0:00:02 > 0:00:03It's the day of the big one, the final.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06After two nail-biting semifinals, our remaining junior
0:00:06 > 0:00:08and senior choirs are hoping to impress the judges
0:00:08 > 0:00:09with their inspirational song.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12They want to win one of these and be crowned
0:00:12 > 0:00:14the 2016 Songs Of Praise School Choir Of The Year.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:27 > 0:00:29Welcome back to Sheffield City Hall for finals day.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Not only do we have our fabulous junior schools,
0:00:32 > 0:00:35but also the top-three senior school choirs in the country
0:00:35 > 0:00:36are warming up backstage
0:00:36 > 0:00:38awaiting their turn.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40And we also have very special guests,
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Britain's Got Talent winners Collabro are singing here too.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45What a line-up, ladies and gentlemen.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:47 > 0:00:50We're going to begin with the juniors.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Please welcome, from Huddersfield, Lindley Junior School...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:56 > 0:00:58..Blackheath Preparatory School...
0:00:58 > 0:01:02CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:02 > 0:01:05..and Hereford Cathedral Junior School.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Well, there can be only one winner,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13and it's the task of our expert panel of judges
0:01:13 > 0:01:15to decide who that winner is going to be.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17The first member of our panel is one of the most successful
0:01:17 > 0:01:19classical music crossover artists in the world -
0:01:19 > 0:01:21it's as simple as that.
0:01:21 > 0:01:22She's performed at some of
0:01:22 > 0:01:24the world's most prestigious concert halls
0:01:24 > 0:01:26and her fans include world leaders and royalty.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30It's the hugely talented mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Our next guest judge is a first-class singer,
0:01:37 > 0:01:39musician, composer, arranger and choir leader.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41He sang in his church choir from the age of nine
0:01:41 > 0:01:44and grew up to conduct several renowned choirs.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47He's also worked with numerous leading recording artists
0:01:47 > 0:01:51including Bryn Terfel, Beyonce and will.i.am - not together, though.
0:01:51 > 0:01:52Please welcome Ken Burton.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:57 > 0:01:59To complete the panel, we have another huge talent
0:01:59 > 0:02:02who became a household name when she won the popular BBC One talent show
0:02:02 > 0:02:04How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?
0:02:04 > 0:02:06She earned rave reviews when she opened
0:02:06 > 0:02:08at the London Palladium as Maria von Trapp,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11and has since branched out into acting and presenting,
0:02:11 > 0:02:12including here on Songs Of Praise.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14It is, of course, Connie Fisher.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:02:18 > 0:02:19Thank you very much, judges.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21Well, before our choirs sing again,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24here's a reminder of how they got to the final.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29# Dear Lord and father of mankind
0:02:29 > 0:02:34# Forgive our foolish ways... #
0:02:34 > 0:02:37# I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee
0:02:37 > 0:02:41# But they would not dance and they wouldn't follow me... #
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- # ..this little light of mine - This little light of mine
0:02:43 > 0:02:46# I'm going to let it shine
0:02:46 > 0:02:48# This little light of mine
0:02:48 > 0:02:50# I'm going to let it shine... #
0:02:50 > 0:02:52CHEERING AND APPLAUSE Each choir will now try
0:02:52 > 0:02:54to impress the judges with its inspirational song.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Going first are Lindley Junior school.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02PIANO MUSIC PLAYS
0:03:07 > 0:03:11# Our father
0:03:11 > 0:03:16# Who art, who art in heaven
0:03:16 > 0:03:20# Hallowed be thy name
0:03:20 > 0:03:25# Thy kingdom come
0:03:25 > 0:03:27# Thy will be done
0:03:27 > 0:03:33# On earth as it is in heaven
0:03:38 > 0:03:45# Give us this day our daily bread
0:03:45 > 0:03:50# And forgive us, forgive our sins
0:03:50 > 0:03:58# As we forgive the sins of them
0:03:58 > 0:04:05# Who sin against us
0:04:09 > 0:04:13# Lead us not into temptation
0:04:13 > 0:04:18# But deliver us from evil
0:04:18 > 0:04:22# For thine is the kingdom, the kingdom
0:04:22 > 0:04:26# Lead us not into temptation
0:04:26 > 0:04:31# But deliver us from evil
0:04:31 > 0:04:34# For thine is the glory
0:04:44 > 0:04:47# Our father
0:04:47 > 0:04:53# Who art, who art in heaven
0:04:53 > 0:04:57# Hallowed be thy name
0:04:57 > 0:05:02# Thy kingdom come
0:05:02 > 0:05:05# Thy will be done
0:05:05 > 0:05:10# On earth as it is in heaven
0:05:11 > 0:05:18# On earth as it is in heaven
0:05:18 > 0:05:25# On earth as it is in heaven
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- # Heaven and earth - On earth
0:05:29 > 0:05:32# As it is in heaven
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- # Heaven and earth - On earth
0:05:37 > 0:05:39# As it is in heaven
0:05:41 > 0:05:49# On earth as it is in heaven. #
0:05:57 > 0:06:03CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:06:03 > 0:06:04Lindley Junior School!
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Well, Mr Ken Burton, they were brilliant in the semifinals -
0:06:10 > 0:06:11have they upped their game?
0:06:11 > 0:06:13What I really love about this choir
0:06:13 > 0:06:18is their ability to really make a song meaningful.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21The Lord's Prayer is the most famous prayer
0:06:21 > 0:06:26and very often people just recite it because they know the words.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28But you really made it meaningful.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32The sound was really what I call an attractive vocal sound.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35You know, so, well done, fantastic,
0:06:35 > 0:06:39a great testament to choral singing in this country,
0:06:39 > 0:06:40and well done,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43you ought to be absolutely proud of that performance.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45And, Katherine, what did you make of it?
0:06:45 > 0:06:49Well, again, a beautiful performance from you,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52and what I loved about you in your semifinal performance
0:06:52 > 0:06:53was you had beautiful phrasing,
0:06:53 > 0:06:57and this certainly was something that I felt I enjoyed even more
0:06:57 > 0:06:59in your final performance.
0:06:59 > 0:07:00And what it showed me was that
0:07:00 > 0:07:03you're learning to become great musicians,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06and I felt that, I felt that you really felt the music.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08It was a very strong, very technical
0:07:08 > 0:07:11but a very emotive performance as well.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Thank you very much, judges. Check out those smiles.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16LAUGHTER Lindley School.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:07:19 > 0:07:21The children are wonderful. They work so hard.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22We've had a fantastic day,
0:07:22 > 0:07:26and I'm very, very proud of that performance.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30If we won, it'd be a moment to remember because it's my last year.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35Our next junior choir finalists are Blackheath Preparatory School.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40PIANO MUSIC PLAYS
0:07:41 > 0:07:46# You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
0:07:46 > 0:07:52# Who abide in his shadow for life
0:07:52 > 0:07:55# Say to the Lord
0:07:55 > 0:08:03# "My refuge, my rock in whom I trust"
0:08:03 > 0:08:09# And he will raise you up on eagles' wings
0:08:09 > 0:08:15# Bear you on the breath of dawn
0:08:15 > 0:08:20# Make you to shine like the sun
0:08:20 > 0:08:28# And hold you in the palm of his hand
0:08:31 > 0:08:37# The snare of the fowler will never capture you
0:08:37 > 0:08:42# And famine will bring you no fear
0:08:43 > 0:08:49# Under his wings, your refuge
0:08:49 > 0:08:54# His faithfulness, your shield
0:08:54 > 0:09:00# And he will raise you up on eagles' wings
0:09:00 > 0:09:05# Bear you on the breath of dawn
0:09:05 > 0:09:10# Make you to shine like the sun
0:09:10 > 0:09:13# And hold you in
0:09:13 > 0:09:19# The palm of his hand
0:09:22 > 0:09:28# For to his angels he's given a command
0:09:28 > 0:09:33# To guard you in all of your ways
0:09:33 > 0:09:39# Upon their hands they will bear you up
0:09:39 > 0:09:44# Lest you dash your foot against a stone
0:09:44 > 0:09:50# And he will raise you up on eagles' wings
0:09:50 > 0:09:56# Bear you on the breath of dawn
0:09:56 > 0:10:01# Make you to shine like the sun
0:10:01 > 0:10:05# And hold you
0:10:05 > 0:10:13# Hold you in the palm
0:10:13 > 0:10:20# Of his hand. #
0:10:21 > 0:10:27CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Blackheath, ladies and gentlemen.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Connie, it was a very emotive song.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37It really was.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39You sang it so beautifully
0:10:39 > 0:10:41and you created such an atmosphere here in the hall.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44It was a great choice for the final.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46If I had to critique in any way,
0:10:46 > 0:10:51I think I'd like just a little more oomph at times from the choir.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54I know you have it in you, but you have such wonderful dynamic,
0:10:54 > 0:10:55an incredible diction.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- I absolutely loved that piece. Well done.- Well done.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Ken, you know what it's like to get the best out of a choir,
0:11:00 > 0:11:03did they pull together as one?
0:11:03 > 0:11:05The words were very energetic,
0:11:05 > 0:11:06I loved what you did with the words,
0:11:06 > 0:11:08and the harmonies worked really well
0:11:08 > 0:11:13because they were nicely balanced and they had great effect.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15And I would encourage you also
0:11:15 > 0:11:18just to make sure that at the end of phrases,
0:11:18 > 0:11:22that you always end the words together.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24So, one D, one S, one T - whatever the word ends in,
0:11:24 > 0:11:26make sure you're always together on that.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30But that was just very, very stunningly beautiful.
0:11:30 > 0:11:31Thank you very much, judges,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34and a huge round of applause for Blackheath.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:11:37 > 0:11:40The judges said really positive things, actually,
0:11:40 > 0:11:42that we can really work on,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45fair things that I agreed with,
0:11:45 > 0:11:46and it was wonderful.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50We're just so thrilled to be in the final.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54I think I'd jump up in the air or I'd faint if we won.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57The final choir in the junior competition
0:11:57 > 0:11:59is Hereford Cathedral Junior School.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08PIANO MUSIC PLAYS
0:12:12 > 0:12:18# I am just one small voice in the middle of a crowd
0:12:18 > 0:12:24# I keep my thoughts inside me afraid to sing out loud
0:12:24 > 0:12:29# I am just one small voice in a busy, troubled world
0:12:29 > 0:12:36# I want to make a difference and have my voice be heard
0:12:36 > 0:12:41# But if we sing together the harmony will start
0:12:41 > 0:12:43# The world will hear our music
0:12:43 > 0:12:46# The song within our hearts
0:12:46 > 0:12:51# If everyone would listen and learn to understand
0:12:51 > 0:12:53# We'll be on our way to a brighter day
0:12:53 > 0:12:57# Where we all work hand in hand
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- # This is our dream - This is our dream
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- # This is our hope - This is our hope
0:13:02 > 0:13:07# We want to build a world where peace can grow
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- # This is our voice - This is our voice
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- # This is our choice - This is our choice
0:13:12 > 0:13:17# And it can all begin
0:13:17 > 0:13:21# With just one small voice
0:13:28 > 0:13:34# When we're just one small voice and we're singing all alone
0:13:34 > 0:13:40# We'll sometimes be discouraged and out there on our own
0:13:40 > 0:13:45# When we're just one small voice with a message we believe
0:13:45 > 0:13:52# We need someone to hear us and see the things we see
0:13:52 > 0:13:57# A vision of the future that all of us can share
0:13:57 > 0:14:02# A time to face tomorrow and show the world we care
0:14:02 > 0:14:07# A chance to work together and prove what we can do
0:14:07 > 0:14:10# If we lend a hand and we take a stand
0:14:10 > 0:14:14# We can make it all come true
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- # This is our dream - This is our dream
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- # This is our hope - This is our hope
0:14:21 > 0:14:24# We want to build a world
0:14:24 > 0:14:26# Where peace can grow
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- # This is our voice - This is our voice
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- # This is our choice - This is our choice
0:14:32 > 0:14:36# And it can all begin
0:14:36 > 0:14:41# Yes, it can all begin
0:14:41 > 0:14:47# With just one small voice
0:14:47 > 0:14:54# One small voice. #
