0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to Sheffield, the city of steel,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06and the 2016 School Choir Of The Year competition.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09After months of preparation and rehearsals,
0:00:09 > 0:00:12our junior semifinalists shortlisted from hundreds of entries
0:00:12 > 0:00:15are here to sing and hopefully win a place
0:00:15 > 0:00:16in the grand final on April 24.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19I'll let you into a little secret, they're all fabulous.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21We're in for a treat.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47APPLAUSE
0:00:47 > 0:00:49I'm surrounded by talented youngsters
0:00:49 > 0:00:53here in Sheffield City Hall for this, our first semifinal of 2016.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55All six junior school choirs are itching to sing,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58so I think it's about time I introduced them.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00I wonder if we have any rowdy supporters out there in the hall?
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Let's find out.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05From London, it's Blackheath Preparatory School.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Show some support for Hereford.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:01:15 > 0:01:17Please welcome Unicorn School.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:01:21 > 0:01:24From Huddersfield, it's Lindley Junior School.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Next up, it's Heath Mount School from Hertfordshire.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:01:34 > 0:01:36And Queen's Lower School.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Some wonderful banners there. Thank you so much for the support.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46It's time to introduce three experts
0:01:46 > 0:01:49who have unenviable job of choosing our finalists.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Our first judge is West End star Connie Fisher.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58# I won't be... #
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Connie shot to stardom when the public chose her
0:02:00 > 0:02:04as their Maria in the popular BBC talent show.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08She went on to receive rave reviews in the Sound Of Music
0:02:08 > 0:02:10and now it's her turn to choose the winner.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12# The hills are alive... #
0:02:12 > 0:02:16I am most looking forward to seeing a choir that really moves me.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18Some of the pieces they have chosen are brilliant.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20They are songs of praise.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22But I think when you're singing,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25I want to see passion, I want to see a performance.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Our next judge is choral connoisseur Ken Burton.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Ken tasted success when he won Choir Of The Year
0:02:34 > 0:02:36with London Adventist Chorale.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40It was the first of many awards
0:02:40 > 0:02:42for this talented musician and choral composer
0:02:42 > 0:02:45and with all his experience he's expecting great things.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50I am really excited about judging the School Choir Of The Year.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Over the last couple of decades
0:02:52 > 0:02:55I've been involved in choral competitions
0:02:55 > 0:02:56and I've seen how choirs have grown
0:02:56 > 0:02:59and they have become a lot more ambitious.
0:02:59 > 0:03:00So I'm really looking forward to seeing
0:03:00 > 0:03:03what the choirs are going to pull out of the hat this time.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Our final judge is international superstar
0:03:07 > 0:03:09mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Catherine is one of the most successful
0:03:14 > 0:03:16classical music crossover artists in the world,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19with her albums hitting the number one spot six times.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26She is the nation's favourite, and Forces sweetheart,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29but who will she choose as her stars for the future?
0:03:30 > 0:03:34It's a big thing for me. When I was a chorister I learnt so much.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37It was such a wonderful, positive experience in my life
0:03:37 > 0:03:41and I think it's just going to be so fantastic to see the talent,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45the abilities, all the hard work coming together
0:03:45 > 0:03:48and it's going to make us all proud, I think.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Our judges - Katherine Jenkins, Ken Burton and Connie Fisher.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54APPLAUSE
0:03:56 > 0:03:59The judges will now hear each of our choirs in turn
0:03:59 > 0:04:02and based on that performance alone will select three
0:04:02 > 0:04:05to go on to the grand final on the 24th of April.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08First up is a Blackheath Preparatory School from London.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14# Those who dwell in the shelter of the Lord. #
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Hello and welcome to Blackheath Preparatory School.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21We are in south-east London and as schools go, it's not that bad.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23DRUMMING
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Here at Blackheath Prep we're lucky enough to play these bad boys.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35These are taiko drums that we get to play in the spring term.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37DRUMMING
0:04:38 > 0:04:42We're just having a quick rest. We love our sports here at school.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47There's a whole different range from football to netball, rounders to cricket.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51We just love getting out of the classroom and letting off some steam.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Come on, we really don't want to get caught.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00We hope you have enjoyed having a little look inside our school.
