.
0:17:24 > 0:17:25HE SINGS LAZILY
0:17:25 > 0:17:27If a snail could sing it would sound like that.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31# Beati... #
0:17:31 > 0:17:33That tee is not together.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37# Beati... #
0:17:37 > 0:17:38No. Tees were wrong.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41One of the worst things we can do when singing is sing too quietly
0:17:41 > 0:17:43because we end up sounding like a weed.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46# Dici... #
0:17:46 > 0:17:49No, no, no. Somebody's singing C, C, F, but we've gone flat.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53SINGS: Second tenors. Where were you? I didn't get that D.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56# Dicit Enim. # We should all be in unison there.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59If we all concentrate, if we all give it our 110%,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02I don't have to keep repeating myself.
0:18:02 > 0:18:03Two, three...
0:18:03 > 0:18:09# Beati Mortui
0:18:09 > 0:18:13# In Domino morientes... #
0:18:13 > 0:18:18OK. I'm not going to turn into a screaming harpy
0:18:18 > 0:18:22because you have been coping with GCSEs and A levels and everything,
0:18:22 > 0:18:25but those four bars there are not confident.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28I need you to really put this work in, learn these notes,
0:18:28 > 0:18:30cos otherwise these rehearsals
0:18:30 > 0:18:32instead of being exciting music making sessions
0:18:32 > 0:18:37they're going to be boring...me banging notes out on a piano
0:18:37 > 0:18:40and I'm going to get impatient and angry.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42So, just do some homework.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46We just all need to make sure that if you've written something on your score you do it
0:18:46 > 0:18:50and If you haven't written something on your score, why not?
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Right, OK, guys.
0:18:52 > 0:18:53The pressure's on.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Next stop, the elite world of Eton.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03'I don't know of anyone who's not out of their comfort zone at Eton.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07'It's very few people that actually see in that inner world
0:19:07 > 0:19:08'and it's very important'
0:19:08 > 0:19:11that they're supported and kind of protected as well.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14I do feel very protective towards all of them, you know,
0:19:14 > 0:19:18cos I don't want to expose them to something which they're not ready for.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21I think everybody's got this idea in their head,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23like of the, kind of, stereotype upper class thing.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25I don't think they'll be like that.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28They'll just be normal, you know, "Hi, nice to meet you".
0:19:28 > 0:19:32They won't be like, "Oh, God, get the poor people away from me" and things like that.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36Apparently King Henry VIII situated the school, or opened the school,
0:19:36 > 0:19:40and people like Lord Byron and some members of the Royal family
0:19:40 > 0:19:42have studied there, apparently.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45Yeah, so, probably not going to be as normal as us then.
0:19:45 > 0:19:46When I go there I want them all
0:19:46 > 0:19:49to be as if they've just come out of an Enid Blyton book
0:19:49 > 0:19:52and then they're all like, "Oh, spiffing, tally-ho!", and like that,
0:19:52 > 0:19:57but I don't think they will be, but I'M going to be like that when I get there!
0:19:57 > 0:19:59I'm going to see how many "spiffings" I can get in!
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Eton College.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09The boys arrive and bask in the glory of this regal establishment.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11We're here!
0:20:13 > 0:20:16They've arranged to meet some of the boarding pupils
0:20:16 > 0:20:18on a guided tour of the college.
0:20:21 > 0:20:22- I'm Niall.- I'm Richard.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26Hello Richard, what have you been doing today?
0:20:26 > 0:20:27You know what we're like in Wales.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29We're terribly suspicious of the English
0:20:29 > 0:20:32and anyone that speaks with a posh accent
0:20:32 > 0:20:36is often perceived as the enemy and actually that's utter rubbish.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41'So, I want the boys to just experience it.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42'To be in that college,
0:20:42 > 0:20:46'which is a sort of closed shuttered world from most people on this planet,
0:20:46 > 0:20:48'where future kings have been educated.
