0:00:02 > 0:00:06Six of the best senior school choirs in Britain are here in Birmingham.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10They'll be singing to win a place in next week's final
0:00:10 > 0:00:13and pulling out all the stops as they try to become
0:00:13 > 0:00:18the 2014 Songs Of Praise Senior School Choir Of The Year.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25APPLAUSE
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Welcome to Birmingham's International Convention Centre
0:00:28 > 0:00:30for the second semifinal in our quest to find
0:00:30 > 0:00:32the best school choirs in the land.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34Last week, the juniors wowed us with their talent.
0:00:34 > 0:00:39Today, these six senior schools have travelled from across the country
0:00:39 > 0:00:40to sing their choice of hymn
0:00:40 > 0:00:44before the best three are chosen to go forward to the final.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49Which choirs will it be? We have, from London, Highgate School!
0:00:49 > 0:00:53CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:53 > 0:00:55From Lincoln, Lincoln Minster School!
0:00:55 > 0:00:59CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:59 > 0:01:01From Wiltshire, Godolphin!
0:01:01 > 0:01:04CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:04 > 0:01:06From Kent, Rochester Grammar School!
0:01:06 > 0:01:10CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:10 > 0:01:12From London, the Grey Coat Hospital!
0:01:12 > 0:01:15CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:15 > 0:01:18And Cantabile from Hereford Cathedral School!
0:01:18 > 0:01:21CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:21 > 0:01:25As usual, there's great support for each of our senior school choirs.
0:01:25 > 0:01:30Please give a warm welcome to my co-host, it's Claire McCollum.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:34 > 0:01:36Good to see you, Claire.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39It was pretty frenzied last week with the primary school choirs.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Do you expect it to be a bit more laid back this week?
0:01:42 > 0:01:44I think there's going to be just as much excitement.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47The students might be a little bit older than the junior pupils
0:01:47 > 0:01:49but I think there's going to be just as much leaping around
0:01:49 > 0:01:52and we'll hear what they thought of the judges' comments as well.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54So, lots of reaction from backstage.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Thank you, Claire, we will hear from you later.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02Now, it's time to introduce our three celebrity judges
0:02:02 > 0:02:06who have the incredibly tough job of deciding which three choirs
0:02:06 > 0:02:08go forward to the final.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Firstly, someone who embodies the word "expert"
0:02:11 > 0:02:14when it comes to judging choral competitions.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16She is an internationally renowned choir founder,
0:02:16 > 0:02:18teacher and conductor and Professor of Music
0:02:18 > 0:02:21at the University of Southern California,
0:02:21 > 0:02:23please welcome Suzi Digby!
0:02:23 > 0:02:28CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:02:28 > 0:02:30Our next judge is from right here in Birmingham,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33a graduate of Birmingham's Conservatoire of Music.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36She's a singer/songwriter with a top 10 album, two Brit nominations
0:02:36 > 0:02:38and two MOBO awards under her belt.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Please welcome Laura Mvula!
0:02:41 > 0:02:43CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:02:47 > 0:02:50Next is a choral guru with the magic touch.
0:02:50 > 0:02:51The Choir, The Military Wives,
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Sing While You Work, just a few examples of his amazing ability
0:02:55 > 0:02:59to transform everyday working people into extraordinary choirs.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01It's Gareth Malone!
0:03:01 > 0:03:03CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:03:05 > 0:03:07OK, the competition starts right now.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Each of our six choirs will sing their choice of hymn.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12Based on that one performance,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15the judges will select three choirs to go into next week's final.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17It's all to play for.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19The first choir to sing are from the lovely city of Lincoln.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22It's Lincoln Minster School.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25BELLS RING
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Lincoln is a real little gem.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Lincoln Minster School is great because it has the cathedral
0:03:31 > 0:03:34and all the surrounding Roman remains.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37I think that life here is a bit like Hogwarts.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40All the prep pupils, when they come over, they're all saying,
0:03:40 > 0:03:41"Oh, it's like Hogwarts!"
0:03:41 > 0:03:43"Do you learn magic here?"
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Faith and music are very, very important components
0:03:47 > 0:03:49in the make-up of the Minster School.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53We have daily worship and the cathedral is right at the heart
0:03:53 > 0:03:54of what the school does.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58I think the single biggest thing that he gives us,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01it's just, if you do something wrong,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04do it and look as if you are totally right!
0:04:04 > 0:04:06Good, well done!