0:05:00 > 0:05:01This is Ted.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04He's our choir mascot and we'll be taking him to the competition.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Ted stands for 'Tuning, Energy and Diction'.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Let's hope we can do that on the day.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18# I danced in the morning
0:05:18 > 0:05:21# When the world was begun
0:05:23 > 0:05:24# And I danced in the moon
0:05:24 > 0:05:27# And the stars and the sun
0:05:29 > 0:05:31# And I came down from heaven
0:05:31 > 0:05:33# And I danced on the earth
0:05:35 > 0:05:42# At Bethlehem I had my birth
0:05:45 > 0:05:47# I danced for the scribe
0:05:47 > 0:05:49# And the Pharisee
0:05:49 > 0:05:51# But they would not dance
0:05:51 > 0:05:52# And they wouldn't follow me
0:05:52 > 0:05:54# I danced for the fishermen
0:05:54 > 0:05:56# For James and John
0:05:56 > 0:05:57# They came to me
0:05:57 > 0:05:59# And the dance went on
0:05:59 > 0:06:03# Dance, then, wherever you may be
0:06:03 > 0:06:07# I am the Lord of the Dance said he
0:06:07 > 0:06:08# And I'll lead you all
0:06:08 > 0:06:10# Wherever you may be
0:06:10 > 0:06:12# And I'll lead you all
0:06:12 > 0:06:14# In the dance said he
0:06:19 > 0:06:21# I danced on the Sabbath
0:06:21 > 0:06:23# And I cured the lame
0:06:23 > 0:06:25# The holy people
0:06:25 > 0:06:27# Said it was a shame
0:06:27 > 0:06:29# They whipped and they stripped
0:06:29 > 0:06:32# And they hung me high
0:06:34 > 0:06:38# And they left me there
0:06:38 > 0:06:44# On a cross to die
0:06:47 > 0:06:49# I danced on a Friday
0:06:49 > 0:06:51# And the sky turned black
0:06:54 > 0:06:56# It's hard to dance
0:06:56 > 0:06:58# With the devil on your back
0:07:01 > 0:07:02# They buried my body
0:07:02 > 0:07:06# And they thought I'd gone
0:07:07 > 0:07:09# But I am the dance
0:07:09 > 0:07:14# And I still go on
0:07:16 > 0:07:18# They cut me down
0:07:18 > 0:07:19# And I leapt up high
0:07:19 > 0:07:21# I am the life
0:07:21 > 0:07:23# That will never, never die
0:07:23 > 0:07:24# I'll live in you
0:07:24 > 0:07:26# If you'll live in me
0:07:26 > 0:07:29# I am the Lord of the Dance said he
0:07:32 > 0:07:35# Dance, then, wherever you may be
0:07:35 > 0:07:38# I am the Lord of the Dance said he
0:07:38 > 0:07:40# And I'll lead you all
0:07:40 > 0:07:42# Wherever you may be
0:07:42 > 0:07:44# And I'll lead you all
0:07:44 > 0:07:47# In the dance said he
0:07:51 > 0:07:55# I am the Lord of the Dance
0:07:55 > 0:08:05# Said he
0:08:05 > 0:08:07# Lord of the Dance. #
0:08:07 > 0:08:10APPLAUSE
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Blackheath Preparatory School.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17APPLAUSE
0:08:20 > 0:08:23I thought they were brilliant. Katherine, never easy going first.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- What did you think?- I loved how you came straight on to the stage.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30You looked very relaxed, very at ease.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32You didn't look nervous at all.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Straight away, the thing that struck me was your diction.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38It was so beautiful. I could hear every single word. So well done.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39A really, really lovely performance.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Katherine Jenkins liked you! That's great!
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Ken, what did you make of the blend of voices?
0:08:45 > 0:08:49It was one voice and that is what you want to hear in a choir.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52But even though it was one voice, we still had character,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56we still saw individual personality coming out.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58One thing I would also say is that
0:08:58 > 0:09:00when you were doing that penultimate note,
0:09:00 > 0:09:02that long 'he', I believe it was,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05make sure you keep a little bit in reserve
0:09:05 > 0:09:08so you can make a lot more of that crescendo at the end.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10It would be really powerful.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13But a fantastic choir and going first,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15I pity the choir that goes second.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Thank you very much.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- Connie, they have set the bar really high, haven't they?- They have.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24They came on, smiles just lit up the room.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28I think I would have liked a little bit more dynamic within the song.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30But you had great attack and great passion.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Thank you very much judges and thank you Blackheath.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35APPLAUSE
0:09:37 > 0:09:41I thought that they were very positive comments and actually right.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43I think the diction is good.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46The dynamics, I've said to the children about being dynamic.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50They told the story and I'm really proud of all of the children in my school.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52I'm really proud of them.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56If we get through to the final I will feel like the happiest
0:09:56 > 0:09:59person on Earth and I think the whole choir will as well.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Next to sing is Hereford Cathedral Junior School,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06so let's find out more about them with Cameron and Anna.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13# I am just one small voice in the middle of the crowd... #
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Hello. We are Hereford Cathedral Junior School choir.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Everyone in our school loves to sing.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Every morning we gather into the assembly hall
0:10:22 > 0:10:24to sing hymns all together.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Wherever you are in the school, you can always hear somebody singing,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31whether you like it or not.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35# The smallest one I ever saw... #
0:10:35 > 0:10:39In choir, we sing serious songs but we saying silly songs too.
0:10:39 > 0:10:45# And now he's gone and that's the end... #
0:10:45 > 0:10:49We work hard in rehearsals but have a good laugh as well.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52# He was my friend. #
0:10:54 > 0:10:58Here at school, it's not just hard work. We do have fun as well.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04# This is our dream... #
0:11:04 > 0:11:07This is our first time in the competition.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09We are all really excited.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13In the semifinals we're going to be singing
0:11:13 > 0:11:15This Little Light Of Mine.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17BOTH: Watch out for our moves!
0:11:28 > 0:11:32# This little light of mine (This little light of mine)
0:11:32 > 0:11:35# I'm going to let it shine
0:11:35 > 0:11:40# This little light of mine (Light of mine)
0:11:40 > 0:11:44# I'm going to let it shine (Going to let it shine)
0:11:44 > 0:11:46# This little light of mine
0:11:46 > 0:11:49# Yes, I'm going to let it shine
0:11:49 > 0:11:52# Let it shine
0:11:52 > 0:11:54# Let it shine
0:11:54 > 0:11:59# Let it shine
0:12:00 > 0:12:02# This little light this little light
0:12:02 > 0:12:04# This little light this little light
0:12:04 > 0:12:07# This little light of mine
0:12:07 > 0:12:09# I'm going to let it shine
0:12:09 > 0:12:11# This little light of mine
0:12:11 > 0:12:14# I'm going to let it shine
0:12:14 > 0:12:17# This little light of mine
0:12:17 > 0:12:20# Yes, I'm going to let it shine
0:12:20 > 0:12:23# Let it shine Let it shine
0:12:23 > 0:12:26# Let it shine
0:12:26 > 0:12:28# The light that shines is the light of love
0:12:28 > 0:12:31# Hides the darkness from above
0:12:31 > 0:12:33# It shines on you and it shines on me
0:12:33 > 0:12:36# It shows what the light of love can be
0:12:36 > 0:12:39# I'm going to shine my light both far and near
0:12:39 > 0:12:41# I'm going to shine my light bright and clear
0:12:41 > 0:12:44# Where there's a dark corner in the light
0:12:44 > 0:12:47# I'm going to let my little light shine
0:12:47 > 0:12:49# This little light of mine (This little light of mine)
0:12:49 > 0:12:52# I'm going to let it shine
0:12:52 > 0:12:54# This little light of mine
0:12:54 > 0:12:57# I'm going to let it shine
0:12:57 > 0:12:59# This little light of mine
0:12:59 > 0:13:02# Yes, I'm going to let it shine
0:13:02 > 0:13:05# Let it shine Let it shine
0:13:05 > 0:13:08# Let it shine
0:13:08 > 0:13:11# On Monday He gave me the gift of life
0:13:11 > 0:13:13# Tuesday Peace came from above
0:13:13 > 0:13:16# Wednesday He told me to have more faith
0:13:16 > 0:13:19# Thursday He gave me a little more grace
0:13:19 > 0:13:21# Friday He told me to watch and pray
0:13:21 > 0:13:24# On Saturday What to say
0:13:24 > 0:13:26# On Sunday He gave me the power divine
0:13:26 > 0:13:29# To let my little light shine
0:13:29 > 0:13:32# This little light of mine (This little light of mine)
0:13:32 > 0:13:34# I'm going to let it shine
0:13:34 > 0:13:36# This little light of mine
0:13:36 > 0:13:39# I'm going to let it shine
0:13:39 > 0:13:42# This little light of mine
0:13:42 > 0:13:45# Yes, I'm going to let it shine
0:13:45 > 0:13:48# Let it shine Let it shine
0:13:48 > 0:13:50# Let it shine
0:13:50 > 0:13:56# Let it shine Let it shine
0:13:58 > 0:14:05# Let it shine. #
0:14:07 > 0:14:11APPLAUSE
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Hereford Cathedral Junior School.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17APPLAUSE
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Katherine, it's not easy to move and sing at the same time.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24It's really not. You had so many things to think about there.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28Blending all together, your words, your harmonies
0:14:28 > 0:14:31and then when you are all trying to do movements like that together
0:14:31 > 0:14:34you have to move as one or it stands out
0:14:34 > 0:14:35and you did a fantastic performance.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38You looked like you were really enjoying it,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40so it put a smile on my face watching you.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43I really enjoyed it. Thank you so much.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46I love it when Ken Burton smiles and Ken Burton is smiling.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Well, the words, "let your light shine",
0:14:49 > 0:14:53means you should spread an infectious joy
0:14:53 > 0:14:57so people can join in with you and participate in your happiness
0:14:57 > 0:14:59and we all did that.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00It was absolutely fantastic.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03I loved the different colours of your voice,
0:15:03 > 0:15:07from the very whispery sounds to the more sung sounds.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09That was very effective.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13One thing I would say is be mindful when you have
0:15:13 > 0:15:16so much interplay between the voices
0:15:16 > 0:15:19that when new voices come in that the voices which are already in,
0:15:19 > 0:15:23they just sit back a little bit to allow the new voices to cut through.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26That will give it a lot more impact.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27But fantastic overall.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31And your light shone, everybody's lights are shining.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33It's bright in here!
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Thank you, judges, and thank you, Hereford.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38APPLAUSE
0:15:39 > 0:15:42It was lovely to have some great comments from the judges.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45I thought the children did really well. I'm very proud of them.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48It was lovely to have some positive feedback and some tips.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50It went amazing.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53I think we all just really enjoyed ourselves
0:15:53 > 0:15:54and that was the main part.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Our third semifinalists are Unicorn School from London.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01# Didn't it rain
0:16:01 > 0:16:04# Children didn't it rain Oh, my Lord... #
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Hello. We are the Unicorn School in Richmond.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09We are lucky enough to be just across the road
0:16:09 > 0:16:12from the beautiful Kew Gardens.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16We are a really small school and we only have 170 pupils.
0:16:16 > 0:16:2135 of them are in the Unicorn Singers. Come and meet them.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25# My Lord didn't it rain... #
0:16:28 > 0:16:32Here at Unicorn, we have a unique thing about our uniform.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38We get to wear these very stylish duffle coats.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Even if we don't think they are very cool, we still have to wear them.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47We've got this amazing rainbow.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50It's called the Virtues Rainbow and it helps us with our behaviour.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Because sometimes we can be a little bit cheeky
0:16:53 > 0:16:55and it just helps us to improve.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58# Didn't it rain Children didn't it rain
0:16:58 > 0:17:00# My Lord didn't it rain... #
0:17:00 > 0:17:03I hope you have enjoyed seeing our school.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06And we are really looking forward to singing in the competition.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09We love singing and I hope you enjoy our performance.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11BOTH: Bye!
0:17:11 > 0:17:15# Didn't it rain. #
0:17:32 > 0:17:36# Be still for the presence of the Lord
0:17:36 > 0:17:42# The Holy One is here
0:17:43 > 0:17:47# Come bow before him now
0:17:47 > 0:17:53# With reverence and fear
0:17:54 > 0:17:59# In Him no sin is found
0:17:59 > 0:18:04# We stand on holy ground
0:18:04 > 0:18:10# Be still for the presence of the Lord
0:18:10 > 0:18:15# The Holy One is here
0:18:29 > 0:18:33# Be still for the glory of the Lord
0:18:33 > 0:18:39# Is shining all around
0:18:40 > 0:18:44# He burns with holy fire
0:18:44 > 0:18:50# With splendour He is crowned
0:18:50 > 0:18:56# How awesome is the sight
0:18:56 > 0:19:01# Our radiant King of light
0:19:03 > 0:19:07# Be still for the glory of the Lord
0:19:07 > 0:19:13# Is shining all around
0:19:14 > 0:19:19# Be still for the power of the Lord
0:19:19 > 0:19:24# Is moving in this place
0:19:24 > 0:19:30# He comes to cleanse and heal
0:19:30 > 0:19:35# To minister with grace
0:19:35 > 0:19:42# No work too hard for Him
0:19:42 > 0:19:48# In faith receive from Him
0:19:48 > 0:19:56# Be still for the power of the Lord
0:19:58 > 0:20:06# Is moving in this place. #
0:20:10 > 0:20:12APPLAUSE
0:20:16 > 0:20:18Unicorn School.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20APPLAUSE
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Ken, it's a really well known hymn. Did they make it sound fresh?
0:20:26 > 0:20:28They did make it sound fresh.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32There was a confidence, there was a command about this,
0:20:32 > 0:20:34which was really fantastic.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37What I would say is just try and use dynamics little bit more.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40This piece, Be Still For The Presence Of The Lord,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43it's a faith song really ushering us into the presence of God,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46so just use a few more dynamics so that we can get that sense
0:20:46 > 0:20:49of being before somebody awesome and majestic.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51But well done. Fantastic.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Connie, you know all about competitions. They can be nerve-racking.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58So nerve-racking but you didn't let it show.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01I just thought you came out here so confident.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Those lovely legato lines, they won me over.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05And your energy won me over.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07I would say altos,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10just watch the intonation on occasions of those runs,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13but wow, I thought you had such a presence about you
0:21:13 > 0:21:15and I was won over by your energy.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Ladies and gentlemen, it's Unicorn. Thank you, judges, as well.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20APPLAUSE
0:21:21 > 0:21:23The children are amazing.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25They put so much energy and effort into what they do
0:21:25 > 0:21:27and I think they are the youngest choir here.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30What they have achieved for their age is fantastic
0:21:30 > 0:21:32and I'm very proud of them.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- Some of them were singing like their lives depended on it.- I know.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37When I was backstage I felt a bit nervous
0:21:37 > 0:21:41but when I saw the crowd and all the Unicorn people
0:21:41 > 0:21:45I got more confident about it and I thought we did really well.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52We're at the halfway point, so there are still three fabulous choirs hoping to impress the judges,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55starting with a choir from 25 miles up the road in Huddersfield.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57It's Lindley Junior School.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02# Our Father who art
0:22:02 > 0:22:05# Who art in heaven... #
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Hello. We are Lindley Junior School.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10We have been in this competition before
0:22:10 > 0:22:12and we can't wait to be in it again.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14We have even won it before.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- This is my first time. - This is my second.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19ALL: This is our third.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21This is my fifth.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23LAUGHTER
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Lots of people do gym in our school.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32We don't just enter singing competitions,
0:22:32 > 0:22:34we also enter gym competitions.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42We are really lucky at our school because we have got a 3-D printer.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48We can make cool things like these flowers and that car.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51# Our Father who art in heaven... #
0:22:51 > 0:22:54I hope you have enjoyed meeting the choir.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57We love singing as a team because it makes you feel warm inside.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01We hope to win another trophy just like this one.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06I think we have just got enough room to fit another one in the cabinet.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09# As it is in heaven. #
0:23:20 > 0:23:25# Dear Lord and Father of mankind
0:23:25 > 0:23:30# Forgive our foolish ways
0:23:30 > 0:23:35# Re-clothe us in our rightful mind
0:23:35 > 0:23:40# In purer lives thy service find
0:23:40 > 0:23:45# In deeper reverence praise
0:23:45 > 0:23:51# In deeper reverence praise
0:23:56 > 0:24:01# In simple trust like theirs who heard
0:24:01 > 0:24:05# Beside the Syrian sea
0:24:05 > 0:24:10# The gracious calling of the Lord
0:24:10 > 0:24:15# Let us like them without a word
0:24:15 > 0:24:21# Rise up and follow thee
0:24:21 > 0:24:25# Rise up and follow thee
0:24:31 > 0:24:36# Drop thy still dews of quietness
0:24:36 > 0:24:41# 'Til all our strivings cease
0:24:41 > 0:24:47# Take from our souls the strain and stress
0:24:47 > 0:24:52# And let our ordered lives confess
0:24:52 > 0:24:57# The beauty of thy peace
0:24:57 > 0:25:02# The beauty of thy peace
0:25:08 > 0:25:13# Breathe through the heats of our desire
0:25:13 > 0:25:17# Thy coolness and thy balm
0:25:17 > 0:25:23# Let sense be dumb let flesh retire
0:25:23 > 0:25:28# Speak through the earthquake wind and fire
0:25:28 > 0:25:34# O, still small voice of calm
0:25:34 > 0:25:40# O, still small voice of calm. #
0:25:43 > 0:25:45APPLAUSE
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Lindley Junior School, ladies and gentlemen.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53APPLAUSE
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Now then, Katherine, a beautiful, beautiful hymn.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00That is my all-time favourite hymn
0:26:00 > 0:26:03and actually the sound you made together,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05it really gave me goose bumps.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10That was such a wonderful lesson in how to sing together.
0:26:10 > 0:26:11You really sang as one.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Your diction was fantastic. The dynamics.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18It was just so wonderful to watch.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21The one thing I would say, because the lines are long
0:26:21 > 0:26:24I could almost see when you were getting to the end of the phrases
0:26:24 > 0:26:26some of you showed it in your bodies,
0:26:26 > 0:26:30so try not to overdo the breathing and the shoulders.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Try and keep yourself calm.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35But that is me really nit-picking.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I thought it was beautiful. Really outstanding. Thank you.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- Connie, do you feel uplifted? - I do, actually.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45In fact, as you finished singing I heard the audience "Ah"
0:26:45 > 0:26:47and I think that's a fantastic sign
0:26:47 > 0:26:51of creating a really wonderful atmosphere.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53You really told me what you are.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57A still, small voice of calm, and you were one voice.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59But you can also do dynamics, which really blew me away.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02I really felt moved by that performance
0:27:02 > 0:27:04and I would like to hear you again.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Thank you very much, judges, and a big thank you to Lindley.
0:27:07 > 0:27:08APPLAUSE
0:27:10 > 0:27:13I am so proud of the children. The performance was so good.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15We have worked really hard.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19I did ask for flawless and I think I got nearly flawless, so I am really pleased.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24We have tried really hard to get all of it right
0:27:24 > 0:27:27and learn the words and get all the right notes and things.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31The performance felt energetic.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33I think it's one of the best we have sung it.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38Next to sing is Heath Mount School choir from Hertfordshire.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44# If anybody asked you... #
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Welcome to Heath Mount School.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49In all our lessons we learn something new
0:27:49 > 0:27:51and always have a great time.
0:27:51 > 0:27:56And outside our academic life, we get up to lots of mischief.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00This is sticky!
0:28:02 > 0:28:05We don't just have lessons inside in the classrooms.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12We also have a classroom outside.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18- And we even come outside when it's raining.- Yeah.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25Our conductor, Mr O'Brien, has a slight problem with trousers.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28He has so many, and look at this pink.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31It's a girls' pink. It's not a boys' pink.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34I mean, he's got too much trousers.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- You need sunglasses to see Mr O'Brien's trousers!- I know, right.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43Excuse me, I am the only one who wears green trousers around here.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Oops!
0:28:45 > 0:28:49# So if you find another... #
0:28:49 > 0:28:51I hope you enjoyed looking around our school.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Please cheer for Heath Mount.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56BOTH: Go Heath Mount!
0:29:13 > 0:29:16# Were you there
0:29:16 > 0:29:23# When they crucified my Lord
0:29:24 > 0:29:27# Were you there
0:29:27 > 0:29:34# When they crucified my Lord
0:29:34 > 0:29:39# Oh
0:29:39 > 0:29:46# Sometimes it causes me to tremble
0:29:48 > 0:29:50# Tremble
0:29:52 > 0:29:54# Tremble
0:29:58 > 0:30:02# Were you there
0:30:02 > 0:30:09# When they crucified my Lord
0:30:18 > 0:30:21# Were you there
0:30:21 > 0:30:26# When they laid Him in the tomb
0:30:26 > 0:30:29# (When they laid Him in the tomb)
0:30:29 > 0:30:32# Were you there
0:30:32 > 0:30:36# When they laid Him in the tomb
0:30:36 > 0:30:40# (When they laid Him in the tomb)
0:30:40 > 0:30:45# Oh
0:30:45 > 0:30:52# Sometimes it causes me to tremble
0:30:54 > 0:30:57# Tremble
0:30:59 > 0:31:02# Tremble
0:31:05 > 0:31:08# Were you there
0:31:08 > 0:31:14# When they laid Him in the tomb
0:31:14 > 0:31:17# (When they laid him in the tomb)
0:31:17 > 0:31:20# Were you there
0:31:20 > 0:31:25# When they laid Him in the tomb
0:31:25 > 0:31:28# (When they laid Him in the tomb)
0:31:29 > 0:31:32# Were you there
0:31:32 > 0:31:35# (Were you there)
0:31:35 > 0:31:38# Were you there
0:31:38 > 0:31:41# (Were you there)
0:31:43 > 0:31:51# Were you there. #
0:31:55 > 0:31:57APPLAUSE
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Ken, a stunning spiritual. Did they do it justice?
0:32:08 > 0:32:11The song asks the question, were you there?
0:32:11 > 0:32:15You were here. Right in our hearts.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18We felt the sorrow at the cross.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21There were so many levels to your soft singing.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23You had from the soft to the very soft
0:32:23 > 0:32:25to the very, very soft to the, you know...
0:32:25 > 0:32:28We needed to be on the edge of our seats just to hear you.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30That is a very powerful dynamic.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Softness is a very powerful dynamic in itself,
0:32:33 > 0:32:35so you achieved that really well.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38What I would say is that on some of your louder singing,
0:32:38 > 0:32:41on occasion there was a bit of what we call over blowing in singing.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43Just giving a little bit too much,
0:32:43 > 0:32:48so the tone became a little bit hard and the tuning suffered slightly.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52But when you came down again, we felt much more comfortable.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Connie, it was a very exposed performance, wasn't it?
0:32:55 > 0:32:59It was. I think you were very brave to choose that particular piece.
0:32:59 > 0:33:05I found that you had an incredible balance within your choir.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07Lovely echoing within the sections.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09It was one voice at times.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11And it was really moving.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14I would say it was pitchy at times
0:33:14 > 0:33:17and it was so disappointing when those moments happened
0:33:17 > 0:33:20because you have such a beautiful lyricism.