0:20:50 > 0:20:56'To be in the chapel and sing where centuries and centuries of great choral music has been made.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01'It's a huge privilege for us to be able to go there.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05'I want the boys to hang out with the lads from Eton and just...'
0:21:05 > 0:21:08just realise that they're just normal boys too.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10They just come from a different walk of life.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13Niall and a couple of his friends
0:21:13 > 0:21:16take their chance to grill James about Eton life.
0:21:16 > 0:21:17'Everyone at Eton boards,'
0:21:17 > 0:21:21there's no day pupils whatsoever, no matter if you live down the road,
0:21:21 > 0:21:24as Prince William and Prince Harry did, they all boarded here.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Or if you live, like me, all the way back in Blackpool
0:21:27 > 0:21:30or even in another country, everybody boards.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33So when we came, what were you expecting?
0:21:33 > 0:21:36I was expecting much younger boys
0:21:36 > 0:21:39with some REALLY strong Welsh accents!
0:21:39 > 0:21:42You know, the traditional stereotype.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43There is some.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46Yeah, I've come across one boy who has a very very strong Welsh accent,
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- but I think it's fantastic. - Can you understand him?- Just about! - THEY LAUGH
0:21:50 > 0:21:55Next, Tim leads a musical warm-up and it's probably safe to say
0:21:55 > 0:21:58the Eton boys have never heard anything like it.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Please can you take a whisk in your hand, please, an imaginary whisk.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04So, on that top note we'll do... HE SINGS A SCALE
0:22:08 > 0:22:10THE BOYS SING A SCALE
0:22:13 > 0:22:16But try not to bash the living daylights out of it,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18it's a gentle omelette, or something.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21'Tim's warm up exercise was, er, very very much different
0:22:21 > 0:22:23'than what we usually do.'
0:22:23 > 0:22:25I've never had to whisk anything before,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27but that was a really good experience
0:22:27 > 0:22:29and it's definitely one I'll be taking away.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33'It definitely did get me ready for singing.'
0:22:33 > 0:22:38The Eton choristers perform their controlled and perfected repertoire.
0:22:38 > 0:22:46# When a silver moon
0:22:46 > 0:22:52# Is shining high
0:22:54 > 0:23:00# Above the trees
0:23:00 > 0:23:02THEY APPLAUD
0:23:02 > 0:23:05Time for the Academy boys to showcase their talents
0:23:05 > 0:23:10with a performance of Welsh favourite Gwahoddiad.
0:23:10 > 0:23:16# Mi glywaf dyner lais
0:23:16 > 0:23:20# Yn galw arnaf fi
0:23:20 > 0:23:25# I ddod a golchi meiau gyd
0:23:25 > 0:23:30# Yn afon Calfari
0:23:30 > 0:23:34# Arglwydd dyma fi
0:23:34 > 0:23:40# Ar dy alwad di
0:23:40 > 0:23:50# Canna f'enaid yn y gwaed a gaed ar Galfari
0:23:50 > 0:23:55# Amen
0:23:55 > 0:24:00# Amen
0:24:00 > 0:24:09# Amen. #
0:24:09 > 0:24:11THEY APPLAUD
0:24:12 > 0:24:14'I think the most common thing between ourselves'
0:24:14 > 0:24:17and the boys was just the general love of music
0:24:17 > 0:24:20and a general sort of willingness and yearning to learn
0:24:20 > 0:24:23and just to sing, which is really great.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26It's clear the boys have made some new friendships.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28And then I'm Niall Hunt.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33- See I knew, I knew...- There had to be some kind of quirk about my name.
0:24:33 > 0:24:39They're taking home some lasting memories, e-mail addresses and sheer exhaustion,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42but morale is good as the boys head back to Wales on a high.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Fantastic experience, probably once in a lifetime opportunity.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47I thought they were going to be really...
0:24:47 > 0:24:49really posh and snobby, but they weren't at all.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51They were really nice.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Hello Only Boys Aloud, well, what a day it's been!
0:24:54 > 0:24:57We've been to Eton and it's been great,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00and they loved us, didn't they?