0:14:56 > 0:15:01CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:15:01 > 0:15:03Hereford Cathedral Junior School.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Were you impressed by that, Katherine?- I really was.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13You know, not only do you have beautiful voices,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16but you are fantastic performers.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18You were really animated,
0:15:18 > 0:15:21you could tell the amount of work that you've had to put in
0:15:21 > 0:15:24to getting that to be such a strong performance.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Honestly, I was so impressed, and what a great song choice.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Just the perfect sentiment for this competition.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34It was really lovely, and you definitely made us all smile.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35Thank you.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Connie, nice to have an upbeat song as well.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40What I love about you, Hereford, is that you are,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42as Katherine says, all performers.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44And, for me, singing is about storytelling,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46and you told such a great story.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49I could look at anyone of you and be captivated.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51I thought it was a brilliant performance,
0:15:51 > 0:15:53a great song choice for the final.
0:15:53 > 0:15:54And I grew up singing in a choir.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57If I had to sing in a choir, I'd sing in yours.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:16:00 > 0:16:01Thank you very much, judges,
0:16:01 > 0:16:05and a huge round of applause for Hereford Cathedral Junior School.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11I felt so special to be in such a good choir
0:16:11 > 0:16:13and be performing here.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16It's already... We've already won, to me.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- I actually can't wait to deliberate about this.- Yeah, I know. Er...
0:16:21 > 0:16:23'It was really exciting.'
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- If I won...I'd probably cry. - THEY CHUCKLE
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Well, the judges have retired to confer
0:16:30 > 0:16:32and decide which of our three junior school choirs
0:16:32 > 0:16:36will become our champions of 2016.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38And if you're having trouble choosing your winner,
0:16:38 > 0:16:40here's something to help you make up your mind.
0:16:40 > 0:16:46# Our Father who art... #
0:16:46 > 0:16:48I so enjoyed Lindley's performance
0:16:48 > 0:16:50cos I felt like they were really feeling the music.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53You know, each individual member of the choir was sort of...
0:16:53 > 0:16:56you know, sort of getting into the spirit of the song.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00# ..lead us not into temptation... #
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Sometimes choirs can stand like statues,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04sometimes they're choreographed to move,
0:17:04 > 0:17:08but I love it when singers and individual singers of the choir
0:17:08 > 0:17:10just feel that they have their own space to express themselves.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14# ..lead us not into temptation... #
0:17:14 > 0:17:16I'm not sure I would've chosen that song for the final.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20However, they upped their game, for me, the most.
0:17:20 > 0:17:26# ..the snare of the fowler will never capture you... #
0:17:26 > 0:17:28What I really liked about Blackheath
0:17:28 > 0:17:31was just I felt their words were energetic.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34It's a thing to actually just sort of sing words,
0:17:34 > 0:17:35but it's a thing to pick certain words
0:17:35 > 0:17:37and make those words jump out at you
0:17:37 > 0:17:39when they become, you know, meaningful.