0:04:06 > 0:04:07'Singing sacred music,'
0:04:07 > 0:04:10for me, it's pretty much a blessing, to be honest with you.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13I always felt it kept me closer to God.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18The piece we're doing is Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21I think it's good because there's a lot of emotions in there.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25It's got a big, rousing tune. You can get a bit Welsh fervour into it.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29But also, there's a lovely opportunity for a big descant
0:04:29 > 0:04:33and I think the sound of our sopranos is one of our secrets as a choir
0:04:33 > 0:04:37so I certainly wanted to make sure that we were able to show that off.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42# Guide me, O thou great Redeemer
0:04:42 > 0:04:47# Pilgrim through this barren land
0:04:47 > 0:04:52# I am weak but thou art mighty
0:04:52 > 0:04:57# Hold me with my powerful hand
0:04:57 > 0:05:02# Bread of heaven, bread of heaven
0:05:02 > 0:05:07# Feed me now and evermore
0:05:07 > 0:05:13# Feed me now and evermore
0:05:15 > 0:05:20# Open now the crystal fountain
0:05:20 > 0:05:25# Whenst the healing stream doth flow
0:05:25 > 0:05:29# Let the fiery, cloudy pillar
0:05:29 > 0:05:35# Lead me all my journey through
0:05:35 > 0:05:40# Strong deliverer, strong deliverer
0:05:40 > 0:05:45# Be thou still my strength and shield
0:05:45 > 0:05:51# Be thou still my strength and shield
0:05:52 > 0:05:57# When I tread the verge of Jordan
0:05:57 > 0:06:02# Bid my anxious fears subside
0:06:02 > 0:06:07# Death of death and hell's destruction
0:06:07 > 0:06:13# Land me safe on Canaan's side
0:06:13 > 0:06:18# Songs and praises, songs and praises
0:06:18 > 0:06:23# I will ever give to Thee
0:06:24 > 0:06:32# I will ever give to Thee. #
0:06:32 > 0:06:34HYMN ENDS
0:06:34 > 0:06:37CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:06:42 > 0:06:46Lincoln Minster School, ladies and gentlemen!
0:06:46 > 0:06:49CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Suzi, a very well known hymn to start.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Did Lincoln did themselves proud?
0:06:53 > 0:06:56That was very, very fine singing.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00What was so impressive is the way you lightened the end of each phrase.
0:07:00 > 0:07:01It was so elegant.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04I thought your basses were so wonderful, they did a fantastic job.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06On the slightly critical side,
0:07:06 > 0:07:10perhaps the descant could have been a little lighter,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12so it didn't obliterate the melody.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15But a wonderful performance, thank you.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Gareth, what did you make of that performance by Lincoln?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Very well done. I thought it was lovely, really charming.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25A great start, a really nice, warm sound at the beginning
0:07:25 > 0:07:28so I enjoyed that very much.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32To be slightly critical, perhaps even more line would help.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37It is very easy with these hymns to get quite dah-dee-dah.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41Dah-dee-dah, that will communicate your message more clearly.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45But a fascinating start the competition.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46Laura?
0:07:46 > 0:07:49I thought you made a very beautiful sound, really great diction.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Everybody was working really hard.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55I could tell that you enjoy singing together
0:07:55 > 0:07:58and I think that's important to me and I was moved by that
0:07:58 > 0:08:00so thank you.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Thank you, Lincoln Minster School.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:08:04 > 0:08:05How do you think it went out there?
0:08:05 > 0:08:08I don't think I've ever performed in quite an atmosphere like that.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- It was just amazing. It went so well.- I was buzzing onstage.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- Do you think you've got that fervour? - I think so, yes.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17I think they did rise to the occasion.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21Another school entering the competition for the first time
0:08:21 > 0:08:24and they're from Kent, it's Rochester Grammar School.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27# Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday... #
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Our choir is called NChant
0:08:29 > 0:08:33and we like to think that we "enchant" our audiences in a way.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38A lot of choirs will be used to performing in front of their school,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41whereas we are used to performing to all kinds of people.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45We visit places that you wouldn't think you would visit.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48We went to California and we sang in the Vatican in Rome,
0:08:48 > 0:08:49which was quite special.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I gave the girls a choice of four different songs
0:08:54 > 0:08:56and I have to say I was a little surprised
0:08:56 > 0:08:58when they chose The Lord's Prayer.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01# Our Father... #
0:09:01 > 0:09:03But they absolutely fell in love with it.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07The music and the words completely fit together,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10especially the line, "For thine be the glory."
0:09:10 > 0:09:11It's wonderful.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14# ..For ever... #
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Singing Christian, sacred hymns,
0:09:17 > 0:09:19I think that gives it so much more meaning,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22especially when you really believe it like we do.
