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0:00:01 > 0:00:04- Only Boys Aloud - are celebrating a birthday...
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- ..as the world's - biggest boy band for five years.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12- Under Tim Rhys-Evans' guidance, - it's been a memorable journey.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- Five years of incredible - experiences for the boys.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- From the Eisteddfod stage - to Britain's Got Talent.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- From local rugby clubs - to the world's greatest arenas.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30- It's the story of a choir which - has nurtured hundreds of singers...
0:00:30 > 0:00:33- ..in the tradition - of male voice choirs...
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- ..to find their voice - for the first time...
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- ..and be the best they can be.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- It's a special story - about a group of special singers.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- Happy birthday, Only Boys Aloud.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- I registered the name - Only Boys Aloud...
0:00:50 > 0:00:54- ..on the same day I registered - the name Only Men Aloud.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- The idea was always there.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- I saw Only Men Aloud - on Last Choir standing...
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- ..and I thought it looked cool.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- At the time, choirs weren't cool.
0:01:10 > 0:01:15- # Rain on my parade #
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- I wanted to start something - in the Valleys...
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- ..to encourage boys to realise...
0:01:30 > 0:01:35- ..what's so special about the - Welsh male voice choir tradition.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- Only Men Aloud visited our school. - They were recruiting.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- We emphasised that the rehearsals - were in rugby clubs.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- There's a lot of stigma - in creating music...
0:01:50 > 0:01:51- ..especially in the Valleys.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- I was bullied at school...
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- ..for doing acting.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- I was called different names.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- I wanted to drop it - and concentrate on rugby.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- If you want to sing, sing.
0:02:04 > 0:02:09- I wanted the boys to feel - comfortable, confident and proud...
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- ..to be part of Only Boys Aloud.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- The rugby clubs were an important - part of the process.
0:02:22 > 0:02:29- 2010. The new choirs were launched - in rugby clubs across South Wales.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- One question remained.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- Would people turn up, - would anyone be there?
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- I didn't know - how many would turn up.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- 6.30pm - no-one had turned up.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- No-one was there. I walked in - and it was just myself and Paul.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- I wasn't sure it was something - I wanted to do.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- It was in a rugby club.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- Despite the doubts, the boys - finally started the rehearsals.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- All kinds of backgrounds - some - could sing, some had never sung.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- It doesn't matter - if they've never sung before.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- No auditions, no cost.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- It was open to everyone.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- There were boys there - from Tre-gib, Llandeilo.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- From all different backgrounds.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- We'd never met but we - became friends just like that.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- I'm still friends with them now.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- Everyone was so accommodating - to everyone.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- We were all in the same boat.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- I joined that night, - a Monday night in Cross Hands.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- I haven't missed a rehearsal since.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- Everyone starts at the same place. - That's what I like.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- They get on - they have one thing - in common, singing.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- They had little discipline.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- You've got the cheek - to come in late, talking.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- Very little musical or vocal skills.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- We had to think a lot more - about the way we taught music.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- Salt and vinegar.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- Tim came up with different ways - of teaching complex music...
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- ..to boys who weren't musical and - who didn't have experience of music.
0:04:32 > 0:04:33- I remember it clearly.
0:04:34 > 0:04:40- The first time I heard the sound - of Only Boys Aloud together.
0:04:41 > 0:04:42- In Cardiff Arms Park.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- It was... It was...
0:04:47 > 0:04:48- ..hideous.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- Young voices, just broken.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- Unsure of the music.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- That was in June.
0:05:00 > 0:05:06- At the end of July, - we were performing on TV...
0:05:06 > 0:05:11- ..in the opening ceremony - of the National Eisteddfod.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- It was more than a little scary.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- The aim of Only Boys Aloud...
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- ..was to form for one occasion only.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- A performance at the opening night - concert of the National Eisteddfod.
0:05:26 > 0:05:27- Ebbw Vale, 2010.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- On stage for the first time...
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- ..in front of a large audience.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- Bryn Terfel has opened the show, - Rebecca Evans.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- They're big names. - Now Only Boys Aloud was doing it.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- The aim was to make an impression...