0:17:39 > 0:17:45# ..and he will raise you up on eagles' wings... #
0:17:45 > 0:17:48I really just felt they were on the verge of brilliance.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50In the semis, as well, you said, Katherine,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52you want a little bit more oomph,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54and I felt that, certainly in the final.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56# ..like the sun... #
0:17:56 > 0:17:59I loved the beauty of their sound,
0:17:59 > 0:18:00- but I wanted more sound.- Yeah.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03I felt they could have projected a little bit more.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08It really was a beautiful sound they create,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10just maybe just a bit more welly, that's what we need.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- # ..this is our dream - This is our dream
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- # This is our hope - This is our hope... #
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Hereford, I love them. They're storytellers,
0:18:18 > 0:18:20and as a musical theatre performer,
0:18:20 > 0:18:22of course I loved the jazz hands in the semifinals,
0:18:22 > 0:18:26but they really showed a different side to themselves in the final,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28and I'm really very keen on them as a choir.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30I think it looks a lot of fun to sing with them.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35# ..a vision of the future that all of us can share... #
0:18:35 > 0:18:38I know they're connected to Hereford Cathedral,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41so I thought their repertoire might be a bit more sustained,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- but they're a cool choir, really. - They're not stiff.
0:18:43 > 0:18:44They're not stiff at all,
0:18:44 > 0:18:46and they're not afraid to take a risk.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- # ..this is our dream - This is our dream... #
0:18:49 > 0:18:51For me, they were the best performers.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53It was so enjoyable to watch.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54I really think that the audience
0:18:54 > 0:18:57will have thoroughly enjoyed this performance.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00But I think maybe it wasn't as subtle
0:19:00 > 0:19:02as some of the other performances.
0:19:03 > 0:19:04But at the same time, you know,
0:19:04 > 0:19:06I thought it was a great song choice.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10# ..yes, it can all begin... #
0:19:10 > 0:19:12For me, the quandary is do we go with
0:19:12 > 0:19:14the people who were the fantastic performers
0:19:14 > 0:19:18or do we go with the choir that made the most beautiful sound?
0:19:18 > 0:19:21And I think that's...that's the quandary that I'm facing.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Well, our choirs are lined up
0:19:24 > 0:19:26waiting to hear the judges' decision.
0:19:26 > 0:19:27Connie has the happy task
0:19:27 > 0:19:29of presenting the trophy to the winners.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Katherine, any words of encouragement
0:19:31 > 0:19:33for the two choirs that don't quite make it today.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Yes, absolutely. I want you to remember that
0:19:35 > 0:19:37this has been an incredible experience.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40You know, when I was your age, I entered lots of competitions
0:19:40 > 0:19:42and some I won and some I didn't,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45and it's just all about making you the best performers
0:19:45 > 0:19:47and the best musicians that you can be.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50And that I want you to go away knowing that
0:19:50 > 0:19:51we're all so very proud of you
0:19:51 > 0:19:55and please, please keep making your beautiful music.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00APPLAUSE
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Ken, can you reveal the name of the winning choir?
0:20:04 > 0:20:09The Songs of Praise Junior School Choir Of The Year 2016 is...
0:20:11 > 0:20:12..the Lindley School Choir.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16THEY CHEER
0:20:16 > 0:20:19APPLAUSE
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Congratulations.
0:20:22 > 0:20:23Well done, well done.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29How happy are you?
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- I'm really thrilled. - SHE GIGGLES
0:20:32 > 0:20:35CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:20:35 > 0:20:37And what about you?
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Was the hours of practice worth it?
0:20:39 > 0:20:40Er, yeah.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42LAUGHTER
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- And, for you, you've been here before.- Yes.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47What does it mean to you?
0:20:47 > 0:20:49It means everything. We've worked so hard.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51We've thoroughly enjoyed every time we've appeared here,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54but I forgot how good it is to win, it's wonderful,
0:20:54 > 0:20:55so thank you very much.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Well done, Lindley Junior School
0:21:01 > 0:21:04and to the other two superb junior finalists,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Blackheath and Hereford, ladies and gentlemen.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:21:10 > 0:21:12Well, we know the name of the junior champions,
0:21:12 > 0:21:15but the senior competition is just hotting up.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Here's how our three magnificent choirs made it to the final.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24# ..when we've been there
0:21:24 > 0:21:28# Ten thousand years
0:21:28 > 0:21:34# Bright shining as the sun
0:21:34 > 0:21:37# As the sun... #
0:21:37 > 0:21:42# ..tydi, a glywaist
0:21:42 > 0:21:46# Lithriad traed
0:21:46 > 0:21:53# Ar ffordd Calfaria gynt... #
0:21:54 > 0:22:01# ..as o'er each continent and island
0:22:01 > 0:22:07# The dawn leads on another day... #
0:22:09 > 0:22:10Ladies and gentlemen,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13our senior finalists are Oakham School in Rutland...
