0:00:00 > 0:00:00- .
0:00:01 > 0:00:03- West is best!
0:00:03 > 0:00:06- It's a remarkable story.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11- The story of a group of schoolgirls - who started on a journey...
0:00:11 > 0:00:14- ..that began - in a rehearsal room in Drefach.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- They were crowned Welsh champions.
0:00:17 > 0:00:24- They're now part of the greatest - TV choral competition in history.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- Eurovision.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- This is the story - of Cor Merched Sir Gar...
0:00:31 > 0:00:36- ..and their journey from West Wales - to Riga and the rest of Europe.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- Before we look forward, - let's look back.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- Last October, - the girls started preparing...
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- ..for the Cor Cymru competition.
0:00:51 > 0:00:57- # Lift up the name of Jesus
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- # Then you want to praise him
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- # Say a prayer #
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- 50 girls - from seven different schools.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11- Some speak Welsh, some don't, - but they all have talent.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- What better way to celebrate than - by gathering everyone together...
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- ..singers, families and supporters, - to reminisce.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- The drum roll was so long, - I couldn't wait for it to end.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- When it did, it was incredible - to hear our choir.
0:01:33 > 0:01:34- It was, like, wow.
0:01:35 > 0:01:36- Cor Merched Sir Gar.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41- I thought it was a mistake at first.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46- It was such a shock. We all - gathered together and celebrated.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50- Islwyn's face was my highlight.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- It was a huge shock for us.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- I'd never competed - on a national stage before.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- To realise we were in the top four - was a shock.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- The choir impressed us - for singing with such conviction...
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- ..with sensitivity, - often musically perfect.
0:02:14 > 0:02:20- # Beth yw'r haf i mi
0:02:20 > 0:02:26- # Dim ond gaeaf llwm - a dagrau'n lli #
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- One of my favourite moments - of singing on stage...
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- ..is singing Beth Yw'r Haf I Mi?
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- The atmosphere we create - as a choir is very special.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46- # Gariad bach er crwydro'n ffol
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- If anyone makes a mistake, - it's so obvious.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- You have to be really careful.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- When we get it right, - it's effective.
0:02:55 > 0:03:02- # Beth yw'r haf i mi?
0:03:02 > 0:03:11- # Dim ond hirlwm - ers pan gollais ti #
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- In terms of the judges, what - got us through the semi-final...
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- ..was songs - one, two, three and four.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- The song everyone enjoyed singing - was song five...
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- ..Going To The Holy City.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- According to the adjudication...
0:03:29 > 0:03:31- ..that's not the one - that hit the spot.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- # Goin' to the holy city
0:03:34 > 0:03:38- # I'm going - to leave this world behind #
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- They didn't fully invest - in exploring a new sound.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- What I want to see is almost - a completely different choir...
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- ..singing pieces - from a different musical genre.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- # I'm going to live eternally
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- # Yes, I'm going to the holy city - won't you come and go with me? #
0:04:00 > 0:04:06- I know the girls had a lot of fun - and the comments were encouraging.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- They've got tremendous potential.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- If they do that on an hour a week, - the sky's the limit.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- A chance to look forward - to the final.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- Islwyn was aware that their - weakest song in the semi-final...
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- ..was the gospel song, - Goin' To The Holy City.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- Any other conductor would - have shied away from the genre...
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- ..but not Islwyn Evans.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- In the final, the panel - were treated to a gospel medley.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- # If you came to praise him
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- # Say Amen
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- # If you came to praise him
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- # Say Amen
0:04:50 > 0:04:56- # If you came to lift up - the name of Jesus
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- # Then you ought to praise him - and say Amen
0:05:02 > 0:05:08- # Say Amen #
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- The gamble paid off handsomely - and the plaudits followed.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- Right from the get-go, - you could tell they were special.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- Whey they performed that gospel - medley, it was a special moment.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- The winners are...
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- ..Cor Merched Sir Gar.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39- It was such an incredible feeling. - It was great.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- I thought the performance - was unbelievable.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- Fantastic. We're so proud of them.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- I still can't believe it.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- I've won in the past - with other choirs...