0:33:20 > 0:33:21It was captivating, it really was.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23There is an intensity about you,
0:33:23 > 0:33:26that I wanted to listen to you all evening.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29I think there is something really special about your choir.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33Thank you very much judges. I don't know about you ladies and gentlemen, but I loved Heath Mount.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36APPLAUSE
0:33:36 > 0:33:38I was touched by a lot of the judges' comments,
0:33:38 > 0:33:40mainly on the expression of the choir.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44They really sing with their hearts and you give them a challenge and
0:33:44 > 0:33:47this choir will do anything you want and they will always do their best.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50We spend all our lives telling kids to be quiet
0:33:50 > 0:33:54and they do quiet with class.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58It was such an experience to be there on TV
0:33:58 > 0:34:01in front of so many people.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04It doesn't matter if you don't win. It is just so good to be here.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09We are almost there. Just one choir to go.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11But before we welcome them on to the stage,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14let's find out a little bit more about Queen's Lower School.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19# And porcupines and penguins... #
0:34:19 > 0:34:23Hello. We are Queen's Lower School from Chester.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25We are an all girls school.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- Which means we can concentrate better.- Without the boys.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32# O ye weasels and warthogs... #
0:34:32 > 0:34:34So come on, let's meet the choir.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37# Chipmunks and chuckwallas
0:34:37 > 0:34:39# Kookaburras and caterpillars... #
0:34:42 > 0:34:44We are here at the arts studio.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46We love art lessons at Queen's.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50It means we can express ourselves creatively.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53And get a bit messy at the same time.
0:34:53 > 0:34:59ALL: As a vampire, Victor was a bit of a dud.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03Here at Queen's we have splendiferous speech and drama lessons.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07# Parakeets and pelicans
0:35:07 > 0:35:09# Porcupines and penguins... #
0:35:09 > 0:35:12We hope you have enjoyed meeting our school.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16In the semifinals we'll be singing Take This Moment by John Bell.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- It's a beautiful piece.- And we love singing it.- We hope you enjoy it.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23# Bless the Lord. #
0:35:36 > 0:35:40# Take this moment, sign and space
0:35:40 > 0:35:45# Take my friends around
0:35:45 > 0:35:50# Here among us make the place
0:35:50 > 0:35:55# Where your love is found
0:35:56 > 0:36:01# Take the time to call my name
0:36:01 > 0:36:06# Take the time to mend
0:36:06 > 0:36:11# Who I am and what I've been
0:36:11 > 0:36:16# All I've failed to tend
0:36:17 > 0:36:22# Take the tiredness of my days
0:36:22 > 0:36:27# Take my past regret
0:36:27 > 0:36:32# Letting your forgiveness touch
0:36:32 > 0:36:37# All I can't forget
0:36:38 > 0:36:43# Take the little child in me
0:36:43 > 0:36:48# Scared of growing old
0:36:48 > 0:36:54# Help me here to find my worth
0:36:54 > 0:36:59# Made in Christ's own mould
0:37:03 > 0:37:05# Take my talents
0:37:05 > 0:37:08# Take my skills
0:37:08 > 0:37:13# Take what's yet to be
0:37:13 > 0:37:17# Let my life be yours
0:37:17 > 0:37:22# And yet let it still be
0:37:22 > 0:37:28# Let it still be me. #
0:37:28 > 0:37:30APPLAUSE
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Queen's Lower School, ladies and gentlemen.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39APPLAUSE
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Katherine, were you excited by this performance?
0:37:44 > 0:37:47I was. I thought it was a very strong, solid performance.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49Your tuning was great, your diction was great,
0:37:49 > 0:37:52the performance was lovely, you make a lovely sound together.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55I would have liked a little bit more projection.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58I think you've got a little bit more in there that you could have given.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02That's something to work on because you have these beautiful voices
0:38:02 > 0:38:04so let's use them a little bit more.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Did the arrangement, Ken, show off their voices?
0:38:06 > 0:38:08It certainly did.
0:38:08 > 0:38:14This song is a prayer and that prayerful atmosphere
0:38:14 > 0:38:17came across very effectively, so, well done on that.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21Soloists... There was one soloist and it became a duet,
0:38:21 > 0:38:24that was just so beautifully done.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27You were confident, the voices blended really well,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29it was beautifully in tune.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32One thing I would say is that sometimes
0:38:32 > 0:38:35when some of the phrases were going down,
0:38:35 > 0:38:37some of the notes were going down,
0:38:37 > 0:38:40occasionally it went a little bit too low.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43So just keep tuning up and more accurate
0:38:43 > 0:38:46to add to what was already a very beautiful sound
0:38:46 > 0:38:50and a very beautiful atmosphere which you created.
0:38:50 > 0:38:51So, well done, you ought to be proud.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54Thank you judges and a big thanks to Queen's.