0:09:25 > 0:09:31# Our Father
0:09:34 > 0:09:41# Which art in heaven
0:09:45 > 0:09:53# Hallowed be
0:09:53 > 0:09:59# Thy name
0:10:02 > 0:10:07# Thy Kingdom come
0:10:08 > 0:10:15# Thy will be done
0:10:15 > 0:10:18# On Earth
0:10:18 > 0:10:26# As it is in Heaven
0:10:46 > 0:10:54# Give us this day our daily bread
0:10:57 > 0:11:01# And forgive us our debts
0:11:01 > 0:11:07# As we forgive our debtors
0:11:12 > 0:11:18# And lead us not into temptation
0:11:18 > 0:11:23# But deliver us from evil
0:11:23 > 0:11:30# For thine is the kingdom
0:11:30 > 0:11:38# And the power and the glory
0:11:38 > 0:11:44# For ever
0:11:45 > 0:11:53# Amen. #
0:11:59 > 0:12:02HYMN ENDS
0:12:02 > 0:12:06CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:12:10 > 0:12:14Rochester Grammar School, ladies and gentlemen!
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Gareth, an all girl choir singing The Lord's Prayer.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Was it a good choice for their range of voices?
0:12:19 > 0:12:23I'm charmed, it was a perfect choice. Really lovely.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27A very special sound that you created and a very special stillness
0:12:27 > 0:12:31and focus that you created at the beginning, it was wonderful.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36I could just have used a little more richness in the tone at times.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- Laura?- I'm going to disagree with Gareth.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43I felt your tone was so beautiful.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46I was really moved.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50When your unison line sounded like one voice, who needs boys?
0:12:52 > 0:12:53You sound perfect!
0:12:53 > 0:12:55APPLAUSE
0:12:55 > 0:13:00- Suzi?- This is an example of where perfect tuning takes a performance
0:13:00 > 0:13:02to another level.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06There might be a danger of developing one tone colour
0:13:06 > 0:13:08in the lower voices and what I would do
0:13:08 > 0:13:11is try and explore different kinds of colour.
0:13:11 > 0:13:18That is very nit-picky. Actually, what really touched me was the start.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20It was so beautiful.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25That glossy, simple, almost child-like but not children
0:13:25 > 0:13:29and by the way, I love your dresses!
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Thank you, Rochester Grammar School!
0:13:31 > 0:13:34CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:13:34 > 0:13:37The comments were so encouraging.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Fantastic feedback. I'm thrilled.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44- The Lord's Prayer, was it very spiritual, singing that?- Definitely.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47A lot of us are very spiritual and we all believe everything we said
0:13:47 > 0:13:50and we really hope it came across in our faces and everything.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52It really means a lot to us.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Our next choir know this competition well.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Over recent years, they've made the semifinals three times
0:13:57 > 0:14:00and the final itself in 2012.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03It's the Godolphin School from Salisbury.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09Our uniform is somewhat unusual. They wear a pinny.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Sometimes, if it's your birthday, you can go around for the whole day
0:14:12 > 0:14:16wearing a pink pinny, which means everyone knows it's your birthday!
0:14:17 > 0:14:23Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight. F-light.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27It's quite hard to find a hymn that is suitable for just girls to sing
0:14:27 > 0:14:30because most hymns are written for men and women to sing,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33so I've found something that I think is suitable for the girls.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Tell Out My Soul has always been one of my favourites
0:14:36 > 0:14:40because it just has such a beautiful message.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45It's the Magnificat, when Mary finds out she's going to have God's Son
0:14:45 > 0:14:48and it is the song that she sings.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52It's very hard to not get carried along by the piece.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54Just before we go on stage, I will say to the girls,
0:14:54 > 0:14:58"Really enjoy yourselves, really give everything you've got
0:14:58 > 0:15:00"and just have a ball!"
0:15:02 > 0:15:08# Tell out my soul the greatness of the Lord
0:15:08 > 0:15:15# Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice
0:15:16 > 0:15:22# Tender to me the promise of His word
0:15:23 > 0:15:26# In God my saviour
0:15:26 > 0:15:31# Shall my heart rejoice
0:15:33 > 0:15:38# Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His name
0:15:39 > 0:15:42# Make known His might,
0:15:42 > 0:15:46# The deeds His arm has done
0:15:47 > 0:15:54# His mercy sure, from age to age the same
0:15:54 > 0:15:56# His holy name
0:15:56 > 0:16:01# The Lord, the mighty one
0:16:03 > 0:16:09# Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His might!
0:16:10 > 0:16:17# Powers and dominions lay their glory by
0:16:18 > 0:16:24# Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight
0:16:24 > 0:16:27# The hungry fed
0:16:27 > 0:16:32# The humble lifted high
0:16:34 > 0:16:40# Tell out, my soul, the glories of His word!
0:16:40 > 0:16:44# Firm is His promise
0:16:44 > 0:16:48# And His mercy sure
0:16:48 > 0:16:54# Tell out my soul, the greatness of the Lord
0:16:55 > 0:17:00# To children's children
0:17:00 > 0:17:04# And forevermore! #
0:17:07 > 0:17:09APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:17:15 > 0:17:18The Godolphin School, ladies and gentlemen!
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Laura, Godolphin have got a lot of experience singing in this
0:17:22 > 0:17:24competition, did it show?
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Yes, absolutely!
0:17:26 > 0:17:29I thought when you broke into harmony your balance was
0:17:29 > 0:17:32really good. I could hear each part and that was really great.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36I wondered when some of the descant parts, though, met.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Just as a minor point, maybe we
0:17:38 > 0:17:42could think about just how it balances.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45We don't want to over hear those parts.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50But I think your performance was really spirited and joyous.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Suzi, a beautiful hymn. Did they sing it beautifully?
0:17:54 > 0:17:55What a glorious sound!
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Particularly the opening, it was just,
0:17:58 > 0:18:02again, it was such a fresh colour of sound...beautiful!
0:18:02 > 0:18:07Erm, when you sing a series of words, so, "Tell out my soul",
0:18:07 > 0:18:08four syllables.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10If they are all weighted equally,
0:18:10 > 0:18:14it's very hard to get the sense of where the text is going.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19I just slightly felt that there were a lot of syllables that were
0:18:19 > 0:18:21equally weighted, rather than seeing a phrase
0:18:21 > 0:18:24and deciding which syllable should we energise towards.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26That would, I think,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28then take it onto another level of communication.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Thank you.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Gareth, a polished performance from Godolphin, did it shine for you?
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Yeah, very slick.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40Great, clear diction, good balance and I totally agree with Laura.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Erm, it was a good decision, I think, to have fewer voices on the descant.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Actually, you've got some very good soloists, potentially,
0:18:47 > 0:18:49maybe one would have done it.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53A small point but I felt at times, certainly at the beginning,
0:18:53 > 0:18:55you made a fantastic impact with your first phrase
0:18:55 > 0:18:57and perhaps releasing a bit too much breath.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00You got to the end and I just felt that slight tightening of not
0:19:00 > 0:19:02saving something to the end of the phrase.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04I think there's some development in
0:19:04 > 0:19:07the sound to go but spoke very well, that performance.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Congratulations, good.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10Thank you, Godolphin School.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12APPLAUSE
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Well, Mrs Sparkhall, did they sparkle they sparkle for you today?
0:19:15 > 0:19:17They absolutely sparkled, they were fantastic!
0:19:17 > 0:19:19I was delighted, delighted with their performance.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22I was quite apprehensive about going on but as
0:19:22 > 0:19:24soon as you get on the atmosphere is great
0:19:24 > 0:19:28and it's a really, really good experience and I enjoyed it so much!
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Our next school, literally, are a school choir run by students,
0:19:32 > 0:19:33for students.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36It's the Grey Coat Hospital, from London.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40# Lived to die... #
0:19:40 > 0:19:42OK, what do we need to do differently?
0:19:42 > 0:19:45The fact that they've got here really by doing everything
0:19:45 > 0:19:48themselves, does make it actually a very, very special achievement.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52And something that here in the school, we're incredible proud of.
0:19:52 > 0:19:59Carys is the leader. I aid Carys with whatever she needs musically.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04We both, together, we sit down and we pick the songs
0:20:04 > 0:20:07and we choose the arrangement and how we want it to sound,
0:20:07 > 0:20:09where we want harmonies to go.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11So, we do do everything from scratch.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Let's go from, "Above all wisdom..."
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Doing our rehearsals, she does have a funny way of telling us
0:20:16 > 0:20:18be quiet, she tells us to snip.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20She comes towards us and goes "snip".
0:20:20 > 0:20:23She loves to do her Ts like t...t...t...
0:20:23 > 0:20:25# Like a rose
0:20:25 > 0:20:27# Trampled on the ground... #
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Because our style is more gospel, I think that will set us
0:20:30 > 0:20:33apart slightly and I think that will, hopefully, give us the edge.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35# You lived to die... #
0:20:35 > 0:20:38I really feel the message of the song because it's
0:20:38 > 0:20:39about the crucifixion of Jesus,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41which is a real important part of Christianity.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Thank you cos you're a glorious God.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Thank you so much for all you have done.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47We always pray together as choir before we do any
0:20:47 > 0:20:51performance, so I think that will calm people down, erm, and me down.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53I think I'll be very nervous...