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- ..but this was quite a challenge.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- I don't see this choir - as often as I see the other choirs.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- You saw the response - when the announcement was made.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- The girls were over the moon.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20- Before the announcement, - not that Islwyn had noticed...
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- ..a separate announcement - was made backstage.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- Imagine the thrill - of representing your country...
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- ..in a live global TV competition...
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- ..against some of the best choirs - in Europe.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- It took a few seconds - for it to sink in.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- We were going to Latvia!
0:06:44 > 0:06:49- We were so happy we'd won. Then we - realised we were going to Latvia.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- I couldn't get my head - around that at all.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- That was put to one side. We'd cross - that bridge when we got to it.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- Suddenly, - it's presented in front of you...
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- ..and, well, it was...
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- ..well, - it's one of the greatest honours...
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- ..for us as a choir, - and for me as a conductor.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- The land of song on tour.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- As an additional surprise - for the girls....
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- ..Scarlets' No.10 Rhys Patchell - called by...
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- ..with some words of advice.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- I don't often come down - and speak to choirs!
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- Rugby clubs, usually, or schools.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- I know that everyone locally - supports you 100%.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- I'm sure you'll do Wales, - your schools, your families...
0:07:50 > 0:07:55- ..and all your supporters proud - if you have pride in yourselves.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- Good luck to you, enjoy the - experience, enjoy every minute...
0:08:00 > 0:08:05- ..because, 5, 10, 15 years from now, - you'll look back at this...
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- ..and realise how cool it was.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- Good luck.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- Rhys' words were inspirational.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- It gave us the confidence - to do our best out there...
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- ..and enjoy the experience.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- It'll be a superb experience.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- It's something they'll remember - for the rest of their lives.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- It's absolutely amazing.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- They'll look back on it - with great pride and fond memories.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- We're going to be flying to - the States when they're on stage.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- We won't see it until we get there.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- Our daughter's - flying out afterwards.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- We've changed - all of our arrangements for it.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- It's so important for her to - take part, that had to come first.
0:09:00 > 0:09:06- I've had choirs at Llangollen's - Choir of the World competition.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- Those are scintillating nights.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- This is...
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- ..a lot, lot more.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- It's difficult to appreciate - the enormity of the night.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Eurovision, we're on our way.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- We now understand - how and why the choir reached Riga.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- Are they truly ready - for the enormity of the challenge?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- Eight of Europe's best choirs.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- A TV audience of millions.
0:09:38 > 0:09:38- .
0:09:43 > 0:09:43- Subtitles
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:09:48 > 0:09:54- In 24 hours' time, these girls will - be singing in front of a crowd...
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- ..of 8,000 people...
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- ..and a global audience of millions.
0:09:59 > 0:10:00- No pressure.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- When you realise that the choir - didn't meet until June 21...
0:10:05 > 0:10:10- ..you can understand why Islwyn - is feeling the pressure.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- Cor Cymru is one thing.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- We have weeks of hard work - ahead of us to prepare...
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- ..for this huge competition in Riga.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- Good luck in Riga.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- Representing Wales. Superb.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32- The bus leaves here - four weeks Monday.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- Good luck in my country, - Riga, Latvia.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- Guys, be strong. Good luck.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- There's work to do. - I'd say there's a lot of work to do.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- Right, OK. Now then.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- Cor Merched Sir Gar, - you are my favourite choir.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- I wish you the best of luck in Riga.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- I hope I get one more chance - to announce...
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- ..the winner is Cor Merched Sir Gar.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- Four weeks to master - the new repertoire.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- With a few months - having passed since Cor Cymru...
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- ..there's only one place to start - - technique.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21- Grrrr!
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- Grrrr!- - Grrrr!
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- Ooooooah!
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- Ooooooah!
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- He has very strange techniques.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Buh! You have to copy it perfectly - or you do it again.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38- Buh!
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- Stronger. Buh!
0:11:40 > 0:11:41- Buh!