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- ..with a special arrangement - of Sosban Fach.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54- The arrangement - would push the boys to their limits.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- I remember the first time the - team captains looked at the music.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04- They said it was impossible - to teach this arrangement...
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- ..to inexperienced singers.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- Tim never takes the easy option.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Five-four, five-eight, - three-four, two-four.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- The time signature changes - all the time.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- That was the first song we looked - at. We thought, "Oh, dear me!"
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- It was brilliant to see them - running on the stage.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- The first thing we heard - was "Oi, oi"
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- # Oi, oi! - Meri-Ann has hurt her finger
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- # And Dafydd the servant is not well
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- # Oi, oi, - the baby in the cradle is crying
0:06:45 > 0:06:47- # And the cat - has scrammed little Joni
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- # A little saucepan - burning on the fire
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- # A big saucepan - is boiling on the floor
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- # And the cat - has scrammed little Joni
0:06:58 > 0:06:59- # And the cat - has scrammed little Joni
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- I watched them in the Eisteddfod - and I thought, "Wow!"
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- # Meri-Ann's finger is better
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- # And Dafydd the servant - is in his grave
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- # The baby in the cradle - has grown up
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- # And the cat is asleep in peace
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- # A little saucepan #
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- Many of those boys - had never performed on stage...
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- ..had never sung publicly.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- # And the cat is asleep in peace
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- # Little Dai the solider
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- # Little Dai the solider
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- # Little Dai the solider
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- # And his shirt tail - is hanging out #
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- It was masculine, - it was fresh, it was different.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- # A little saucepan, - burning on the fire
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- # A big saucepan - is boiling on the floor
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- # And the cat - has scrammed little Joni
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- # A little saucepan, - burning on the fire
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- # A big saucepan - is boiling on the floor
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- # And the cat - has scrammed little Joni
0:08:09 > 0:08:10- # Oi, oi
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- # And the cat has scrammed, - and the cat has scrammed
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- # And the cat has scrammed - little Joni
0:08:18 > 0:08:19- # And the cat has scrammed - little Joni
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- # Oi, oi #
0:08:24 > 0:08:30- The welcome they received and the - ovation after their performance...
0:08:31 > 0:08:32- ..was fantastic.
0:08:34 > 0:08:40- That was the first time I stood back - and thought, "This is amazing."
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- The crowd appreciated it.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Tim was happy too - - that's always a good thing!
0:08:48 > 0:08:53- In that moment, I realised we had - to continue with Only Boys Aloud.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- Everyone in that pavilion - that night was inspired.
0:08:59 > 0:09:05- In that moment, we secured the - future of Only Boys Aloud, I think.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- # Silent night
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- # Holy night
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- # All is calm
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- # All is bright
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- # Round yon Virgin
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- # Mother and Child
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- # Holy Infant
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- # So tender and mild
0:09:48 > 0:09:55- # Sleep in heavenly peace
0:09:56 > 0:10:03- # Sleep in heavenly peace
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- # Silent night
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- # Holy night
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- # Son of God
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- # Love's pure light
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- # Radiant beams
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- # From Thy holy face
0:10:32 > 0:10:40- # With the dawn of redeeming grace
0:10:41 > 0:10:49- # Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
0:10:50 > 0:11:00- # Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth #
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Happy birthday and merry Christmas.
0:11:05 > 0:11:05- .
0:11:09 > 0:11:09- Subtitles
0:11:09 > 0:11:10- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- Only Boys Aloud is five years old.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- It's been an important journey - for Tim Rhys-Evans...
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- ..and the hundreds of singers.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26- October 2010 - after performing - at the National Eisteddfod...
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- ..a new opportunity for the choir - on a worldwide stage...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- ..as part of the opening concert - for the Ryder Cup.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- No pressure, boys.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- The eyes of the world were on - Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- A huge crowd inside the stadium.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- A huge worldwide TV audience.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- Sharing a stage with - Shirley Bassey, Katherine Jenkins...