0:20:57 > 0:21:00# Above all powers
0:21:00 > 0:21:04# Above all kings
0:21:05 > 0:21:10# Above all nature and all created things
0:21:12 > 0:21:18# Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
0:21:21 > 0:21:27# You were here before the world began
0:21:27 > 0:21:31# He was crucified
0:21:31 > 0:21:35# Laid behind a stone
0:21:35 > 0:21:39# Lived to die
0:21:39 > 0:21:42# Rejected and alone
0:21:42 > 0:21:49# Like a rose trampled on the ground
0:21:49 > 0:21:53# You took the fall
0:21:53 > 0:21:56# And thought of me
0:21:56 > 0:21:59# Above all
0:22:01 > 0:22:04# Above all kingdoms
0:22:04 > 0:22:08# Above all thrones
0:22:08 > 0:22:11# Above all wonders
0:22:11 > 0:22:15# The world has ever known
0:22:15 > 0:22:20# Above all wealth and treasures of the Earth
0:22:24 > 0:22:30# There's no way to measure what you're worth, oooh
0:22:30 > 0:22:37# He was crucified, laid behind a stone
0:22:39 > 0:22:42# Lived to die
0:22:42 > 0:22:45# Rejected and alone
0:22:45 > 0:22:51# Like a rose trampled on the ground
0:22:54 > 0:22:58# You took the fall
0:22:58 > 0:23:02# And thought of me
0:23:02 > 0:23:06# Above all
0:23:06 > 0:23:12# All. #
0:23:15 > 0:23:17APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Grey Coat Hospital, everybody!
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Suzi, we've never had a school where the choir are led,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32arranged and accompanied purely by students.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33Did it work for you?
0:23:33 > 0:23:35What a wonderful achievement!
0:23:35 > 0:23:38I really thought so, yes.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42You've found an arrangement, you've worked,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45you've got it so slick, you've got it so well prepared.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48On the critical side, it felt a little low.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52Erm, I'd love to hear you transpose that up.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56You can then continue the progress of perfecting the tuning,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59which is top priority.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02But there was a lovely, sort of, earthy quality to your sound,
0:24:02 > 0:24:05a lovely bloom at the end of the phrases and I really enjoyed it.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10Gareth, judging a traditional choir alongside a gospel choir is
0:24:10 > 0:24:12not going to be easy, is it?
0:24:12 > 0:24:17I don't see any problem because it's music and I've got the same
0:24:17 > 0:24:20criteria here, I'm looking for the same sort of things.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22I mean, there are stylistic things that you've got absolutely
0:24:22 > 0:24:24bang on, the rhythmic impetus was there.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26The movement, the visual impression
0:24:26 > 0:24:30was all totally gospel and I really appreciated that.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32I think where you struggled towards the end,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34you really lost your tonal centre.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37I didn't quite know where we were key-wise
0:24:37 > 0:24:41and that is something to work on...always listening.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44So, look, so together, so beautiful, congratulations!
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Laura.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Erm, I'm really excited by your group, amazing!
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Yeah, these guys are right about the key.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56I reckon if you guys put it up a few keys or maybe just inverted the
0:24:56 > 0:25:00harmonies, it would sing just a little bit better.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05But in terms of your sincerity, you know, I believed everything
0:25:05 > 0:25:08you were singing, I want to sing with you guys!
0:25:08 > 0:25:09SHE LAUGHS
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Loved it!
0:25:11 > 0:25:12Thank you, Grey Coat Hospital!
0:25:12 > 0:25:15APPLAUSE
0:25:15 > 0:25:19Whether the tuning or not was right, we were there, the energy was there,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21we were able to convey the words, people understood.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23So, that's, I think, the most important thing for us.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Did the pre-performance prayer pay-off, do you think?
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Yeah, I believe that God's in control, it was amazing,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31we enjoyed it, we loved it, God helped us.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32I think it went really well.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35We did, just before we went out, we said, to just enjoy it
0:25:35 > 0:25:37and not think about the fact it was a competition.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42So, I really think they did that. So, yeah, I'm really proud of them!
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Our next choir are another new choir to the competition
0:25:45 > 0:25:49and they're and they're also from London, it's Highgate School!
0:25:51 > 0:25:54THEY VOCALISE
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Keep going.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Highgate has a long choral tradition with ex-pupils such
0:25:58 > 0:26:02as John Rutter and John Tavener, who used to sing in the choir here.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten...