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- One of his techniques - is singing by numbers.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- # One, five, four, three #
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- It really makes us work together - and think clearly.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- # One, three
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- # Two, one #
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- Sometimes he changes the language - - we sing in French, Spanish.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- # Cinq, un, deux, trois
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- # Deux, trois #
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- Islwyn is a great conductor.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- He's a perfectionist, - he works us hard...
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- ..but he likes having lots of fun.
0:12:26 > 0:12:27- We'd all be lost without him...
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- ..and we wouldn't be where we are - now so we're very grateful to him.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- The girls come from - seven different schools.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- What kind of personalities - have you encountered?
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- They're very different - as you'd expect teenage girls to be.
0:12:48 > 0:12:49- Some are boisterous.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- We're very talkative.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- We're on our phones a lot.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- OK, thank you, stop talking.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- The variety makes the team, - doesn't it?
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- I give them a mouthful - for talking too much...
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- ..but, at the end of the day, they - know when to put the phones away...
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- ..and crack on with the work.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- In Carmarthenshire, we're interested - in children's holistic development.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- Extra-curricular activities - help shape the complete child.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- Music teaches us about creativity. - You use creativity in other fields.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- Creativity in science, - languages and mathematics.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35- We're working with schools...
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- ..to face the funding challenge - over the next few years.
0:13:39 > 0:13:45- Schools appreciate music's value - as part of an extended curriculum.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- We've had a lot of experiences - with the county choir.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- We sang in Birmingham's - Symphony Hall with Music For Youth.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- We went through from there - to sing in Royal Albert Hall.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- It was an unforgettable experience. - It was amazing.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- We went to watch Wicked.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- That was incredible.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- Caterina is the only girl - from Ysgol Dyffryn Taf.
0:14:11 > 0:14:17- Mother Tina realises the value - of being part of this choir.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- Being in the choir has given me - more confidence in myself.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- She was so shy but going - to these different places...
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- ..all these girls she's never been - with, brought her out of herself.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- It's helped me - understand Welsh more.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- I can understand it a lot more.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- It's really good, - a really good feeling.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- Life skills, unforgettable - experiences and lifelong friends.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- It's what being part - of a choir means to you.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- It all stems from hard work...
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- ..and the girls' insistence - on accepting nothing but the best...
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- ..be that tiddly-winks - or a game of rounders on the beach.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- The desire to win is evident.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- The challenge for you, - as it is for nine European choirs...
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- ..is choosing - a six-minute repertoire.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14- When I first heard that it - was six minutes, I just laughed.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- I thought they were pulling my leg.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Of course, - you want to open with a song...
0:15:22 > 0:15:27- ..that grabs the attention - of the audience and judges.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- You want a special finale.
0:15:30 > 0:15:36- As a filling to the sandwich, you - want something that scores points...
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- ..but there's not enough time.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- # Hoj hura hoj, - hura hoj, hura hoj, hura hoj
0:15:43 > 0:15:50- # Hura hoj, hura hoj, - hura hoj, hura hoj, hura hoj #
0:15:50 > 0:15:56- I had a short conversation - with the judges after Cor Cymru...
0:15:58 > 0:16:03- ..and we were both agreed - on Hoj Hura Hoj, the Czech song.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- It's a four-part choir but there - are solos for three of the girls.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- The image we're trying to create...
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- ..of shouting across the valley - and the echo returning...
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- ..is very effective.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- We're there to represent Wales - and without a doubt...
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- ..one of the pieces - must be sung in Welsh.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- # Mil harddach
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- In addition to being - a Welsh folk melody...
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- ..it will act as a contrast - to the first and last song.
0:16:53 > 0:17:02- # Na'r rhosyn coch ar ael y bryn
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- # Na'r alarch
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- In Cor Cymru, quiet pieces work.
0:17:08 > 0:17:15- It surprises me that many conductors - shy away from quiet pieces.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Sometimes, when they think - something is quiet...
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- ..I believe - you can take it quieter still.