0:11:52 > 0:11:53- ..Catherine Zeta Jones.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- That doesn't happen - to someone from Aberdare.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- Prince Charles in the front row.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- It was brilliant - seeing them running down the steps.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09- # Oi, oi
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- Singing Sosban Fach.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- They only knew three songs.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- # And the cat has scrammed - little Joni
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- # And the cat has scrammed - little Joni #
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- It was huge.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- I remember looking out - and thinking, "This is huge."
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- # Little Dai the soldier
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- # And his shirt tail hanging out #
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- A worldwide audience - were watching Only Boys Aloud.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- It was our glitziest performance.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- # Little Dai the soldier
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- # And his shirt tail - is hanging out #
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- When I grew up, - all I wanted to do was play rugby.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- That's all I wanted to do, - just to stand on that pitch once.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- I was singing to the world, - with my friends.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- It was an incredible feeling.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- # And the cat has scrammed, - and the cat has scrammed
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- # And the cat - has scrammed little Joni
0:13:12 > 0:13:13- # Oi, oi #
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- Sharing that experience - with all the boys was fantastic.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- That concert - was a springboard for us...
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- ..for everything that came after it.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- # Yesterday, across the valley
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- # A song echoed across the land
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- # Yesterday, across the valley
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- # A river sparkled as it flowed
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- # Yesterday, across the valley
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- # Fire, heat and furnace - as sparks flew in the works
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- # Working to see tomorrow
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- # Iron and steel in the soul
0:14:07 > 0:14:13- # And the valleys full of song
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- # The song is twice as loud - on Sundays
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- # To give thanks for the work
0:14:18 > 0:14:23- # Monday and the week ahead was long
0:14:23 > 0:14:31- # As the sweat and labour - turned to song with every step
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- # Where the furnace spewed fire, - the valleys now sing
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- # But the flame went out
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- # Today, in the valley, can you - hear the old song in the land?
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- # Today, in the valley, can you - hear the old song in the land?
0:14:52 > 0:14:57- # Today, in the valley, can you - hear the tune echoing around?
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- # In the valley, - there are new shepherds here
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- # Sparks in the work
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- # A new beginning is at hand
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- # Iron and steel in the soul
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- # And the valleys full of song
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- # The song is twice as loud - on Sundays
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- # To give thanks for the work
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- # Monday and the week ahead was long
0:15:24 > 0:15:30- # As the sweat and labour - turned to song with every step
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- # Where the furnace spewed fire, - the valleys now sing
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- # The flame is reignited
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- # Old is the melody - but the voices are new
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- # Old words are murmured - in every village and town
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- # Having been silenced for so long
0:15:51 > 0:15:56- # Back in its place comes the song
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- # And the valleys full of song, - hear, hallelujah
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- # Sing, hallelujah
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- # Hear, hallelujah
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- # Sing, hallelujah
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- # Hear, hallelujah
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- # Sing, hallelujah
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- # Hear, hallelujah
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- # Sing, hallelujah
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- # Hear, hallelujah
0:16:42 > 0:16:47- # Sing, hallelujah
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- # Hear, hallelujah
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- # Hallelujah
0:16:55 > 0:17:02- # And Wales is the land of song #
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- I wasn't sure about singing - on Britain's Got Talent...
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- ..because I have a problem...
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- I have a cheek to say this now!
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- I have a problem with reality shows.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- Last Choir Standing, - Britain's Got Talent!
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- The first thing I heard about - Britain's Got Talent was an email.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- The email didn't say a lot. - It was quite cryptic.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- It just asked for availability - for rehearsals in Cardiff.
0:17:43 > 0:17:49- I wanted to know what the boys - thought about this opportunity.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54- You can imagine their response.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- I remember that one second - of silence.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- Incredible.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- I can't speak.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- An opportunity for us - to represent our country...
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- ..on a show - with a worldwide audience.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- 15 million people - on one Saturday night.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13- Who wouldn't do it?
0:18:15 > 0:18:21- It was important for me - to sing Calon Lan, sing in Welsh...
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- ..and say something - about the tradition.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- Without that tradition, - without the male voice choirs...
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- ..I wouldn't be sitting here now, - Tim wouldn't be doing what he does.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- Hello. You seem to have - your own fan club in.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- The panel were very close - to the stage.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, - David Walliams, Amanda Holden.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- Just in front of us.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- Fair play to the soloists - - they were under pressure.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- We are Only Boys Aloud.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- Tim, Ifan and myself on stage.
0:18:56 > 0:18:57- Tim, Ifan and myself on stage.- - Gareth said...
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- We are a Welsh male vocal group - from the Welsh Valleys.
0:19:02 > 0:19:03- Just the three of us on stage.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- # A pure heart forever singing
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- Everyone walked on - from the two sides.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- I can only describe it - as a wave of people.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- I was so glad to have them on stage.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- No-one expected that.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- No-one expected that.- - # A pure heart #
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- Everyone crying, I was crying.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36- The four judges were on their feet.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- A standing ovation. - We had four yeses.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- I absolutely love it. - I think you guys are amazing.
0:19:45 > 0:19:51- A standing ovation - for a Welsh choir singing Calon Lan.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- That doesn't happen.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- We had a realistic chance to win it.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Having won the hearts - of the British nation...
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- ..the boys reached the final easily.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- The whole of Wales waited - for that memorable Saturday night.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- Ten acts in the final.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- To come third...
0:20:14 > 0:20:15- ..to a dog!
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- We missed a trick not choosing - a dog to sing the solo.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- I think we could have won then.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- We walked off stage - when we heard we'd come third...
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- ..and a man named - Jonathan Shalit...
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- ..Simon Cowell's right-hand man...
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- ..he walked up to me, - I don't know why...
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- ..shook my hand and said, "That's - it, you've got a record deal.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- "We'll sign on the dotted line, - have a word with your boss."
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- I was like, you know, what? - What's happening?
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- We were all in shock, a good shock.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- It is a dream. - Everyone wants a recording contract.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- I remember recording - in the Millennium Stadium.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- Recording an album - is a difficult process.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- You need to be very disciplined.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- We had such a tight turnaround - to learn the music.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- A lot of organising for me. - Arranging the music.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- A week of rehearsals - and a week of recording.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- We lived in the Millennium Centre - for a long time.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- With the hard work completed - in time for Christmas...
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- ..the boys had - an unique experience...
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- ..to see how popular they were - as their new album was sent out.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- Everyone buys from Amazon...
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- ..but you never know - what it looks like inside.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- It's special seeing your CD.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- Our faces on our CDs - in boxes waiting to be sent.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- Giving everyone in my family a CD - - that was very special.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12- Finding out it was No.1 in - the Classical Charts and iTunes.
0:22:12 > 0:22:18- It started to sink in that we - had people listening to us sing.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20- The choir was in demand.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- Our world was turned upside-down.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- Loads of concerts every week.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- Lots of staying in hotels, - travelling on coaches and buses.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- People recognised you on the street.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- They knew our names - - they knew my name!
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- There were fan pages on Twitter.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- We did a gig in North Wales...
0:22:45 > 0:22:50- ..and a group of girls were - hanging around the dressing rooms.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- They wanted to come in for... - Well, I don't know!
0:22:56 > 0:23:01- It was strange having a pack of - people outside the dressing room...
0:23:02 > 0:23:03- ..screaming!
0:23:07 > 0:23:12- 2013 - with the boys' popularity - at its peak...
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- ..a very special invitation.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- A garden party - at Buckingham Palace...
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- ..to mark the Queen's - 60th year on the throne.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27- Over 100 boys from South Wales were - an integral part of the celebration.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32- # A pure heart o'erflowed - with goodness #
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- I never thought I'd - visit Buckingham Palace...
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- ..let alone perform there.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- You actually see the palace - whoa!
0:23:45 > 0:23:49- Katherine Jenkins, another - Welsh singer, joined us at the end.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- A great orchestra.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59- I couldn't believe someone - like that was on stage with us.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- Happy birthday and merry Christmas!
0:24:17 > 0:24:17- .
0:24:21 > 0:24:21- Subtitles
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- Celebrating a birthday - is also a time for reflection.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29- For the Only Boys Aloud team...
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- ..becoming five years old - offered new inspiration.
0:24:33 > 0:24:38- Inspiration to extend - the musical journey to North Wales.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43- Forming a new choir and offering - an opportunity to Northwalians.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- I'd watched Only Boys Aloud on TV.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- I just thought, - "Wow I could be part of that."
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- No-one knew what to expect...
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- ..the boys or the captains.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02- The duet has become a quartet. - We may end up with a party.
0:25:02 > 0:25:08- We felt under pressure after seeing - what the Southwalians had achieved.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13- Having something - that united Clwyd and Gwynedd...
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- ..that was going to be exciting.
0:25:16 > 0:25:21- We formed Only Wrexham, Rhyl, - Caernarfon and Holyhead Boys Aloud.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- A chance to meet a lot of new boys.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- It was important to me - to make new friends.
0:25:32 > 0:25:38- I don't know many children - who like singing.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44- It was great to see - so many boys from Holyhead...
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- ..seeing them want to sing.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- I was surprised to see - so many turning up.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- We do a lot - we're here to sing, - we have a lot of fun.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- We do the most obscure warm-ups.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- # Pearls nor gold #
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- My voice had changed - and I'd lost a lot of confidence...
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- ..but here, - I met lots of boys of my age.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- The family ethos existed - from the very first rehearsal.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- There were a lot - of different personalities.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- Some of the boys - had never sung before.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30- I couldn't read music so it was - difficult recognising notes...
0:26:30 > 0:26:32- ..and reading music.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- Once again, - a month after the first rehearsal...
0:26:39 > 0:26:44- ..we were singing in front - of 5,000 screaming girls...
0:26:44 > 0:26:46- ..in Access All Eirias.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52- The maestro putting himself and - the new choir under huge pressure...
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- ..for their first performance - on the huge stage...
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- ..of the Access All Eirias - music festival.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04- They joined the South Wales Only - Boys Aloud for their performance.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06- Spread the love.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- It was great too see them all - getting along.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- They're from different backgrounds - but one thing brought them together.
0:27:15 > 0:27:16- Their love of singing.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21- The stage is massive. - The largest stage I've ever seen.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27- We were under a lot of pressure. - No-one had heard us before.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- No turning back now.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30- Lots of nerves.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- It went alright - apart from the technical hitch.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- The track got stuck how many times?
0:27:39 > 0:27:40- Six!
0:27:41 > 0:27:45- We all kept calm - and came back on to sing.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- You've got to keep your head.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- I felt the boys did very well.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- If something, the crowd - was so eager to hear them...
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- ..it made it a hundred times better.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05- The crowd saved the day. They - screamed and the boys enjoyed it.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10- # I would wait forever
0:28:10 > 0:28:15- They started - with a Clean Bandit song, Rather Be.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17- # As long as I am with you
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- Something different - and contemporary.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22- # My heart continues to beat
0:28:22 > 0:28:25- The sun was out. It was packed.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27- # Kyoto to The Bay
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- # Strolling so casually
0:28:30 > 0:28:35- It's really nice to see boys of that - age singing and enjoying to sing.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37- # Switch up the batteries
0:28:39 > 0:28:43- # If you gave me a chance - I would take it
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- # It's a shot in the dark - but I'll make it
0:28:48 > 0:28:50- I cried, if I remember correctly.
0:28:50 > 0:28:51- Floods of tears.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- # When I am with you, - there's no place I'd rather be
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- It was such - an incredible experience.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- # N-n-n-no, no, no, - no place I'd rather be
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- # N-n-n-no, no, no, - no place I'd rather be
0:29:11 > 0:29:14- # We set out on a mission
0:29:15 > 0:29:17- # To find our inner peace
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- # Make it everlasting
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- # So nothing's incomplete
0:29:27 > 0:29:29- # It's easy being with you
0:29:31 > 0:29:33- # Sacred simplicity
0:29:34 > 0:29:39- # As long as we're together
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- # There's no place I'd rather be
0:29:43 > 0:29:45- # With every step we take
0:29:45 > 0:29:46- # Kyoto to The Bay
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- # Strolling so casually
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- # We're different and the same
0:29:53 > 0:29:54- # Gave you another name
0:29:54 > 0:29:58- # Switch up the batteries
0:29:59 > 0:30:03- # If you gave me a chance - I would take it
0:30:03 > 0:30:07- # It's a shot in the dark - but I'll make it
0:30:07 > 0:30:11- # Know with all of your heart, - you can't shake me
0:30:11 > 0:30:15- # When I am with you, - there's no place I'd rather be
0:30:15 > 0:30:19- # No, no, no, no place I'd rather be
0:30:19 > 0:30:22- # No, no, no, no place I'd rather be
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- # No, no, no, no place I'd rather be
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- # When I am with you, - there's no place I'd rather be #
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- I now feel I belong - to a special family.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- A large musical family.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- A bit like the Von Trapps - but on a grander scale.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45- I've never been happier in my work. - I enjoy every minute.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- Pulling a group of lads together - from all kinds of backgrounds.
0:30:49 > 0:30:55- They all enjoy singing and feel - they belong to the Aloud family.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- # I'll send an angel
0:30:59 > 0:31:03- # To watch over you tonight... #
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- At no point - in the last five years...
0:31:05 > 0:31:09- ..has this sense of family - been more important than this year.
0:31:09 > 0:31:15- Tragically, in 2015, Only Boys Aloud - said goodbye to one of its members.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- Ryan Howell - lost his battle with cancer.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24- # I'll send an angel to you #
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- I was fortunate enough to work - with Ryan in the Cwmbran group.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- He was a fantastic boy.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34- Ryan was a lovely boy.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40- He was so keen about singing.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- I sang with Ryan for three years.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46- I knew him as a friend too.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- I went to his funeral too.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- It was lovely to see so many members - of Only Boys Aloud there.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57- # You are my angel
0:31:57 > 0:32:00- # My guardian angel #
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- We were all comforting each other.
0:32:04 > 0:32:05- Everyone understood.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10- That's where the brotherhood - was most apparent.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- The family side of the choir - is very important.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- We always pull together - to make sure everyone's happy.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24- That's a reflection of the - connections that have been made...
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- ..in Only Boys Aloud.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31- # I will send an angel
0:32:31 > 0:32:42- # To you #
0:32:46 > 0:32:50- Every year, to the wonderful - backdrop of Atlantic College...
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- ..30 of Only Boys Aloud's - most promising singers...
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- ..are chosen - for a challenging week...
0:32:58 > 0:33:00- ..called Academi.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Academi is very hard work.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10- It's like the Big Brother house. - No links to the outside world.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- Academi is difficult. By the end of - the week, you just want to go home.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- Academi is set - at a professional level.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- The chosen music is complex.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- An opportunity for us - to help the boys...
0:33:33 > 0:33:38- ..with their desire - to develop musically...
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- ..and do more with the music.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46- The rehearsals were really rigorous. - It was really hard work.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- I couldn't believe - how hard those boys worked.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- It was intense - a lot of music, - a lot of musical theory.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- Sight reading, general musicianship.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06- Musical techniques, breathing.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08- Different composers.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- Different composers.- - Incredible songs.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- It's important to push people, - in a positive manner...
0:34:16 > 0:34:18- ..to see where they can reach.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- You work for 12 hours every day.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28- It is fun - there's a nice balance.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34- 6.00am start. Boot camp.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37- Let's go. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:34:37 > 0:34:43- Holding a boat in the air - with a hosepipe directed at you.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- You become a different person - by the end.
0:34:53 > 0:34:58- # Verbe, egal au Tres-Haut
0:34:58 > 0:35:03- # Notre unique esperance
0:35:04 > 0:35:09- # Jour eternel
0:35:09 > 0:35:15- # De la paisible nuit
0:35:16 > 0:35:21- # Nous rompons le silence
0:35:21 > 0:35:26- # Divin Saveur
0:35:27 > 0:35:33- # Jette sur nous les yeux
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- # Divin Saveur
0:35:39 > 0:35:46- # Jette sur nous les yeux #
0:35:47 > 0:35:52- It was obvious that they'd developed - as musicians and young men.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57- The week at Academi - was the best week of my life.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59- When you look back you realise...
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- .."Wow, that was hard work - but it paid off."
0:36:06 > 0:36:12- # Repans sur nous
0:36:12 > 0:36:19- # Le feu de ta grace puissante
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- # Que tout l'enfer
0:36:23 > 0:36:25- # Que tout l'enfer
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- # Fuie au sou de ta voix
0:36:30 > 0:36:36- # Dissipe ce sommeil
0:36:36 > 0:36:42- # D'une ame languissante
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- # Qui la conduit
0:36:48 > 0:36:53- # Dans l'oubli de tes loix
0:36:53 > 0:36:58- # Qui la conduit
0:36:59 > 0:37:04- # Dans l'oubli de tes loix
0:37:05 > 0:37:12- # O Christ, sois favorable
0:37:12 > 0:37:17- # A ce peuple fidele
0:37:17 > 0:37:23- # Pour te benir
0:37:23 > 0:37:30- # Maintenant assemble
0:37:30 > 0:37:36- # Recois les chants qu'il offre
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- # A ta gloire immotrelle
0:37:41 > 0:37:47- # Et de tes dons qu'il
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- # Retourne comble
0:37:52 > 0:37:58- # Et de tes dons qu'il
0:37:59 > 0:38:05- # Retourne comble
0:38:11 > 0:38:18- # Retourne comble
0:38:23 > 0:38:39- # Retourne comble #
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- Happy birthday and merry Christmas!
0:38:48 > 0:38:48- .
0:38:52 > 0:38:52- Subtitles
0:38:52 > 0:38:54- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- My favourite thing about Christmas - is watching films...
0:39:00 > 0:39:02- ..and eating chocolate.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- Waking Mam and opening my presents.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08- At home with my family playing Xbox.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14- Not working Not thinking - about choirs, music.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17- A couple of glasses of wine.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- Eating Christmas dinner - and chocolate.
0:39:22 > 0:39:27- Watching films, opening presents - and being with the ones you love.
0:39:27 > 0:39:33- I'm in university now so it's nice - spending time with the family.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- Watching a lot of TV - and eating too much.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- Celebrating - - it doesn't matter how.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- Smelling the turkey cooking, - eating too much.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48- And playing games. - I love board games.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- Christmas is a time to sit down, - look back over the year...
0:39:53 > 0:39:57- ..and think about - what's going to happen.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01- I like to give them a letter - at the end of the year.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04- Remind them of what they've done.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08- What happened in January - and February is a long time ago.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11- "Wow, we did that, - I forgot about that."
0:40:12 > 0:40:14- Looking back over the five years...
0:40:15 > 0:40:20- ..and reflecting on the journey - we've had.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29- # Come they told me
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:40:33 > 0:40:35- # A new born King to see
0:40:35 > 0:40:37- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- # Our finest gifts we bring
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- # To lay before the King
0:40:47 > 0:40:51- # Pa rum pum pum pum, - rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- # So to honour Him, - pa rum pum pum pum
0:40:58 > 0:40:59- # When we come
0:41:03 > 0:41:04- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:05 > 0:41:07- # Little baby
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:09 > 0:41:11- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- # I am a poor boy too
0:41:13 > 0:41:15- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:15 > 0:41:16- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- # I have no gift to bring
0:41:19 > 0:41:20- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:21 > 0:41:22- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:22 > 0:41:24- # That's fit to give the King
0:41:25 > 0:41:30- # Pa rum pum pum pum, - rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
0:41:31 > 0:41:33- # Shall I play for you
0:41:33 > 0:41:35- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:35 > 0:41:38- # On my drum?