0:26:04 > 0:26:08Miss Price always makes us very enthusiastic by doing all these
0:26:08 > 0:26:12crazy warm-ups, which really, kind of, get us going to the day,
0:26:12 > 0:26:13wake us up.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17The main thing, I think,
0:26:17 > 0:26:19we've been working on is performance,
0:26:19 > 0:26:20especially for the girls.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24There seems to be sometimes a bit more reticence to act,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27which the boys are perfect at but the girls need a bit more
0:26:27 > 0:26:31encouragement to come out of their shells.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35The hymn we've chose to sing is, When I Survey The Wondrous Cross,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38which is about Easter but also
0:26:38 > 0:26:42about the execution of Christ.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Out of all the hymns, I think
0:26:44 > 0:26:48it's one of the most beautifully put and it goes from celebration
0:26:48 > 0:26:53to more, sort of, slightly reserved emotional state.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Hopefully, when it's done, we'll all think, that was an achievement,
0:26:56 > 0:26:58we've really done this well.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00I completely, 100%, believe in them.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03If they do their absolute best then I think they will win.
0:27:04 > 0:27:11# When I survey the wondrous cross
0:27:11 > 0:27:17# On which the Prince of glory died
0:27:17 > 0:27:24# My richest gain I count but loss
0:27:24 > 0:27:31# And pour contempt on all my pride
0:27:33 > 0:27:39# Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
0:27:40 > 0:27:47# Save in the death of Christ my God
0:27:47 > 0:27:51# All the vain things
0:27:51 > 0:27:55# That charm me most
0:27:55 > 0:28:02# I sacrifice them to His blood
0:28:04 > 0:28:10# See from His head, His hands, His feet
0:28:11 > 0:28:17# Sorrow and love flow mingled down
0:28:17 > 0:28:24# Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
0:28:25 > 0:28:30# Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
0:28:33 > 0:28:40# His dying crimson, like a robe
0:28:41 > 0:28:47# Spreads o'er His body on the tree
0:28:48 > 0:28:55# Then am I dead to all the globe?
0:28:56 > 0:29:02# And all the globe is dead to me
0:29:05 > 0:29:11# Were the whole realm of nature mine
0:29:11 > 0:29:18# That were a present far too small
0:29:19 > 0:29:25# Love so amazing, so divine
0:29:26 > 0:29:29# Demands my soul
0:29:29 > 0:29:35# My life, my all. #
0:29:37 > 0:29:39APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Highgate School, ladies and gentlemen!
0:29:48 > 0:29:49Gareth.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52I thought it was a great choice, a simple choice
0:29:52 > 0:29:55and within that you found great range of colours.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59Lots of verses but you made each one different and I applaud you for that.
0:29:59 > 0:30:05Two little points to work on, beware of swelling onto the vowels.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07It's very, very dangerous.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10You want to get a smooth flowing sound and then descant, it was
0:30:10 > 0:30:13just riding up a little bit sharp
0:30:13 > 0:30:15and that's something always to watch with the descant.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18That it's nice and rooted into the floor.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21Although you're singing high, think of it low.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22Laura.
0:30:22 > 0:30:27In the a cappella moments, I just felt moved to tears, I don't cry
0:30:27 > 0:30:32a lot and I tried not to just now cos it would be very embarrassing.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35But there's something about the way that you listened to each other
0:30:35 > 0:30:41in those unaccompanied verses that was just so still and quiet.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45You're dynamic ranges were great but in those quiet moments,
0:30:45 > 0:30:47I didn't want to breathe.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51It's one of my favourite hymns so maybe that helps as well.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54Suzi, did Highgate impress you with their performance?
0:30:54 > 0:30:58Well, I agree with Laura, it was so musically performed
0:30:58 > 0:31:02and it's all interwoven with your choice of arrangement,
0:31:02 > 0:31:06which was really intelligent, cos each verse was so different.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09So, it brought all the different facets of the choir.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12If you scrambled your singers,
0:31:12 > 0:31:15so that the men were amongst the women,
0:31:15 > 0:31:17you'd be able to improve your tuning overnight
0:31:17 > 0:31:21but I loved the performance, it was very moving and very musical.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23Thank you, Highgate School!
0:31:23 > 0:31:25CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:31:25 > 0:31:27How do you think it went out on stage?
0:31:27 > 0:31:29Erm, I think it went quite well.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31I thought they went a tiny bit sharp,
0:31:31 > 0:31:33which Gareth obviously picked up on.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36But I thought they really performed their hearts out on it.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39It was really nice to hear the judges talk about how
0:31:39 > 0:31:42they were moved by our quieter, unaccompanied verses.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44We're already so proud to have made it to this point.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46So, you know,
0:31:46 > 0:31:48making it through would just be like a cherry on top of the cake.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Our last choir to perform tonight are another all-girl choir,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55who've been at this stage before in the competition.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58It's Cantabile from Hereford Cathedral School.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06# And yet I want to love thee, Lord. #
0:32:06 > 0:32:11Cantabile means "singing".
0:32:11 > 0:32:15They're excited about exploring what they're singing about.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18Because our choir director used to be a professional singer
0:32:18 > 0:32:22herself, she's very, very supportive, very helpful
0:32:22 > 0:32:24and knows exactly what we need to improve on.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Keeps us calm.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29She's been there, she knows.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- Yes, now go "cr-r-ruel". - CHOIR: Cr-r-ruel!