0:25:05 > 0:25:08The Academy's musical boot camp has arrived.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12The boys will live here for the next 7 days as they prepare for the final concert,
0:25:12 > 0:25:17but as they arrive, they're getting worried about what Tim's got in store.
0:25:17 > 0:25:22'I've got about five pairs of shoes, ten pairs of trousers.'
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Well, I didn't really know what we needed to bring.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26I don't know what activities we're going to be doing this week.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37Trousers, joggers, swimming trunks.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39'Today everyone's quite hyper cos this is the first time we got here.'
0:25:39 > 0:25:44So, I think, yeah, we might be a bit loud and frantic.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47I've got my hairdryer, got to have my hairdryer, and my straighteners,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50but the only problem is there's one plug in the room.
0:25:50 > 0:25:51Can't be doing with that.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52I think Tim will be quite strict,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55but, no, I haven't got a clue about the schedule,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58but I think he's going to keep us busy,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00but it's going to be fun at the same time.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03The boys are taken on a guided tour
0:26:03 > 0:26:05of this sixth form private school near the sea.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08It feels like a million miles away from home.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- So...it's just so lovely here. - It's very Hogwarty.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25'My first impressions of this castle and these grounds are just amazing.'
0:26:25 > 0:26:28I live in the valleys so it's, you don't see things like this at all.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31'It's hard to believe that we're still in Wales to be honest.'
0:26:31 > 0:26:34You feels as if you're in Spain, don't you, though?
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Some kind of English University, or something.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41I'm not sure I think they're keeping a lot of things quiet.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44We don't know, really, anything that's happening this week, so that's quite exciting.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47On the e-mail I read that people will be coming to speak to us.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Maybe some celebrities or something,
0:26:49 > 0:26:52maybe Tom Jones, maybe Shirley Bassey.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56They said that we're having master classes, as well, by celebrities.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00So, I'm hoping they'll be somebody very famous, yeah.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03But there'll be no star-studded event today
0:27:03 > 0:27:06as Tim reveals his first Academy challenge.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Erm, we have a test for you.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12Tim's arranged for the boys to sit a musicianship exam.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15This will test the boys' knowledge of music theory
0:27:15 > 0:27:18and will give Tim an idea of how much work is needed
0:27:18 > 0:27:21before the final concert at the end of the week.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Don't turn your papers over!
0:27:23 > 0:27:27'WHISPERS: I am officially the meanest man on the planet!
0:27:27 > 0:27:29'Bring them to a glorious location, give them a tour,'
0:27:29 > 0:27:33let them see a swimming pool, the sea, you know?
0:27:33 > 0:27:37Loads of big open spaces they can run around and play football in, tennis courts,
0:27:37 > 0:27:41then take them into the room where they're going to perform in and make them do an exam!
0:27:41 > 0:27:43TIM LAUGHS
0:27:43 > 0:27:45'I am evil.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48'The boys know nothing about this week's schedule.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51'It's why I really hope that they're feeling,
0:27:51 > 0:27:52'"Wow, we are so lucky to be here".
0:27:52 > 0:27:57'Whether they're ready to be working what is nearly 13 hours a day,'
0:27:57 > 0:28:01I don't know, but it's a tough world this music business.
0:28:04 > 0:28:05Next time...
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Tim's evil ways continue...
0:28:09 > 0:28:12..a relentless schedule pushes the boys to the limit...
0:28:12 > 0:28:13Connie Fisher!
0:28:13 > 0:28:16..a visit from West End and opera stars
0:28:16 > 0:28:19give some the experience of a lifetime
0:28:19 > 0:28:21and others a day they'd rather forget...
0:28:21 > 0:28:22It was great,
0:28:22 > 0:28:25but you may as well be singing the shopping list from Sainsbury.
0:28:25 > 0:28:31..and tensions run high as the boys struggle towards their final performance.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Why, why, why aren't you watching me?!
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Come on, boys!
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:47 > 0:28:50E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk