0:00:02 > 0:00:06# Sometimes I feel like putting my hands up in the air... #
0:00:06 > 0:00:09# Baby, tell me your name... #
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Last year, Gareth Malone set out to find
0:00:11 > 0:00:14the country's most gifted amateur a capella group.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16# 21 seconds to go... #
0:00:16 > 0:00:22The winner of the Naked Choir is The Sons Of Pitches.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24SCREAMING
0:00:25 > 0:00:28This year, Gareth's widened his search,
0:00:28 > 0:00:32opening the contest to groups from all musical traditions...
0:00:32 > 0:00:36# Way, haul away We'll haul away, Joe... #
0:00:36 > 0:00:40..in a search for Britain's very best community choir.
0:00:40 > 0:00:45# Oh, baby, baby How was I supposed to know? #
0:00:45 > 0:00:46We are a singing nation...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48# ..Lost in music... #
0:00:48 > 0:00:52..and I'm looking for choirs that have heart and flavour and passion
0:00:52 > 0:00:55that say something about what it is to be British.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- Hundreds of groups applied. - # I want to be the only one... #
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Now Gareth's travelling the length and breadth of Britain
0:01:03 > 0:01:06to audition those who impressed him the most.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- Shall we go and meet Gareth? - CHEERING
0:01:10 > 0:01:14He's seeing choirs from four parts of the UK...
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- Hello, Scotland!- Hello!
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- ALL:- Sss...
0:01:18 > 0:01:20# ..Out there... #
0:01:20 > 0:01:23..and will pick just one from each of those areas...
0:01:23 > 0:01:25- For the South-west. - For the South-west.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29..to go head-to-head in a national contest...
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Good evening, London!
0:01:31 > 0:01:33..where they'll battle it out
0:01:33 > 0:01:34to be crowned Britain's best amateur choir.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36The winner is...
0:01:42 > 0:01:46MUSIC: LDN by Lily Allen
0:01:49 > 0:01:52I love London. There's so many different types of music here,
0:01:52 > 0:01:54there's so much going on.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57I can't leave my front door without hearing someone singing in London.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06What was I thinking?
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Gareth's hitting the road in the South-east,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14on the final leg of his search.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18This has been an utterly epic journey. I've done over 3,000 miles
0:02:18 > 0:02:21and I've seen so many different fantastic groups.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26I'm looking for choirs that have got flavour and regional variety
0:02:26 > 0:02:29and interest and colour and heart.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35For his first stop, Gareth's heading to south London.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41The Battersea Arts Centre has been nurturing local talent
0:02:41 > 0:02:43for over 100 years.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Guys, just keep it in time, keep your energy up.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- We want to blow Gareth's socks off. - Yeah, yeah.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54The Beatbox Academy is the only choir in the competition
0:02:54 > 0:02:56where beatboxers outnumber singers.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00It was set up eight years ago by teacher Conrad.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04After I left school, I had no GCSEs or qualifications or nothing
0:03:04 > 0:03:07and it was my dream. My dream was to work here.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09I live on an estate down the road
0:03:09 > 0:03:12and I wanted it to be a bit more hip-hop, a bit more street,
0:03:12 > 0:03:14to appeal to people like me.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16There's no audition to come in. It's inclusive.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19You don't need a classically trained musical background or lessons.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24I'm really looking forward to this, to seeing a beatbox choir.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28'I'm really keen to find groups that use singing as a tool
0:03:28 > 0:03:32'to make themselves stand taller and say something about who they are.'
0:03:32 > 0:03:37- Hello, good to meet you. You're the Beatbox Academy.- ALL: Yeah.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38Very excited to meet you.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Totally different from everything else I've seen on my travels.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- Let's hear some music.- No, bruv. - LAUGHTER
0:03:45 > 0:03:47When people come in, they got to show us
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- a bit of their beatboxing first.- OK. - We need to know where you're at.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- I'm actually... I'm now nervous. - LAUGHTER
0:03:53 > 0:03:56THEY BEATBOX
0:03:56 > 0:03:59GARETH BEATBOXES
0:03:59 > 0:04:02This is a massive deal for me, massive.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03This is like my life's work.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06It was my dream to start The Beatbox Academy
0:04:06 > 0:04:08and now Gareth Malone is going to see what we're doing
0:04:08 > 0:04:10and be able to help us develop and, hopefully,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12be impressed by what we're doing because we love music.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15# Ooh! Ooh!
0:04:15 > 0:04:20THEY BEATBOX
0:04:20 > 0:04:22GARETH BEATBOXES
0:04:22 > 0:04:25APPLAUSE
0:04:27 > 0:04:30It's really fun, isn't it? It's really fun.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Hearing other people's sounds, you're like, "I want to do that."
0:04:34 > 0:04:36It's really good. Tell me a bit about your group.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38I know people that have come with no qualifications, nothing,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41that have been kicked out of school and they've come here
0:04:41 > 0:04:44and been able to have something they can actually focus on.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47If you've been told, "You're rubbish, you've got no grades",
0:04:47 > 0:04:50when you come here, it's like, "You're great at something."
0:04:50 > 0:04:53And it gives them that positive outlook.
0:04:53 > 0:04:54Do you think it's that dramatic,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57that music can pull people back from the edge like that?
0:04:57 > 0:04:58Totally, totally. 100%.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01We've had so many people come in, troublemakers,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03and it's like their life has changed completely.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05You could be talking about guns and drugs
0:05:05 > 0:05:07and talking about peace and love now.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11We're here to make music and also to be friends.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15That must feel really good, to know that the group that you started
0:05:15 > 0:05:19is making this kind of impact. Let's hear some music.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- # The scars of your love remind me of us- Ooh, ooh
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- # They keep me thinking that we almost had it all- Ooh, ooh
0:05:28 > 0:05:33- # The scars of your love They leave me breathless- Ooh, ooh
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- # I can't help feeling- Ooh, ooh
0:05:35 > 0:05:39# We could have had it all BEATBOXERS BACK LYRICS
0:05:39 > 0:05:43# Rolling in the deep BEATBOXERS BACK LYRICS
0:05:43 > 0:05:47# You had my heart inside of your hand BEATBOXERS BACK LYRICS
0:05:47 > 0:05:53# And you played it to the beat. # BEATBOXERS BACK LYRICS
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- Well done! Very good! - APPLAUSE
0:05:57 > 0:06:01This has been really good and it's lovely what you're doing, Conrad.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- I heartily, heartily applaud it. - Cheers, thanks.- Thank you. Bye-bye.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08'This is where I hope to be - somewhere a little bit dusty'
0:06:08 > 0:06:12in a community arts centre, finding people doing really good work.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Things that are good. This is all heart
0:06:15 > 0:06:19and it's skill. It's got the two magic ingredients.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22It's expressive, it's fun, it's contemporary.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24I think it's great.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27If we get called back, I will scream.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30I will literally break down and be, like, "Argh!"
0:06:30 > 0:06:33MUSIC: Anything Goes by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga
0:06:35 > 0:06:37GARETH WHISTLES
0:06:37 > 0:06:39Next stop, London's vibrant West End.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- Morning.- Hello, Gareth, how are you? - I'm very well. How are you?
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Brilliant, thank you, yeah.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- Song in your heart?- Yes, very much so.- That's good to hear.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51We'll have to get together one day to do a black cab choir.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53It would be the pride of London.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01It's such an exciting place here. I really love it.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03It's where dreams are made and broken.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08The glitz and glamour of London's 39 theatres
0:07:08 > 0:07:10attracts thousands of hopeful actors,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12desperate for their big break.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16Five of them have formed a group called The Littlewoods.
0:07:16 > 0:07:17We've all wanted to be on the stage
0:07:17 > 0:07:19or HAVE been on the stage at some point, haven't we?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22The dream is definitely to act professionally.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25THEY CLICK RHYTHM ON FINGERS AND BANG CUPS
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- I always used to want to be in Fame.- Serena.- Serena, yes!
0:07:29 > 0:07:30- Yes!- Serena from Fame.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34I love the cheesy musicals, a bit of showbusiness - all that stuff.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36THEY CLICK FINGERS AND TRILL
0:07:36 > 0:07:40Although the starring role in the West End has so far eluded him,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43usher Joshua still hasn't lost his determination
0:07:43 > 0:07:44to make it as an actor.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Working in the theatre is bittersweet.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49It's great to watch them, because it's what you love
0:07:49 > 0:07:53but you get so angry when they do something that you could do better.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- Yes.- And we could.- We could. - We could and we will.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- # When I'm gone- When I'm gone - When I'm gone- When I'm gone... #
0:08:01 > 0:08:06You've got to be motivated and you've got want it badly enough.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08If you don't have the passion, it won't keep you going
0:08:08 > 0:08:10through those years of people saying no
0:08:10 > 0:08:11for that one person to say yes.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15THEY CLICK FINGERS AND BANG CUPS ALL: # I'm gone
0:08:15 > 0:08:19# You're gonna miss me when I'm gone, whoo! #
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- Whay! How long did THAT take you to learn?- Months!
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- Can you teach it to me? - Yeah, of course.- I want to learn.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31So, it goes clap, grab, hand, table, hold, grab, clap.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33LAUGHTER
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- I was close, right?- Yes, so close.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- That's quite complicated, actually. - Yeah.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40So, do you all work in theatreland?
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Yeah, we all met working at front of house at a theatre in the West End.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47We were all ushers together before we started singing together.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Is it partly about just having some company
0:08:49 > 0:08:51and still keeping your hand in?
0:08:51 > 0:08:53I think, originally, it was just for fun,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56but we loved it so much, it just carried on and snowballed
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- and we thought, "Let's do this song."- And it became a set.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01And it became a show and people wanted to see us do it.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- Now it's a show? - Now it's a full-blown show.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- Shall we see it?- Yeah, sure.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12- # Oh, I would wait forever - Wait forever
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- # Exalted in the scene - Ooh, in the scene
0:09:17 > 0:09:22- # Just as long as I am with you... # - That's nice. That's nice.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- # My heart continues to beat - My heart will beat
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- # If you gave me a chance I would take it- Ooh
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- # It's a shot in the dark but I'll make it- Ooh
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- # Know with all of your heart you can't shake me- Ooh
0:09:39 > 0:09:41# When I am with you
0:09:41 > 0:09:47# There's no place I'd rather be. #
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- Thank you. - LAUGHTER
0:09:49 > 0:09:52You seem like a group of people well used to auditioning.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- Yeah.- "Thank you for your time." - Next.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59'I think they've got potential as a group
0:09:59 > 0:10:01'but they've taken a really upbeat, lively pop song'
0:10:01 > 0:10:04and taken all the life out of it and I think that's a real shame.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08When I walked in and they were doing the cup song, that was great.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12The physical thing with the cup, to sing in harmony and it was together,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- I thought that was really good. - I think it's time for a pizza.
0:10:15 > 0:10:16LAUGHTER
0:10:20 > 0:10:24For his third stop, Gareth's heading west to the outskirts of Reading
0:10:24 > 0:10:27to meet the youngest choir to enter the competition.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30I really enjoyed school choir. I loved it.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33I miss it, actually. I miss singing every single morning.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35But I think part of the reason I'm so evangelical
0:10:35 > 0:10:38about singing and the effect that it can have on you
0:10:38 > 0:10:41is the effect it had on me and that started when I was in school choir.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Right, let's get our bodies warmed up.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Let's do the funky chicken.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Set up two and a half years ago,
0:10:47 > 0:10:50the Bulmershe Ensemble is a labour of love
0:10:50 > 0:10:54for Sarah, the school's assistant head teacher.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56That idea of taking a group of children
0:10:56 > 0:11:01and inspiring them through music and through innovative arrangements,
0:11:01 > 0:11:05making them love singing in a choir and making it cool and hip
0:11:05 > 0:11:07was something that I've always wanted to be able to do.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10The Bulmershe School is a mixed comprehensive
0:11:10 > 0:11:12with over 1,000 pupils.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16Its senior choir of 16 to 18-year-olds has won awards
0:11:16 > 0:11:18locally and nationally.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21We sing arrangements that they love
0:11:21 > 0:11:24and songs that they love and we sing with a bit of attitude.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27ALL: # One, two, three, four, five, four, three, two, one. #
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Oh, my gosh, I'm meeting Gareth Malone today.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34But I'm so excited. I'm not really nervous, I'm just excited.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38All of the students I'm here to see today, in the choir,
0:11:38 > 0:11:40are in the middle of their exams,
0:11:40 > 0:11:42so they'll be hugely feeling the pressure
0:11:42 > 0:11:44and I'm just here to add to that.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- Hello! Good morning!- ALL: Morning.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Can you tell me a bit about yourselves? What makes you come...?
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Presumably you do this of your own free will?
0:11:55 > 0:11:57LAUGHTER
0:11:57 > 0:12:02- Yeah?- The reason I do it is because I don't have very much confidence
0:12:02 > 0:12:04and it's a really positive atmosphere
0:12:04 > 0:12:06cos lots of them do have lots of confidence
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- and it's like a really good influence on me.- Yeah.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13- Has singing made a difference?- Yeah. - The fact that you're talking now...
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- Is this big?- That's big!
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Here you are, talking to me. Well done.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Are you all in the middle of exams at the moment?
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- I've got one at 1.30 today. - You've got one at 1.30?
0:12:23 > 0:12:25You're kidding! Let's crack on then.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29HE PLAYS INTRO TO GHOST BY ELLA HENDERSON ON PIANO
0:12:29 > 0:12:33# I keep going to the river to pray
0:12:33 > 0:12:38# Cos I need something that can wash out the pain
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- # And at most- I'm sleeping all these demons away
0:12:43 > 0:12:45# But your ghost
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- # The ghost of you- It keeps me awake
0:12:49 > 0:12:52ALL: # I keep going to the river to pray
0:12:52 > 0:12:57# Cos I need something that can wash out the pain
0:12:57 > 0:13:01# And at most, I'm sleeping all these demons away
0:13:01 > 0:13:03# Cos your ghost
0:13:03 > 0:13:06# The ghost of you, it keeps me awake. #
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- Wow! - LAUGHTER
0:13:12 > 0:13:14That was great!
0:13:14 > 0:13:16That was really, really great.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20Great choice of song, but you enhanced it, I thought.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23You have a secret weapon there.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27I heard a few little jazzy chords there. I was enjoying that.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32Be aware of just overblowing at times, on the belt,
0:13:32 > 0:13:33but that's a minor quibble.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36'I found that very moving. When so many kids'
0:13:36 > 0:13:40are wasting their time or wasting their teenage years,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43they're actually making something of their school experience.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45They volunteering to do it at lunchtime
0:13:45 > 0:13:47and that's brilliant.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49But can they actually hack it?
0:13:49 > 0:13:52This is a lot of work for them if I put them through.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Group hug!
0:13:54 > 0:13:57If we get the call to tell us we're through to the next round,
0:13:57 > 0:14:00I'd be extremely proud. I have a habit
0:14:00 > 0:14:04of screaming down the phone at people, so, um, beware.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14There's such a romance about the sea - the smell of the salt
0:14:14 > 0:14:17and the wind in your face. It's great!
0:14:17 > 0:14:20It makes you glad to be alive, being out here. It's beautiful.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Ahoy there!
0:14:23 > 0:14:24Totally ignored me!
0:14:24 > 0:14:28With two more choirs in the South-east to audition,
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Gareth's come to Portsmouth
0:14:30 > 0:14:34to meet the second sea shanty group in the contest.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36I have a soft spot in my heart for shanties
0:14:36 > 0:14:39because they're songs of ordinary people.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Being down here, you can sense that. You see the old buildings...
0:14:41 > 0:14:44You can just imagine this full of sails.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46At one time, this would have been filled,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49not with the sound of diesel, but with the sound of singing.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51And there are still people singing shanties here today.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54I'm off to meet a group who are keeping that tradition alive.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00The Portsmouth Shantymen are a group of lifelong friends
0:15:00 > 0:15:03who started singing shanties together in the 1970s.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07It's really exciting to meet somebody like Gareth.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10He comes across as a nice guy, which is a good start.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- I think there is a bit of steel in there.- I'm sure there is.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16The thing that worries me most is he might use terminology
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- and we don't use names like "Notes". - You mean musical terminology.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21LAUGHTER
0:15:21 > 0:15:27The latest member to climb aboard is 27-year-old barman Oliver.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30I'm the youngest in the group, I don't know if you can tell.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33But, yeah, it's been a great couple of years.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Singing shanties is not cool, I don't think.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39'But it's really important to keep this alive, it really is.'
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Really, we do it for the fun. We like the harmony that's in it,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45and you just get one hell of a buzz.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Everyone loves to sing and it's all about the feeling
0:15:48 > 0:15:51as well as the song, I guess.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54For Gareth to select us to come this far and be part of this
0:15:54 > 0:15:58is really an honour anyway, but to be doing it for Portsmouth,
0:15:58 > 0:15:59there is a massive amount of pride.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02ALL: # Sittin' by the river on the levee
0:16:02 > 0:16:05# Waitin' for the steamer to come down
0:16:05 > 0:16:08# Cotton mills are loadin' mighty heavy
0:16:08 > 0:16:10# For miles and miles and miles around
0:16:10 > 0:16:13# I thought I heard the steamer when she landed
0:16:13 > 0:16:15# Landed on the levee below
0:16:15 > 0:16:18# I'm sittin' by the river on the levee
0:16:18 > 0:16:20# Waitin' for the steamer to come down
0:16:20 > 0:16:23# Moses standin' by the Red Sea shore
0:16:23 > 0:16:25# Smitin' that water with his two by four
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- # Who built the ark? - Brother Noah, Noah
0:16:27 > 0:16:30# Brother Noah built the ark. #
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Great! Very nice to meet you. How are you doing?
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Well, we think we're doing well for our ages.- You are.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Ollie's all right. - He looks all right.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42And what made you join these elder statesmen of the shanty world?
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- We didn't MAKE him!- Pete asked me a couple of years ago
0:16:45 > 0:16:48to come and be the young blood, the new recruit.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- The next generation of Shantymen? - Possibly, yeah.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54I mean, it was very together.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56You looked like you were having fun and that was charming.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59Dynamically, it was all loud,
0:16:59 > 0:17:01and I wonder if the shanties
0:17:01 > 0:17:07and the kind of "Haul away" feel has infected your other bits of singing.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10You don't actually need to shout the whole thing.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12LAUGHTER
0:17:12 > 0:17:15I love that they are doing this. I love the tradition of sea shanties.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- # Little Sally Racket - Haul her away... #
0:17:19 > 0:17:22I am looking for people that represent the region
0:17:22 > 0:17:24and I feel like those guys absolutely represent this region.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27They're from Portsmouth, they've got the right sound,
0:17:27 > 0:17:30they are shantymen and they've been singing these shanties for 40 years.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- # ..Haul-e-high-o- Haul her away. #
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- Oh, it's not quite done. - LAUGHTER
0:17:37 > 0:17:42It's rough around the edges but what shanty was ever sung beautifully?
0:17:42 > 0:17:45It's just whether or not I want that for the contest.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54The final stop on Gareth's tour is in the garden county of Kent.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57I'm hoping for one last gem today,
0:17:57 > 0:17:58something a little bit different.
0:17:58 > 0:18:03Darent Valley is a busy general hospital near Dartford,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06serving around 340,000 people.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08And thanks to a special group of singers,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11the patients here have a reason to be cheerful.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Up, up, up. Let's go through everything we've done
0:18:14 > 0:18:16over the last couple of months.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Deputy Director of Strategy Leslieann has been at the helm
0:18:19 > 0:18:23of the hospital choir for just over two years.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25I don't read music, I don't play an instrument,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27I'm not the best of singers.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30I don't really know how, but I ended up leading the choir.
0:18:30 > 0:18:31I wanted it to be very inclusive,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34so it didn't matter whether you could sing or not,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36it didn't matter if you understood music.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39If you just enjoyed singing along to a song in the shower
0:18:39 > 0:18:41or humming a tune, come and join it.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43This was about morale boosting.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46It's just nice to mix with people who do other roles in the hospital.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49They're not going to ask you for results or reports.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52You get to spend some social time. It's actually quite good fun.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54But today, we've all been a bag of nerves.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57We can't believe it. We really are very excited.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- # Oh, what a night - Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- # You know, I didn't even know her name- Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- # But I was never gonna be the same- Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba
0:19:08 > 0:19:11# What a lady, what a night
0:19:11 > 0:19:15# I felt a rush like a rolling ball of thunder
0:19:15 > 0:19:19# Spinning my head around and taking my body under
0:19:19 > 0:19:22# Oh, what a night
0:19:22 > 0:19:25# Why did it take so long to see the light?
0:19:25 > 0:19:30# Seemed so wrong but now it seems so right
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- # What a lady, what a night - Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
0:19:34 > 0:19:36# Doo-doo-doo, oh, what a night. #
0:19:36 > 0:19:39CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Very good! Thank you very much!
0:19:42 > 0:19:45You're certainly livening up the hospital.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- How long's this been going? - The choir, in this format,
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- has been going probably for about four or five years now.- Great.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Historically, we've performed at Christmas time.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56It's probably the most stressful and busiest time of the year.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- Because it's winter?- Winter, and people get sicker and it's busier.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01It's always different if you come in as a patient.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- Have you been patients here?- Mmm. - Have you?
0:20:04 > 0:20:09I am a specialist midwife, recently diagnosed with breast cancer,
0:20:09 > 0:20:14and now receiving care from the wonderful NHS that I love dearly
0:20:14 > 0:20:18and I know they are doing the best, the best they can.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21What is it like, at the moment, to work in the NHS?
0:20:21 > 0:20:23It is a really difficult environment to work in.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26It's stressful, resources are stretched thinly,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29we are short of staff, but morale remains high
0:20:29 > 0:20:32because everyone is so passionate about the work that we do.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34If you won the lottery tomorrow, you'd still come to work?
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- Probably.- Maybe not full-time, in all fairness, but we'd still come.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- Now and again, yeah. - LAUGHTER
0:20:40 > 0:20:43I certainly know that a few of us will have really tough days,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46but you know you've got the choir to look forward to at lunchtime
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- and it's an hour when you can forget and...- Cut loose.- Yeah.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53"Cheer up" is the message of this choir, isn't it?
0:20:53 > 0:20:56"Cheer up, don't worry about it. We're here and we're here for you!"
0:20:56 > 0:20:59And that's very clear. Stick at it cos it's lovely.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- ALL: Thank you. - Keep up the good work.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Good luck to you.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05'I walked in'
0:21:05 > 0:21:07and I saw their faces and I saw their dancing,
0:21:07 > 0:21:09and I saw all the people around,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12stood smiling and watching them and enjoying it,
0:21:12 > 0:21:17and I thought, "This is lovely. This is just... This is just lovely."
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- NHS.- ALL: NHS! CHEERING
0:21:20 > 0:21:23When you go into hospital, it can be desperate
0:21:23 > 0:21:26and you meet people there who are so dedicated to you
0:21:26 > 0:21:28and that's so wonderful, and seeing them sing
0:21:28 > 0:21:31and have fun and let off a bit of steam, I can't not like it.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35It would be wrong, it would be wrong to not like that.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38It would mean everything to us. We have worked so hard
0:21:38 > 0:21:42and to represent the NHS would be just absolutely fabulous.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52With all five auditions from the South-east complete,
0:21:52 > 0:21:56Gareth must now pick which three he wants to hear sing again.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58'This has been a big week.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01'The standard's been very high in the South-east.'
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- # She pawned my best blue jacket - Haul her away... #
0:22:05 > 0:22:08There's been a huge variety of groups,
0:22:08 > 0:22:11from very traditional to ultra-modern.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14# ..I can see you crystal clear... #
0:22:14 > 0:22:16'And it's just been great fun to get out there
0:22:16 > 0:22:18'and meet these community groups
0:22:18 > 0:22:21'that are singing with such a sense of purpose and integrity.'
0:22:21 > 0:22:24# December, 1963... #
0:22:24 > 0:22:27'It's great for my final week of going round the UK
0:22:27 > 0:22:31'to find these groups who are actually managing to surprise me.'
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- # Yeah- Yeah...#
0:22:35 > 0:22:38'The difficulty now is that I've got to choose one of those
0:22:38 > 0:22:41'to represent this region.'
0:22:41 > 0:22:42That's not an easy decision to make.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44I think each one has something to offer.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58What a great space!
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- HE CLAPS - # Ah. #
0:23:01 > 0:23:05What I want is a group that gets better under the pressure
0:23:05 > 0:23:09and some of them will. Someone will fly today.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Gareth has invited his three favourite choirs
0:23:12 > 0:23:14to Stanley Hall in south London.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17He's looking for the most promising to mentor,
0:23:17 > 0:23:19as they go forward in the contest.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22The first place in the sing-off goes to a group
0:23:22 > 0:23:25who I think did something rhythmically incredibly complicated,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28whilst also singing in five parts at the same time.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32Really impressed me with their level of security as performers.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35That is The Littlewoods.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38We didn't start competitive, but the further we get,
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- the more we're like, "No."- We can do this.- We really want this now.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44The next group that I'm bringing back
0:23:44 > 0:23:46surprised me with some of their sounds.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48They've got a real tight musical ensemble.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50And that's The Beatbox Academy.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54We're feeling pride and pressure because it's our patch.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57This is just down the road for all of us,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59so we need to nail it.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03The third group that I've chosen, I was not expecting to be great.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05They really surprised me.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09Great vocals, they'd chosen a great song, really good vibes,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11and that is the Bulmershe Ensemble.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Being down to the last three in the South-east is amazing.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20To go on to represent the South-east would just be unbelievable.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24Today, I want a high level of performance,
0:24:24 > 0:24:27but I also want great skill.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30I want to see things really musically polished.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35- Hello! - CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- Hello!- All: Hello! - Congratulations to you all.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42It's very good to see you. Are you ready to blow me away today?
0:24:42 > 0:24:44ALL: Yes!
0:24:44 > 0:24:46The fact that you are here at this stage
0:24:46 > 0:24:49means you've done incredibly well, because hundreds applied
0:24:49 > 0:24:52and it now comes down to you three in this region.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Today is where it starts to get serious and competitive.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59Bulmershe Ensemble, Beatbox Academy, off you go,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02because, Littlewoods, you are up first.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Coming here and, in the cold light of day,
0:25:04 > 0:25:06standing in a room you don't know
0:25:06 > 0:25:09and performing without accompaniment,
0:25:09 > 0:25:12that's a real challenge, and so that means it's wide open.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15THEY CLICK RHYTHM ON FINGERS AND PAT RHYTHM ON THIGHS
0:25:15 > 0:25:17# I live my day as if it was the last
0:25:17 > 0:25:20# I live my day as if there was no past
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- # Doin' it- All night, all summer
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- # Doin' it- The way I wanna
0:25:24 > 0:25:26# I'm-a dance my heart out till the dawn
0:25:26 > 0:25:28# But I won't be done when morning comes
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- # Doin' it- All night, all summer
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- # Gonna spend it- Like no other
0:25:34 > 0:25:38ALL: # Whoa
0:25:38 > 0:25:42# Whoa
0:25:42 > 0:25:44# I'm-a dance my heart out till the dawn
0:25:44 > 0:25:46# But I won't be done when morning comes
0:25:46 > 0:25:48# Doin' it all night, all summer
0:25:48 > 0:25:51# Gonna spend it like no other
0:25:51 > 0:25:54# A-a-a-ah
0:25:54 > 0:25:59- # A-a-a-ah - Second time is one too late. #
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Great, well done. Thank you so much. Off you go.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06I thought there were lots of things to be positive about there.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08There was a good energy, lots of ideas.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Maybe one or two too many.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Did everyone get the harmonies at the end?
0:26:13 > 0:26:17I don't know if the routine was a bit too crazy and a bit too much.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21We really, really want to go through, so I hope he liked it.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24The next group hoping to impress Gareth, The Beatbox Academy.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26BEATBOXED RHYTHM
0:26:26 > 0:26:32# Can you feel it coming in the air tonight?
0:26:32 > 0:26:36# Oh, Lord
0:26:36 > 0:26:41# I've been waiting for this moment for all my life
0:26:41 > 0:26:44# Ooh
0:26:44 > 0:26:49# I was there when I saw what you did
0:26:49 > 0:26:54- # I saw you with my own two eyes... #- They're so good.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56- # But wipe off that grin- Ooh
0:26:56 > 0:26:58- # I know where you've been- Ooh
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- # It's all been a pack of lies- Ooh
0:27:01 > 0:27:04BEATBOXED "DRUMBEAT"
0:27:04 > 0:27:10# I can feel it coming in the air tonight
0:27:10 > 0:27:13# Oh, Lord
0:27:13 > 0:27:16# Ooh. #
0:27:16 > 0:27:18GARETH BEATBOXES
0:27:18 > 0:27:20LAUGHTER
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Thank you very much. Well done.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27HE BEATBOXES THE RHYTHM OF 'COMING IN THE AIR TONIGHT' BY PHIL COLLINS
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Loved it! Brilliant! I mean, not perfect.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33It started a little bit shakily, but it really has got something.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- Whoa!- Well done, guys.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Take us on, take us on, Gareth.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43Last to perform, the Bulmershe Ensemble.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47THEY BEAT OUT RHYTHM ON LEGS AND THE FLOOR
0:27:47 > 0:27:49ALL: # Come take my hand
0:27:49 > 0:27:50# I won't let you go
0:27:50 > 0:27:52# I'll be your friend
0:27:52 > 0:27:55# I will love you so deeply
0:27:55 > 0:27:58# I will be the one to kiss you at night
0:27:58 > 0:28:02# I will love you till the end of time
0:28:02 > 0:28:04# Get up on it Show me that you really want it
0:28:04 > 0:28:06# I wanna be the one to love you Baby, let's go
0:28:06 > 0:28:10# Whoa, whoa
0:28:10 > 0:28:12# Say you'll never let me
0:28:12 > 0:28:13# Say you'll never let me
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- # Say you'll never let me go - Say you'll never let me
0:28:15 > 0:28:17- # Say you'll love me - Say you'll never let me
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- # Till the end of time - Say you'll never let me
0:28:19 > 0:28:21- # Come take my hand, I won't let you go- Say you'll never let me
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- # I'll be your friend - Say you'll never let me
0:28:24 > 0:28:26- # I will love you so deeply - Say you'll never let me
0:28:26 > 0:28:27- # Come take my hand - Say you'll never let me
0:28:27 > 0:28:29- # Take you away - Say you'll never let me
0:28:29 > 0:28:31- # From here - Say you'll never let me
0:28:31 > 0:28:33# Say you'll never let me go
0:28:33 > 0:28:35# Say you'll never let me go
0:28:35 > 0:28:37# Say you'll never let me go. #
0:28:38 > 0:28:43Finished? Well done. Thank you. Very good!
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Their harmonies are great, their ideas are great,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49they've got an incredible energy, they're really buzzing
0:28:49 > 0:28:51and they're, they're hungry.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54I don't think it was perfect and I don't think
0:28:54 > 0:28:57anyone has delivered a perfect performance today.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00This is difficult, to come in here and give your absolute A game
0:29:00 > 0:29:02is really hard, and that's what the contest is for.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04I couldn't have believed this time last week
0:29:04 > 0:29:06that would sound like that.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09We can do this. I really have a faith and a belief in this group
0:29:09 > 0:29:12and I'd love to be given the chance to do it.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18I always think I know exactly how this is going to go,
0:29:18 > 0:29:20but you can never tell till you're actually in the room.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28I think, with Littlewoods, I really like them. They had god harmonies,
0:29:28 > 0:29:31they hung together well as a performance.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34It's just not really grabbing me.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39I thought Beatbox Academy started a little bit sketchily.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42The harmony didn't quite gel and then in came Alisha
0:29:42 > 0:29:45with this fabulous solo. Really good.
0:29:45 > 0:29:46CHEERING
0:29:46 > 0:29:50I thought Bulmershe - some of them are completely unafraid
0:29:50 > 0:29:52and some of them look petrified.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56I mean, I don't quite know how you fix that.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00It's just about which performance made me think,
0:30:00 > 0:30:03"I want to work with that group." That's what I'm looking for.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07'Who's got the most potential to go on to represent the region?'
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- Hello, how are you doing? - MURMURS AND APPLAUSE
0:30:16 > 0:30:20I think the challenge for you is to find simplicity.
0:30:22 > 0:30:27I thought that the song, it was good but it wasn't sung with great heart.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33The beatboxing's working so well, the solos are working well,
0:30:33 > 0:30:36but you need a bit of expertise in the middle.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42I've had a really good think. It was a difficult decision today
0:30:42 > 0:30:44because there were some very good performances.
0:30:48 > 0:30:49I've decided...
0:30:51 > 0:30:53..I'm not going to take you on to the next stage.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56But thank you so much and I'm sorry to disappoint you.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- That's OK.- Thanks for having us. - It's been great to have you
0:31:00 > 0:31:01and keep singing.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- We will.- Well done. Thank you. Bye-bye.- Bye.
0:31:07 > 0:31:08We worked really hard to get here
0:31:08 > 0:31:11but what's great is it's pulled us together as a group anyway.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14This was a wonderful experience
0:31:14 > 0:31:17and we've learnt so much from it and it was worth every second of it.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28I love you guys. You are great. You are doing fantastic things.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32There were lots of things that I liked about it.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35The harmonies didn't totally gel all the time,
0:31:35 > 0:31:37but when they did they were good.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41I just felt like it was a little polite today,
0:31:41 > 0:31:43a little held back.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46I'm not going to take you forward to the next stage.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51You've just been pipped to the post. I'm really sorry.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54But well done. Love you guys. Thank you very much for being part of it.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57I really do appreciate the effort and I shall watch with interest.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00- Thank you.- Well done. Bye, guys.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04- We were close, but you know... - It WAS close. There was three of us.
0:32:04 > 0:32:05LAUGHTER
0:32:05 > 0:32:09Probably a better group won, but, I mean, power to them.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12At the end of the day, we're going to keep doing what we do well.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15And, yeah, we're proud of what we've done.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18This is another memory now for all the guys.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24I've been thinking very hard about it
0:32:24 > 0:32:28and the good news is that I would like to take you through
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- to the next stage. - CHEERING AND EXCLAMATIONS
0:32:32 > 0:32:34Well done!
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Don't get overexcited because this means
0:32:39 > 0:32:41you are now in the main contest.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45I want you to prove to me that I made the right choice.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49And that means lots and lots of hard work and improvement ahead,
0:32:49 > 0:32:52so I'm going to issue you with your first challenge right now.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56I'm tasking you to learn a song that you will perform
0:32:56 > 0:32:59in your home town in four weeks' time.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04The lyrics, I think, are about your stage of life.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08It's about looking forward to the future and embracing it.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- Would you like to know what it is? - ALL: Yes!
0:33:11 > 0:33:12Play the tune.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15MUSIC: Intro to Wings by Little Mix
0:33:15 > 0:33:18# Mama told me not to waste my life
0:33:18 > 0:33:20# She said, "Spread your wings"... #
0:33:20 > 0:33:22It's Wings by Little Mix.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26- You know it?- ALL: Yeah.- Have you done it before?- ALL: No.- Good.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29Good choice? I'm going to come to your school in about ten days' time
0:33:29 > 0:33:33and I will expect you to have something to show me.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35So, please get to work.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38- Well done! - CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:33:42 > 0:33:44For us to make it through against such stiff competition,
0:33:44 > 0:33:47so excited, so pleased.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51It's been a great day. I'm delighted with the Bulmershe Ensemble.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54I think they're really good and they'll produce something fantastic.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58That's a great song for them. It's going to be fun for them
0:33:58 > 0:33:59but it's also really challenging.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03But who doesn't love a challenge? I think they're going to relish it.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10MUSIC: Fives by Dylan Rippon
0:34:13 > 0:34:15SCHOOL BELL RINGS
0:34:15 > 0:34:18The Bulmershe School is a comprehensive school
0:34:18 > 0:34:20on the outskirts of Reading.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23There's about 1,100 students here.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27It's a wonderful school and we've worked really hard
0:34:27 > 0:34:31in the last couple of years to carry on improving the school
0:34:31 > 0:34:34and the image it has in the local community.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36When you think of a school choir,
0:34:36 > 0:34:40you normally think of private schools. We're not a private school.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42We're a state, open-entry, inclusive school
0:34:42 > 0:34:44and we sing as well as anybody else
0:34:44 > 0:34:46and it's very important that we show that.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49The choir was set up two and a half years ago
0:34:49 > 0:34:53by music and maths teacher Sarah.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55I realised there were quite a few talented kids in the school
0:34:55 > 0:34:57who could sing, and thought we could put together
0:34:57 > 0:35:01a gospel-esque choir and enter a local competition.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04Miss Lant came running in in her normal style, all overexcited,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07and said, "I've found a choir competition I want to join,"
0:35:07 > 0:35:10and Miss Lant says everything so excitable,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13and so in your face, that really there's no choice to say no.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17So, I was in the rehearsal that afternoon, I think, so...
0:35:17 > 0:35:20They've had a meteoric rise,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23winning awards in national competitions,
0:35:23 > 0:35:25but it's performing in the local community
0:35:25 > 0:35:28- that's had the most impact on the school.- Especially when we started,
0:35:28 > 0:35:32the Bulmershe School didn't have the greatest reputation.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34So when they said some Bulmershe kids were going to sing,
0:35:34 > 0:35:36it was, like, "Oh, my God, this is going to be
0:35:36 > 0:35:37"another long one to listen to."
0:35:37 > 0:35:42When they hear the kids, they realise the amount of dedication
0:35:42 > 0:35:44and pride that they've got in their school.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47It doesn't feel like school when we're doing this.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49It feels like we're a group of friends singing in a choir.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- I've got a brand-new warm-up for you today.- Ooh!
0:35:54 > 0:35:55# Many men, many men, Many men, men, men... #
0:35:55 > 0:35:58In the weeks since the sing-off,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01the choir has been preparing for Gareth's visit.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05I'm at the Bulmershe School for the first time since I put them through.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08Now it's time to knuckle down and I want to make changes to the group
0:36:08 > 0:36:10and make suggestions and I'm going to talk to Sarah
0:36:10 > 0:36:12about how they'll deal with that
0:36:12 > 0:36:14cos she's their teacher and knows them well.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17I want them to really stand a chance in the contest
0:36:17 > 0:36:20and there's a bit of work ahead before they're ready.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22The last question, crucially... Oh, hello!
0:36:22 > 0:36:26Good afternoon! Would you like to come in and join our maths lesson?
0:36:26 > 0:36:29We've got a bit of an indices rap going on that we remember.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33When you times the powers, you add the powers
0:36:33 > 0:36:37When you divide the powers, you minus the powers.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- Does this help?- (No).- No?
0:36:40 > 0:36:44Very good. Well done, guys. Very good, Tom.
0:36:44 > 0:36:45There we are, miss. There's my work.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- I can't believe you gatecrashed my maths class.- I did.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- That was pretty traumatic. I had sweaty palms.- Did you?
0:36:51 > 0:36:53- How are the group doing? Are they OK?- They're doing well.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57The pressure will notch up now, now we're into the actual contest.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- How do you think they'll deal with that?- Some of them are confident,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02others of them are confident on the outside
0:37:02 > 0:37:05but inside, they're in inner turmoil.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10- They're teenagers.- Yeah.- And teenagers today, you know, anxiety,
0:37:10 > 0:37:15body confidence imaging, all massive parts of being a teenager.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19I think all the ones in the choir really want to be more confident.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22- Let's go and see how they're doing. - Yeah, let's go!- OK.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24I'm excited to see Bulmershe,
0:37:24 > 0:37:26because they're so fun, young and exuberant.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29But the challenge with them is that they don't have
0:37:29 > 0:37:31all the emotional experience and maturity
0:37:31 > 0:37:33of all the adult groups they're up against.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35That's going to be very difficult for them.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39- Hello!- ALL: Hello! - How are you doing?