0:38:54 > 0:38:55APPLAUSE
0:38:57 > 0:39:00I think they're just the best group I've ever had.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03They did the most beautiful harmonies and I was so proud of them
0:39:03 > 0:39:05and so pleased with what they achieved.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08There was a wonderful naturalness about that sound.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- There was.- Not forced, really. It was good.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15That went amazing. It was probably one of my best experiences.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17I was really happy.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22What a fantastic competition we're having here at Sheffield City Hall.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24The judges have left to confer
0:39:24 > 0:39:26and decide which three choirs will be singing in the final
0:39:26 > 0:39:30later in the month and sadly whose competition will end today.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32If you are struggling to make up your minds at home,
0:39:32 > 0:39:35here's a look back at all six performances.
0:39:36 > 0:39:42# I danced in the morning when the world was begun... #
0:39:42 > 0:39:44I think Blackheath had a very polished performance.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46The standout thing for me was their diction,
0:39:46 > 0:39:50which they clearly worked very, very hard on and that required
0:39:50 > 0:39:53a lot of practice time and a lot of focus during the performance.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54# This little light
0:39:54 > 0:39:56# This little light This little light
0:39:56 > 0:39:58# This little light
0:39:58 > 0:39:59# This little light of mine... #
0:39:59 > 0:40:02Hereford Cathedral School, wow!
0:40:02 > 0:40:04This Little Light Of Mine really shone.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07# The light that shines is the light of love
0:40:07 > 0:40:08# Lights the darkness from above... #
0:40:08 > 0:40:11The way they sang those phrases,
0:40:11 > 0:40:14it was lazy enough for the spiritual
0:40:14 > 0:40:18but it had enough attack to really pull us in as an audience.
0:40:18 > 0:40:23# Be still for the presence of the Lord... #
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Unicorn came on stage brimming with confidence
0:40:26 > 0:40:28and I watched every single face
0:40:28 > 0:40:30and people really gave their all.
0:40:30 > 0:40:35# Be still for the presence of the Lord... #
0:40:35 > 0:40:39They phrased in a really, really, powerful way
0:40:39 > 0:40:42and that made the song, indeed, very, very effective.
0:40:42 > 0:40:47# Drop thy still dews of quietness... #
0:40:47 > 0:40:49What I really, really loved about Lindley was that
0:40:49 > 0:40:53they used just the different tones in their voice, different colours,
0:40:53 > 0:40:57and we just heard so much character in their sound.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01# Breathe through the heats of our desire... #
0:41:01 > 0:41:04And also in this song is a wide musical range.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06They've got to sing very low and sing very high
0:41:06 > 0:41:09and sometimes when you're singing low you can get gravelly
0:41:09 > 0:41:12and when you're singing high you can get screechy
0:41:12 > 0:41:15but they were able to negotiate really, really confidently
0:41:15 > 0:41:17whatever range they were singing.
0:41:17 > 0:41:25# Were you there when they laid him in the... #
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Heath Mount created a really beautiful atmosphere.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32It was a very sort of honest, exposed performance.
0:41:32 > 0:41:39# Sometimes it causes me to tremble... #
0:41:39 > 0:41:42I really felt that they got what they were singing about
0:41:42 > 0:41:45and they conveyed that to the audience incredibly well.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49# Take this moment sign and space... #
0:41:49 > 0:41:51I really enjoyed Queen's.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54They had a great presence about them from the word go.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56I loved their arrangement as well. Really clever.
0:41:56 > 0:42:01# Take the time to call my name... #
0:42:01 > 0:42:04And they really grew as an ensemble throughout the piece.
0:42:04 > 0:42:05They surprised me.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09I really felt that they took their moment on stage.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11Well, the judges are back in their seats and I have six
0:42:11 > 0:42:15very excited and nervous junior school choirs behind me
0:42:15 > 0:42:16waiting to hear the results.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Judges, I'm going to ask you for the name of one choir
0:42:19 > 0:42:21that's going through to the final, in turn.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23Katherine, the first choir going through to the final.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27The name of the first choir who will sing in the final is...
0:42:29 > 0:42:31..Lindley Junior School.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33CHEERING, WHOOPING AND APPLAUSE
0:42:41 > 0:42:44Connie, the second choir going through to the final.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46The second choir going through to the final
0:42:46 > 0:42:49of School Choir of the Year is...
0:42:50 > 0:42:52..Blackheath Preparatory School.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:43:00 > 0:43:03Ken, the name of final choir.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05The final choir going through
0:43:05 > 0:43:08to the Junior School Choir of the Year is...
0:43:09 > 0:43:11..Hereford Cathedral Junior School.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13RAPTUROUS ACCLAIM
0:43:16 > 0:43:20Congratulations to Lindley, Blackheath and Hereford
0:43:20 > 0:43:22and of course commiserations to our other semifinalists
0:43:22 > 0:43:24who did us and themselves proud.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27I'll be back next week for the senior semifinal
0:43:27 > 0:43:30and, once again, we have six amazing choirs.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32You don't want to miss it. Goodbye.