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:41 > 0:41:42- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:46 > 0:41:50- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:52 > 0:41:56- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:41:56 > 0:42:00- # Pa rum pum pum pum, - pa rum pum pum pum
0:42:00 > 0:42:03- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- # Pa rum pum pum pum
0:42:12 > 0:42:15- # Pa rum pum pum pum, - pa rum pum pum pum
0:42:18 > 0:42:23- It's impossible to say how much - the last five years has meant to me.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28- # Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
0:42:28 > 0:42:32- The boys have had great experiences - over the past five years.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- # Pa rum pum pum pum, - pa rum pum pum pum
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- Singing in the gardens - of Buckingham Palace.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41- Singing in the Millennium Stadium.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- # I played my best for Him
0:42:44 > 0:42:49- # Pa rum pum pum pum, - rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- I think it's opened the eyes - of a lot of boys...
0:42:53 > 0:42:55- ..especially in the Valleys.
0:42:55 > 0:43:00- There are other things to do. - If they work hard, they can succeed.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04- # Come they told me
0:43:06 > 0:43:07- My confidence has grown a lot.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10- This is the reason for it.
0:43:11 > 0:43:20- # Me and my drum #
0:43:25 > 0:43:29- Some of them have had a lot - of problems in their lives.
0:43:29 > 0:43:36- Only Boys Aloud have helped them - feel better, really.
0:43:38 > 0:43:43- The Millennium Centre hosted their - greatest performance to date...
0:43:44 > 0:43:46- ..for their birthday.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50- Five years and thousands - of experiences for hundreds of boys.
0:43:50 > 0:43:55- Only one song can round off - the evening for the Aloud family.
0:43:55 > 0:44:01- # I seek not life's - ease and pleasures
0:44:02 > 0:44:04- Calon Lan is the hit.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09- The words really mean something - in terms of what we established.
0:44:09 > 0:44:15- # Give to me a heart made happy
0:44:15 > 0:44:18- Singing through the day and night.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22- It sums up Only Boys Aloud - perfectly.
0:44:22 > 0:44:29- # A pure heart - o'erflowed with goodness
0:44:29 > 0:44:36- # Fairer than the lily white
0:44:36 > 0:44:45- # A pure heart forever singing
0:44:47 > 0:44:57- # Singing through the day and night
0:44:59 > 0:45:01- Every single one of them...
0:45:01 > 0:45:04- ..has gained something positive - from the experience.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10- I'm studying opera in the - Welsh College of Music and Drama.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- That would never have happened - without Tim and Only Boys Aloud.
0:45:20 > 0:45:25- It's great seeing boys go on to - study music in further education.
0:45:28 > 0:45:33- If I hadn't joined Boys Aloud, - I wouldn't be in university now.
0:45:33 > 0:45:39- # O'erflowed with goodness
0:45:39 > 0:45:44- # Fairer than the lily white
0:45:45 > 0:45:49- # A pure heart forever singing
0:45:49 > 0:45:53- What's been achieved in five years - is incredible.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57- What could be achieved - over the next five years.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00- The project now includes - North Wales.
0:46:02 > 0:46:07- # Morn and evening my petition
0:46:07 > 0:46:14- # Wings its flight - to heaven in song
0:46:14 > 0:46:21- # In the name of my Redeemer
0:46:21 > 0:46:25- # Make my heart - clean, pure and strong
0:46:25 > 0:46:28- The choir's done more year on year.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31- This is a good time to join.
0:46:31 > 0:46:37- # A pure heart - o'erflowed with goodness
0:46:37 > 0:46:39- I wanted to tell the boys...
0:46:39 > 0:46:42- ..it is possible - to do something good.
0:46:44 > 0:46:46- # A pure heart
0:46:46 > 0:46:47- Why are we doing this?
0:46:47 > 0:46:50- To make friends, - bring music to our communities...
0:46:51 > 0:46:54- ..but more importantly, - to keep the music alive...
0:46:54 > 0:46:56- ..to continue - the choral tradition in Wales.
0:46:57 > 0:47:03- # A pure heart - o'erflowed with goodness
0:47:03 > 0:47:09- # Fairer than the lily white
0:47:10 > 0:47:16- # A pure heart forever singing
0:47:16 > 0:47:23- # Singing through the day and night
0:47:25 > 0:47:28- # A pure heart
0:47:28 > 0:47:31- # A pure heart
0:47:31 > 0:47:40- # A pure heart #
0:48:12 > 0:48:14- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:14 > 0:48:14- .