0:32:33 > 0:32:36We're singing, for our hymn choice, Ex Ore Innocentium, which I have
0:32:36 > 0:32:39to say is one of my absolute favourite pieces we've ever sung.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46Such a beautiful piece of music and being able express one's
0:32:46 > 0:32:51emotion through such beauty, I think, is really special.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56I really feel the message of how he was crucified.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59And how Jesus loved us all and all the children
0:32:59 > 0:33:03and we're his children and that he died for us.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09The meaning behind the words really gets to me when I sing it sometimes.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13It's very, very intense and I'm hoping that the girls really
0:33:13 > 0:33:17pull this out because it's just a stunning piece.
0:33:19 > 0:33:25# It is a thing most wonderful
0:33:26 > 0:33:32# Almost too wonderful to be
0:33:34 > 0:33:42# That God's own Son should come from Heaven
0:33:43 > 0:33:47# And die to save
0:33:47 > 0:33:52# A child like me
0:33:56 > 0:34:02# And yet, I know that it is true
0:34:02 > 0:34:07# He chose a poor and humble lot
0:34:07 > 0:34:13# And wept, and toiled and mourned and died
0:34:16 > 0:34:21# For love of those who loved him not
0:34:28 > 0:34:32# I sometimes think about the Cross
0:34:32 > 0:34:35# And shut my eyes
0:34:35 > 0:34:41# And try to see the cruel nails
0:34:41 > 0:34:44# And crown of thorns
0:34:44 > 0:34:49# And Jesus crucified for me
0:34:54 > 0:34:59# But even could I see him die
0:34:59 > 0:35:05# I should but see a little part
0:35:05 > 0:35:10# Of that great love, which, like a fire
0:35:10 > 0:35:17# Is always burning in his heart
0:35:31 > 0:35:34# And yet I want
0:35:34 > 0:35:38# To love thee, Lord
0:35:40 > 0:35:46# O, light the flame within my heart
0:35:48 > 0:35:54# And I will love thee more and more
0:36:01 > 0:36:07# Until I see thee
0:36:08 > 0:36:15# As thou art. #
0:36:24 > 0:36:26APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:36:32 > 0:36:35Cantabile, from Hereford Cathedral School!
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Gareth, our final performance,
0:36:39 > 0:36:40was it a good one for you?
0:36:40 > 0:36:43I thought it was a very sophisticated performance.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Not an easy piece to choose and you pulled it off with aplomb.
0:36:46 > 0:36:47I really, really enjoyed it.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50I felt we were in a very different choral world from the others,
0:36:50 > 0:36:53which makes it very difficult.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56You know, we've had a gospel choir, we've had very young choirs and
0:36:56 > 0:36:58here we have a mature sound,
0:36:58 > 0:37:02in the British choral tradition of the 19th century, which is
0:37:02 > 0:37:06perfect for the piece, I thought that worked really, really nicely.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10For me, it's my sort of thing, it may not be everyone's
0:37:10 > 0:37:13but I love that tradition and I really enjoyed it, thank you.
0:37:13 > 0:37:14Laura.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17I felt that was so special.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Really lyrical and there's a way that you sing that's
0:37:21 > 0:37:25sort of weighty and muscular, like proper singing.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29Erm, you really engaged me, loads of shapes and colours.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32They way you do that thing, I wish I could do them in my voice,
0:37:32 > 0:37:37when you start phrases so delicately and so, sort of, like a lady,
0:37:37 > 0:37:39it's really special.
0:37:39 > 0:37:40LAUGHTER
0:37:40 > 0:37:42Suzi.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Well, from the very first note chord, you can
0:37:45 > 0:37:50tell that every one of those girls has individual singing lessons.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53And that is what opens up a canvas for you.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57And, as a sort of expression of faith, I thought you also
0:37:57 > 0:38:01managed to bring some dimension to it that was very special.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04If I had to be super, super picky, when you're in two parts,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07I would give a little bit more...how shall I say,
0:38:07 > 0:38:09meatiness in the sound, that's what I would develop.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12But that's a very personal thing. Thank you.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Thank you, Cantabile, from Hereford Cathedral School.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20- How proud are you of them and their performance?- Extremely proud them!
0:38:20 > 0:38:21I do of give them grief
0:38:21 > 0:38:24but they do pull the stops out for me, I'm very pleased with them.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28You're happy now but how happy would you be to get to the final?
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Ecstatic, honestly, ecstatic!
0:38:30 > 0:38:32We've got a really good piece in store.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35If we do get a chance to perform, it would be amazing!
0:38:35 > 0:38:38So, our judges have left the hall to decide which three
0:38:38 > 0:38:41choirs will be going through to next week's final.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42That's not going to be easy.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45You've probably got a favourite but if not,
0:38:45 > 0:38:48here's a look back at all six senior choir performances.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53# Guide me, O, though great redeemer... #
0:38:53 > 0:38:57It was a good performance, it set a really good standard, didn't it?
0:38:57 > 0:39:01My misgivings were there wasn't always a beautiful line.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04This was a little bouncy, a little bit by numbers.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08# Hold me with thy powerful hand... #
0:39:08 > 0:39:12I felt that it was really strong but I wasn't moved
0:39:12 > 0:39:16but then I kept thinking, are they first, and that's hard.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21# And lead us not into temptation... #
0:39:21 > 0:39:23It was a sound, it was almost like a recording sound.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25I thought I was listening to a CD.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27- Everything was so immaculate.- Yes.
0:39:27 > 0:39:32# Divine is the kingdom... #
0:39:32 > 0:39:35The problem is there is, does it get through to the emotive?
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Yeah, that's right.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40I felt that I was wanting just for a little more
0:39:40 > 0:39:43when we got to three quarters of the way through.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45# Tell out my soul
0:39:45 > 0:39:49# The greatness of the Lord... #
0:39:49 > 0:39:54Really good, I just felt like the tuning issues took over, for me.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57- Having said that, it was solid.- Yeah.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02The other thing is, # Tell out my soul... #
0:40:02 > 0:40:06There's four syllables there, they really need to direct.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08TOGETHER: # Tell out my soul! #
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Exactly!
0:40:12 > 0:40:15- Also a fine choir. - A very fine choir.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18# Above all powers
0:40:18 > 0:40:23# Above all kings... #
0:40:23 > 0:40:28I think the choir as a group, to me, they represent something
0:40:28 > 0:40:31really phenomenal because they're doing it all on their own.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34I felt that energy, that's really fresh, for me.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37# Laid behind the stone
0:40:37 > 0:40:39# Live to die... #
0:40:39 > 0:40:42There is lots that they can learn that they can learn.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45The potential is really limitless, isn't it?
0:40:45 > 0:40:48There was a moment when they did reject, the word "rejected".
0:40:48 > 0:40:51# Rejected and alone. #
0:40:51 > 0:40:54That was ensemble singing of the first order,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56it really came together, I thought.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59But, yeah, I wish they had done it in a higher key.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03# When I survey the wondrous cross... #
0:41:04 > 0:41:08The took a very simple thing and made something really,
0:41:08 > 0:41:10really special out of it.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13This was the choir where they seemed to sing for ever
0:41:13 > 0:41:15and ever without taking a breath.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18I thought there were support problems
0:41:18 > 0:41:22because I couldn't quite tell what the words were all the time.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27- This is the most moved I've been in the competition.- Yes.
0:41:27 > 0:41:33# It is a thing most wonderful... #
0:41:33 > 0:41:36The epitome of beautiful, for me.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38It wasn't girlish singing, it was womanly.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41It wasn't girly, it was proper grown-up, woman singing.
0:41:41 > 0:41:46# That God's own son should come from heaven. #
0:41:46 > 0:41:50We've seen performances that felt like they were by young people,
0:41:50 > 0:41:53loving the sort of repertoire that they were doing and this was
0:41:53 > 0:41:56the one, perhaps, I felt like it was more the choice of the conductor.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00So, there wasn't that immediacy of engagement.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Right, this is it, our judges are back and our choirs
0:42:03 > 0:42:07are waiting patiently and nervously for their decisions.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Laura, can you can you please tell us
0:42:10 > 0:42:12the first choir going through to the final.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14SHE SIGHS
0:42:14 > 0:42:16The first choir going through to the
0:42:16 > 0:42:21final of Songs Of Praise Senior Choir Of The Year is...
0:42:23 > 0:42:26..Rochester Grammar School.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:42:35 > 0:42:37Suzi.
0:42:37 > 0:42:42The second choir going through to the final of the competition is...
0:42:42 > 0:42:43Highgate.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:42:51 > 0:42:53And, Gareth, can you tell us
0:42:53 > 0:42:56the last choir going through to the final, please?
0:42:56 > 0:43:00The last choir going through to the final is...
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Hereford Cathedral Choir.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:43:12 > 0:43:15So, our senior finalists will be back next week when
0:43:15 > 0:43:18one of them will be taking home the famous trophy and the title,
0:43:18 > 0:43:222014 Song Of Praise Senior School Choir Of The Year.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25It's going to be exciting, it's going to be nerve-racking.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28You'd be mad to miss it! Bye for now.