0:17:26 > 0:17:34- # Mwy swynol yw dy chwerthin mwyn
0:17:35 > 0:17:44- # Na chan y fronfraith yn y llwyn
0:17:44 > 0:17:53- # Na murmur mor uwchben y twyn
0:17:53 > 0:18:03- # Fy maban bach #
0:18:04 > 0:18:11- This is the song - that could put you on the map.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- What's the finale?
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- What's the finale?- - Wade In The Water by Norman Luboff.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- # Wade, wade, wade in the water
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- # Wade, wade, wade in the water
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- # Wade, wade, wade in the water
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- # God is gonna trouble the waters
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- We have seven, - eight voices at times.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- We reach a higher level - than we reached in Cor Cymru.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- We have to stretch the girls...
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- ..to perform - well out of their comfort zone.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- # See that band all dressed in red
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- Eyes!
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- So far, - they've accepted the challenge...
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- ..and we'll see how it goes.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- # God is gonna trouble - these waters #
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- Alaw and Bethan, - if you feel nervous backstage...
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- ..how do you control that, - as soloists?
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- I breathe. I don't know what you do.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- I breathe deeply and before - going on, I do some star jumps.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- Just to get my mind off the solo.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- Star jumps is the answer?
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- Backstage at the eisteddfod, - I do star jumps.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Alaw's on her own in the corner!
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- Challenging pieces - aren't enough for Islwyn.
0:19:30 > 0:19:36- He wants an extra ingredient - to create the perfect dish.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- Lauren is something else. - She's fantastic.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- You're too lazy at the moment. - Wake up.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- She knows what a choir needs - - she's not just creating a show.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- Sometimes it's just the slightest - move and the girls understand it.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- Remember the audience - I'm not - asking you to go all the way around.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- Just here or the other side.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- They're lovely, they're disciplined, - they're like sponges...
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- ..but because - they concentrate so much...
0:20:08 > 0:20:13- ..you lose that spark, - that energy, that enthusiasm.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- They just want to get things right, - which is lovely...
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- ..but to be able - to perform something like this...
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- ..we've got to be ready to let go.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- It's a very difficult process.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- When you turn your head, - you need the expression...
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- ..you need to think...
0:20:32 > 0:20:38- She's very strict. She knows what - she wants and she's a perfectionist.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43- Islwyn's a perfectionist and Lauren - wants every move on point.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- No, it's too slow.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- You're too nice. You need to be - more slick. Five, six, seven and go.
0:20:51 > 0:20:52- No.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- This was meant to be simple.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- This was meant to be simple.- - She's energetic and enthusiastic.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- She makes us feel enthusiastic - about dancing...
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- ..even when it makes us - feel nervous.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- They're going for it, it's amazing.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- You're competing against - eight choirs from across Europe.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- How many choirs - are you familiar with?
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- Which ones - are your greatest threats?
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- One of the choirs, - the Estonian TV Girls' Choir...
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- ..we've come across them - in competitions.
0:21:36 > 0:21:41- The countries involved, - Estonia, Latvia...
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- ..Hungary, Germany, Belgium...
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- ..there's a strong choral tradition - in those countries.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- Living in our small world....
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- ..thinking we're the king pins - of the choral world...
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- ..but when we participate in - a competition of this magnitude...
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- ..I think we're a small fish - in a big pond.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- I've already told them that - along the journey...
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- ..as we've been rehearsing.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- Some of you, maybe, - will perform on stages...
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- ..in grand arenas - with huge audiences.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- For the majority of us, - 99% of you and me...
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- ..this will be - the greatest stage for us...
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- ..during our choral careers.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- Preparations are complete, - there's no turning back now.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- The bags and the bus are ready - but are the girls ready?
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- Good luck to Islwyn and the girls.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- Between you and me...
0:23:04 > 0:23:09- ..I don't think the girls - have any idea of what awaits them.
0:23:12 > 0:23:17- Eight of Europe's best choirs and an - Eurovision TV audience of millions.
0:23:24 > 0:23:25- Wow, oh, my gosh.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28- It's massive.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29- It's massive.- - Wow.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- Welcome to Arena Riga. - This is it, this is the place.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:58 > 0:23:58- .