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Why don't we start by you singing to me and I'll see what we've got.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47ALL: # The words don't mean a thing
0:37:47 > 0:37:49# I'm not listening
0:37:49 > 0:37:52# Keep talking, all I know is
0:37:52 > 0:37:55# Mama told me not to waste my life
0:37:55 > 0:38:00# She said, "Spread your wings, my little butterfly"... #
0:38:00 > 0:38:02I think I've given them a gift of a song.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05It's called Wings by Little Mix and it's about growing up.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07It's about standing on your own two feet,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10being yourself in the face of naysayers,
0:38:10 > 0:38:12and I think that's a song that they can connect with
0:38:12 > 0:38:13and pour their hearts into.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15# And they can't detain you
0:38:15 > 0:38:20# These wings are made to fly. #
0:38:21 > 0:38:23- Is that as far as you've got?- Yeah.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27That's good. Lots and lots of good ideas there. Well done.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Do you want to sit down actually? Really, what I want to see
0:38:29 > 0:38:33is a commitment to the meaning of the song from very single person
0:38:33 > 0:38:35and thinking about it as you're singing.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38And it's not just about getting meaning across to the audience.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41It's about how you communicate it between yourselves
0:38:41 > 0:38:43and how comfortable you feel
0:38:43 > 0:38:47singing emotionally in front of each other.
0:38:47 > 0:38:48What do you think?
0:38:51 > 0:38:54When I sing, I sing to enjoy it. I don't think about emoting
0:38:54 > 0:38:56when I'm singing. When I listen to it, I think about emotions,
0:38:56 > 0:38:58but when I'm doing it, I don't.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02- OK. I mean, it slightly comes across.- Yeah.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04How about you, Emily? You have a solo there.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09Try to, but I think a lot of it is just kind of performing.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Is anyone thinking about what it means?
0:39:12 > 0:39:16- What are you thinking about? Lunch? - LAUGHTER
0:39:16 > 0:39:18- Not sure.- Not even sure.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22'I told them why I picked the song when I last saw them.
0:39:22 > 0:39:23'I said it's about the beginning'
0:39:23 > 0:39:26of your life, your future and all of that.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28And so I think they feel that that box has been ticked.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32But that's not really what it means to sing a song, I don't think.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35You have to know each single individual phrase
0:39:35 > 0:39:36why you're singing it,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39and that has to be at the forefront of your mind.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42I just don't want them to turn out boring performances.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46What goes on at home? When you get told off, what's it like? Scary?
0:39:46 > 0:39:49Show me scary. One, two, three, and...
0:39:49 > 0:39:52- # Mama told me not to waste my life - Ooh, ooh, ah-ooh... #
0:39:52 > 0:39:53Tell me off. Don't sing, tell me off.
0:39:53 > 0:39:58- # Spread your wings, my little butterfly- Ah-ooh
0:39:58 > 0:40:01- # Don't let what they say keep you up at night- Ah-ooh
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- # And if they give you- Ssh - Then you can walk on by. #- Ssh!
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Good, yeah, that's great.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Suddenly, from lots of you, the energy is going in one direction
0:40:10 > 0:40:13and it's clear. # Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh. #
0:40:13 > 0:40:18Rather than, "Ooh, ooh, ooh." Shifty eyes. "Ooh, ooh, what am I singing?"
0:40:18 > 0:40:21"Ooh, ooh, ooh." And the difference between the angry time
0:40:21 > 0:40:24that you did it there and the time you first sang it
0:40:24 > 0:40:26is enormous. It shouldn't be frightening.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30Putting your heart and soul into a song is good for you
0:40:30 > 0:40:33and nothing to be afraid of.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36You're doing the solo. You did the solo last time.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39You're doing the arranging. Can you stay behind?
0:40:39 > 0:40:43The rest of you, class dismissed. You may leave. Thank you, well done.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Katie admitted that she never thinks about the words at all.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49She just likes singing. That's level one.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52The next stage is for them to think about what they're doing.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55It's not such a frightening thing, once you embrace it.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58But I think it is frightening when you're 16.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Right now, it's a lot to do all at once -
0:41:00 > 0:41:03learning it and trying to remember the words
0:41:03 > 0:41:05and trying to connect it to how you feel
0:41:05 > 0:41:09is quite a lot when I'm just trying to remember what note comes next.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Does what I said make sense to you,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- about how you perform the song? - I used to be bullied
0:41:15 > 0:41:18and I think everyone's been bullied in their life
0:41:18 > 0:41:21and there's always people that say, "Don't worry about what they say,
0:41:21 > 0:41:24"Be yourself", things like that. I think that's how I feel
0:41:24 > 0:41:26the song relates back to me.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28I can totally relate to that.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32I found being sort of 14 to 16 quite difficult,
0:41:32 > 0:41:36but once I was into sixth form and I started to find musical things
0:41:36 > 0:41:39that I could enjoy and express myself to,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41then life got a bit easier.
0:41:41 > 0:41:46I had two friends at school and we were like best friends,
0:41:46 > 0:41:50and they split off. Sorry, it makes me sad.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53They split off with different people.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57And I was kind of on my own.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01It's a hard time of life. As you're talking, I'm just...
0:42:01 > 0:42:04I don't know. It's awful. It's a long time ago for me now,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07but I remember it like it was yesterday.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08It was horrible at the time
0:42:08 > 0:42:11but it does get better, yeah.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15Just get the group to have a discussion about each bit,
0:42:15 > 0:42:17what each line means to people,
0:42:17 > 0:42:19and then bam, go for it.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26I feel like I'm looking at my teenage years from a great distance.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28It's a difficult time of life
0:42:28 > 0:42:30and you're very inhibited and very unsure of yourself
0:42:30 > 0:42:33and they've got big life decisions hanging over them
0:42:33 > 0:42:35and that's what the song's about.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37It's a lot for them to contend with.
0:42:43 > 0:42:48MUSIC: Inferno by Dylan Rippon
0:42:48 > 0:42:51As well as carefully selecting their song,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Gareth has chosen a poignant date for the choir to perform -
0:42:55 > 0:42:59their last day at Bulmershe.
0:42:59 > 0:43:00It's kind of like a big sendoff.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02This is our last kind of choir performance
0:43:02 > 0:43:05with all the people in it now that we'll do,
0:43:05 > 0:43:07so to do at school is absolutely fab.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10It's going to be really special after seven years
0:43:10 > 0:43:12and to do it in front of all our teachers and students,
0:43:12 > 0:43:13it's going to be nerve-racking,
0:43:13 > 0:43:15but I'm excited to leave school this way.
0:43:15 > 0:43:19- # Mama told me not to waste my life - Ah-ooh... #
0:43:19 > 0:43:21There are seven days to go.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24I think we've got a lot of work to do going forward.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26We knew we did. We're up for that challenge.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28I think we've got to work on tuning
0:43:28 > 0:43:32and getting the emotion of the song, of course.
0:43:32 > 0:43:34While the choir is working on bringing
0:43:34 > 0:43:37meaning and emotion to their song,
0:43:37 > 0:43:40classically-trained pianist Warren has the job
0:43:40 > 0:43:42of working out the accompaniment.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45Most rehearsals, she's always asking me to play something,
0:43:45 > 0:43:49to just put something together in the space of five minutes,
0:43:49 > 0:43:51like I'm able to do something like that magically -
0:43:51 > 0:43:53which I'm not!
0:43:53 > 0:43:55LAUGHTER
0:43:55 > 0:43:59ALL: # I don't need no-one saying hey, hey, hey, hey... #
0:43:59 > 0:44:05He's never heard that before.... so just give him a second.
0:44:05 > 0:44:06He's a talented musician
0:44:06 > 0:44:09but Warren's not known for his reliability.
0:44:11 > 0:44:13The others get frustrated with him
0:44:13 > 0:44:15because he's a bit unpredictable sometimes.
0:44:15 > 0:44:19However, I always feel quite confident that he's going to turn up
0:44:19 > 0:44:22and going to perform and do what we need him to do.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24If you don't have your eye on him, like, all day,
0:44:24 > 0:44:26he would disappear if you look away for a second.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30"Where's Warren?" is a bit of a phrase, like "Where's Wally?"
0:44:30 > 0:44:33LAUGHTER
0:44:33 > 0:44:35- I just need to practise it.- OK.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38Cos it's just bits and pieces that I just thought about.
0:44:38 > 0:44:40- That's what you're going to do for the ending?- Yeah.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42- Have you got time to do that by tomorrow?- Yeah.
0:44:42 > 0:44:47I don't feel too stressed. I feel a little bit relaxed,
0:44:47 > 0:44:49not like some others.
0:44:49 > 0:44:51I'm just trying to get this finished.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54If he was no good, then it would be annoying,
0:44:54 > 0:44:58but he's good, so... He's great.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00WARREN PLAYS PIANO
0:45:01 > 0:45:04'I thought I might go and have a little chat with Warren'
0:45:04 > 0:45:06because it's not unusual to have unreliable
0:45:06 > 0:45:09or unpredictable members of a choir,
0:45:09 > 0:45:11but the others are relying on him,
0:45:11 > 0:45:13so I think I need to gee him up a bit.
0:45:13 > 0:45:17Are you an "It'll be all right on the night" sort of person?
0:45:17 > 0:45:20- Yeah.- Oh! That... And if I just asked you to play, like,
0:45:20 > 0:45:24just improvise on Happy Birthday or something like that,
0:45:24 > 0:45:26- could you just do that?- Yeah. - Go on then.
0:45:26 > 0:45:30WARREN PLAYS 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY'
0:45:30 > 0:45:33HE IMPROVISES CREATIVELY WITH THE TUNE OF 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY'
0:45:42 > 0:45:46- So you can do that?- Yeah.- Just like that, and that's no effort?
0:45:46 > 0:45:49- Yeah.- This is a talent that people would kill to have.
0:45:49 > 0:45:51- I would say so.- Yeah.
0:45:51 > 0:45:55- How has your commitment been to...? - They want to kill me sometimes.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57- Do they? Yeah, I think- I- would.
0:45:57 > 0:46:02I feel like you are the bedrock on which everything sits.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05- Yeah.- What I would always say to people
0:46:05 > 0:46:09is that it's about trust and it's about being reliable
0:46:09 > 0:46:12and dependable for rehearsals. Rehearsals are massively important.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16- Go and knuckle down.- Yeah.- Thanks. - See you soon.- See you later.
0:46:21 > 0:46:23There is a danger that he won't pull it off.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26Things haven't gone disastrously wrong for him ever
0:46:26 > 0:46:30cos he can fumble his way out of it, because he's got natural talent.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33But there's a time when that runs out
0:46:33 > 0:46:36and I hope it's not on Wednesday.
0:46:41 > 0:46:45INDISTINGUISHABLE CHATTER
0:46:45 > 0:46:48Although many of the sixth formers have finished their exams,
0:46:48 > 0:46:51the competition means they can only partially relax.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54After today, it'll be only two days till we're performing to everyone
0:46:54 > 0:46:58so it's nerve-racking, but I think we're going to have it down by then.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01Yeah, two days until our big performance.
0:47:01 > 0:47:03The whole auditorium will be full,
0:47:03 > 0:47:05so there'll be a lot of people here to watch
0:47:05 > 0:47:07but I'm looking forward to it. I think everyone will like it
0:47:07 > 0:47:10and we've made a lot of progress with what we've done,
0:47:10 > 0:47:11so I think we'll be ready.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14Oh!
0:47:14 > 0:47:17It's the biggest thing we've ever done. It's really exciting,
0:47:17 > 0:47:18but it's so nerve-racking as well.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20- Going up!- Yeah!
0:47:20 > 0:47:23- Yeah! - APPLAUSE
0:47:25 > 0:47:30There are two days to go and this will be the last performance
0:47:30 > 0:47:33before they go up against the adults in the contest.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36We've put a lot of work into connecting with the lyrics.
0:47:36 > 0:47:41I think some of them are doing it by being taught to do it,
0:47:41 > 0:47:44others are probably feeling it a little bit more than others.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47Being young is a disadvantage for two reasons -
0:47:47 > 0:47:50one is lacking the emotional maturity to connect with the song
0:47:50 > 0:47:54and the other is confidence, and that's my next task.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57ALL: # No matter what you say, it won't hurt me
0:47:57 > 0:48:02# Don't matter if I fall from the sky
0:48:02 > 0:48:06# These wings are made to fly. #
0:48:06 > 0:48:11- Hello, everyone.- ALL: Hello. - How are you?- Great.- Nervous?
0:48:11 > 0:48:13ALL: Yeah.
0:48:13 > 0:48:17- We are missing... Where's Warren on the keys?- In France.- In France?
0:48:17 > 0:48:20He's coming back. We're expecting him at some point today, hopefully.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24All right. OK, well, let's move on with or without Warren.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27The major thing for me, as you go forward into the contest,
0:48:27 > 0:48:28and you're going up against groups
0:48:28 > 0:48:30that are much older and more experienced,
0:48:30 > 0:48:33is that everyone has to be on the same level of confidence
0:48:33 > 0:48:38about standing on stage and being yourself and singing the song.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41So, I want to take you out of school
0:48:41 > 0:48:44and issue you with a challenge, a performing challenge.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47- Are you with me?- ALL: Yes.
0:48:47 > 0:48:49- Are you with me?- ALL SHOUT: Yes!
0:48:52 > 0:48:54Road trip!
0:48:55 > 0:48:57I think a lot of people join choirs
0:48:57 > 0:48:58cos they think, "I'm not doing a solo,
0:48:58 > 0:49:01"I'll be in the background and no-one will notice me!"
0:49:01 > 0:49:04But when there's only 15 of you, everyone is important,
0:49:04 > 0:49:06everyone's noticed, everybody's got to be confident.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10MUSIC: Challenge by Theo Vidgen
0:49:12 > 0:49:14Right here, now, we have no audience whatsoever,
0:49:14 > 0:49:17and I'd like to see if you, collectively,
0:49:17 > 0:49:20can create an audience on your own from nothing.
0:49:20 > 0:49:22This is the challenge part.
0:49:22 > 0:49:26I would like you each to sing something on your own.
0:49:27 > 0:49:31It's shrugging off the sort of bashfulness that you have at school
0:49:31 > 0:49:33and singing like adults.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36- Shall we try it?- Yeah.- Yes? - ALL: Yes.
0:49:36 > 0:49:40Right, come on then. Welcome. This is the Bulmershe Ensemble
0:49:40 > 0:49:44and this is pretty impromptu. They're going to busk for you.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47You've got two claps already.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51GARETH PLAYS INTRO TO ROAR BY KATY PERRY
0:49:51 > 0:49:54# I used to... I had a choice...
0:49:54 > 0:49:56# Pushed me past the breaking point
0:49:56 > 0:49:58# But... # I don't know the words.
0:49:58 > 0:50:03Ah, do you want to get the words? Get the words on your phone.
0:50:04 > 0:50:08Don't worry. Why don't we get the words on my phone?
0:50:08 > 0:50:11Don't worry about it. It's all right. Ready?
0:50:11 > 0:50:13Yes?
0:50:13 > 0:50:16# I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
0:50:16 > 0:50:18# Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
0:50:18 > 0:50:21# So I sat quietly
0:50:21 > 0:50:23# Agreed politely
0:50:23 > 0:50:26# I guess that I forgot I had a choice
0:50:26 > 0:50:28# Let you push me past the breaking point
0:50:28 > 0:50:30# I stood for nothing
0:50:30 > 0:50:33# So I fell for everything
0:50:33 > 0:50:38ALL: # You're gonna hear me roar. #
0:50:38 > 0:50:40- APPLAUSE - Well done!
0:50:43 > 0:50:46- # If the sky... # - LAUGHTER
0:50:46 > 0:50:48# I look upon
0:50:48 > 0:50:52# Should crumble and fall
0:50:52 > 0:50:55# And the mountains should crumble
0:50:55 > 0:50:58# To the sea
0:50:58 > 0:51:02# I won't cry, I won't cry
0:51:02 > 0:51:06# No, I won't shed a tear
0:51:06 > 0:51:10# Just as long as you stand
0:51:10 > 0:51:14ALL: # Stand by me, stand by me
0:51:14 > 0:51:17# La, la, la, la, la
0:51:17 > 0:51:19- # La, la, la, la... # - LAUGHTER
0:51:19 > 0:51:21Sorry, I won't...
0:51:21 > 0:51:24- APPLAUSE - Well done, everyone. That's good.
0:51:24 > 0:51:26- Do you all hate me now or...? - I enjoyed it.
0:51:26 > 0:51:30- You enjoyed it?- Yeah. - When you start to kind of
0:51:30 > 0:51:33look up and connect and be in the song,
0:51:33 > 0:51:35I feel like I'm watching a singer,
0:51:35 > 0:51:38and as soon as you start thinking, "I don't sound good,"
0:51:38 > 0:51:42I'm watching someone who's terrified and you've got a choice.
0:51:42 > 0:51:45Are you going to be frightened or are you going to be brave?
0:51:48 > 0:51:51When you're in the choir, like when we're in our semicircle,
0:51:51 > 0:51:53you have the comfort blanket kind of thing,
0:51:53 > 0:51:56and when you have to stand out of that, it's a bit disorientating,
0:51:56 > 0:51:58like, "OK, I'm by myself now."
0:51:58 > 0:52:00I feel like I've done my bit
0:52:00 > 0:52:02and I've questioned their lack of confidence
0:52:02 > 0:52:05and I've made them think about it and I've challenged them here today
0:52:05 > 0:52:08and, hopefully, the penny will start to drop and they'll go for it
0:52:08 > 0:52:12but, frankly, only on Wednesday will I actually know whether it's worked.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27It's the day of the big performance
0:52:27 > 0:52:30and for the sixth formers, their last day at school.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35The choir's been such a big part of our experience in the school
0:52:35 > 0:52:38that actually being able to sing on the last day WITH the choir
0:52:38 > 0:52:41is a great thing to do. It's like a final hurrah.
0:52:41 > 0:52:45We thought it's only fair to give "The most likely to cause
0:52:45 > 0:52:49"a stunned silence with their amazing arrangements", that's Abi.
0:52:49 > 0:52:51CHEERING
0:52:51 > 0:52:54It's emotional because we are a very tight group.
0:52:54 > 0:52:59With a lot of us leaving, we don't want to say goodbye,
0:52:59 > 0:53:01so we're holding off for as long as we can.
0:53:01 > 0:53:03That's amazing, guys. Thank you very much!
0:53:03 > 0:53:05I am sad to see these guys go
0:53:05 > 0:53:09and it will be difficult coming back in September without them.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14This afternoon is a really good opportunity
0:53:14 > 0:53:17for the choir to show Gareth and all their teachers and their peers
0:53:17 > 0:53:21that they are good enough to be in this competition
0:53:21 > 0:53:23and that they deserve to be in the last four.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25"Where's Warren?"
0:53:25 > 0:53:27LAUGHTER
0:53:30 > 0:53:35The choir will be singing for 400 pupils, friends and family members.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38We just really want them to do well and perform at their best
0:53:38 > 0:53:40and, hopefully, they haven't got too many nerves.
0:53:43 > 0:53:46I just feel really proud. I can't believe it's my daughter singing.
0:53:46 > 0:53:51To see the whole choir grow from nothing
0:53:51 > 0:53:55has been really exciting and you feel part of the journey with them.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02I think I would have preferred a little longer with Warren.
0:54:02 > 0:54:06I'm still not convinced that the choir are entirely happy
0:54:06 > 0:54:08with his piano-playing.
0:54:08 > 0:54:10I'm just hoping they can pull it out the bag.
0:54:19 > 0:54:23- Hello! Hello! - CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:54:23 > 0:54:26Hello, hello! Good afternoon, Bulmershe!
0:54:26 > 0:54:29So wonderful to see so many of you lovely people here today,
0:54:29 > 0:54:33on this, the very last day of school!
0:54:33 > 0:54:35CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:54:35 > 0:54:38Loosen your school ties, throw your blazers in the air
0:54:38 > 0:54:41for the Bulmershe Ensemble!
0:54:41 > 0:54:44CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:54:44 > 0:54:46THEY CHANT: Bulmershe! Bulmershe!
0:54:54 > 0:54:58ALL: # Da, da, da, da, da
0:54:58 > 0:55:01- # Mama told me not to waste my life - Ooh, ooh, ah-ooh, ooh
0:55:01 > 0:55:04- # She said, "Spread your wings - Ah-ooh, ooh
0:55:04 > 0:55:06- # "My little butterfly"- Ah-ooh, ooh
0:55:06 > 0:55:08- # Don't matter what they say - Ah-ooh, ooh
0:55:08 > 0:55:09- # Can't keep you up at night - Ah-ooh, ooh
0:55:09 > 0:55:14- # And if they give you- Shh - Then they can walk on by- Ooh
0:55:14 > 0:55:17- # My feet, feet can't touch the ground- Da, da, da, da, da
0:55:17 > 0:55:19- # And I can't hear a sound - Da, da, da, da, da, da
0:55:19 > 0:55:22# But you just keep on running up your mouth, yeah
0:55:22 > 0:55:25- # Walk, walk on over there - Da, da, da, da, da, da
0:55:25 > 0:55:27- # Cos I'm too fly to care - Da, da, da, da, da, da
0:55:27 > 0:55:29- # Oh, yeah- Da, da, da
0:55:29 > 0:55:33# I don't need no-one saying hey, hey, hey, hey
0:55:33 > 0:55:36- # I don't hear no one saying - Hey- Hey- Hey- Hey- Hey
0:55:36 > 0:55:40# Your words don't mean a thing
0:55:40 > 0:55:42# I'm not listening
0:55:42 > 0:55:45# They're just like water off my wings
0:55:45 > 0:55:48# Mama told me not to waste my life
0:55:48 > 0:55:52# She said, "Spread your wings, my little butterfly"
0:55:52 > 0:55:56# Don't let what they say keep you up at night
0:55:56 > 0:55:58# And they can't detain you
0:55:58 > 0:56:02# These wings are made to fly
0:56:02 > 0:56:06# And we'll let nobody bring us down
0:56:06 > 0:56:09# No matter what you say, it won't hurt me
0:56:09 > 0:56:13# Don't matter if I fall from the sky
0:56:13 > 0:56:16# These wings are made to
0:56:16 > 0:56:18- # Fly- These wings are made to
0:56:18 > 0:56:21# These wings are made to fly
0:56:21 > 0:56:24# Butterfly, butterfly, butterfly, butterfly
0:56:24 > 0:56:28# Fly. #
0:56:28 > 0:56:31CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:56:33 > 0:56:38Ladies and gentlemen, the utterly brilliant Bulmershe Ensemble!
0:56:38 > 0:56:41CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:56:51 > 0:56:55It just felt so good performing with people I love so much.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58It was absolutely amazing.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01- Proud?- Very proud.- Good, I'm sure. - Very proud.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04- She's learnt to smile when she sings.- You've got to smile.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07- SHE SHRIEKS - Sorry, sorry!
0:57:07 > 0:57:09I'm well proud of you!
0:57:09 > 0:57:12- THEY LAUGH - Sorry!
0:57:14 > 0:57:17- They kind of just grew. - Yeah, you could see that kind of,
0:57:17 > 0:57:20"Oh, yeah, we've really done this." They loved it.
0:57:20 > 0:57:23We all enjoyed it. We all had an amazing time on that stage today,
0:57:23 > 0:57:28and for these last few weeks, it just sums it up.
0:57:28 > 0:57:31I thought that was great. There was a big leap in confidence.
0:57:31 > 0:57:33They looked like adults on that stage.
0:57:33 > 0:57:36It was much better, really emotional and invested.
0:57:36 > 0:57:38How do you think the performance went? Go!
0:57:38 > 0:57:40THEY CHEER
0:57:40 > 0:57:43That's it. I've got my four groups and they're four great groups.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46I've got mums, I've got the gospel choir, I've got a school choir
0:57:46 > 0:57:48and I've got a university a capella group,
0:57:48 > 0:57:51so it makes it a very exciting and interesting competition.
0:57:51 > 0:57:53I've really enjoyed working with them
0:57:53 > 0:57:56and I'm looking forward to pushing them SO hard next time.
0:57:57 > 0:57:59In the next stage of the contest...
0:57:59 > 0:58:02- Hello, my regional champions! - CHEERING
0:58:02 > 0:58:06..Gareth's four chosen choirs come together at boot camp.
0:58:06 > 0:58:09- Do you love me or do you hate me? - We love you!
0:58:09 > 0:58:11Oh, thank God!
0:58:11 > 0:58:14They'll face intensive mentoring...
0:58:14 > 0:58:16How are we going to get this to performance level?
0:58:16 > 0:58:18We're working so hard.
0:58:20 > 0:58:25..ahead of a semifinal sing-off that will send one group home.
0:58:25 > 0:58:30The group that they felt should take the final place in the contest is...
0:58:33 > 0:58:36MUSIC: Challenge by Theo Vidgen