0:22:16 > 0:22:20..Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire...
0:22:21 > 0:22:24..and St George's College, Weybridge.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Each of the three choirs will perform its inspirational choice,
0:22:30 > 0:22:32starting with Oakham School.
0:22:55 > 0:23:02# I want Jesus to walk with me
0:23:02 > 0:23:10# I want Jesus to walk with me
0:23:10 > 0:23:17# All along my pilgrim journey
0:23:17 > 0:23:24# Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me
0:23:24 > 0:23:32# In my trials, Lord, walk with me
0:23:32 > 0:23:40# In my trials, Lord, walk with me
0:23:40 > 0:23:47# When my heart is almost breaking
0:23:47 > 0:23:53# Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me
0:23:55 > 0:23:58# When I'm in trouble
0:23:58 > 0:24:02# Lord, walk with me
0:24:02 > 0:24:06# When I'm in trouble
0:24:06 > 0:24:10# Lord, walk with me
0:24:10 > 0:24:17# When my head is bowed in sorrow
0:24:17 > 0:24:25# Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me
0:24:25 > 0:24:28# I want Jesus
0:24:28 > 0:24:31# To walk with me
0:24:31 > 0:24:32# Oh, yeah
0:24:32 > 0:24:36# I want Jesus
0:24:36 > 0:24:38# To walk with me
0:24:38 > 0:24:40# With me
0:24:40 > 0:24:47# All along my pilgrim journey
0:24:47 > 0:24:54# Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me
0:24:55 > 0:24:59# Walk with me
0:24:59 > 0:25:03# Walk with me
0:25:03 > 0:25:06# Walk with me! #
0:25:07 > 0:25:09APPLAUSE
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Oakham, ladies and gentlemen.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Well, Connie, they've set the bar really high for this final.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24They have. Those were the snappiest snaps I've ever heard.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26It was such a polished performance.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29I didn't think you could get any better,
0:25:29 > 0:25:31but you've just proved me wrong.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34It was dynamic, it was gloriously lazy yet musically crisp.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36You know, you were so together.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40And that wall of sound you create, I really love listening to.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42So I'd like to walk with you on my iPod.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45There you go. LAUGHTER
0:25:45 > 0:25:49- Were you impressed, Ken? - This was effortless. This was easy.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51It was light, it was bouncy.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52What I would like to focus...
0:25:52 > 0:25:56This music is very precious to me, it's part of my DNA.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00..is even though it is light and jazzy,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03it still needs to have a bit more sorrow in there.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08You know, it's coming from a body of songs which are songs of struggle.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12So the idea of "I want Jesus to walk with me," you know, "at this moment,
0:26:12 > 0:26:15"I'm feeling lonely, I'm feeling in need
0:26:15 > 0:26:17"of a presence greater than myself."
0:26:17 > 0:26:21So I think, yes, do keep it light,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24but also bring a little bit of heaviness
0:26:24 > 0:26:26and greater expression,
0:26:26 > 0:26:28so we can have an understanding of the song.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31But, overall, you ought to be
0:26:31 > 0:26:35extremely pleased with what you've produced there.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37Thank you very much, judges. Big thanks to Oakham.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40APPLAUSE
0:26:40 > 0:26:42I thought it was the best we'd ever done it.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46I really enjoyed it, like, I thought we did the best we could.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Quite daunting sort of preparing for Ken, who is Mr Gospel, really.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53But I think we did him proud. I'd like to think so, anyway.
0:26:55 > 0:26:56The next choir to sing is
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06# Oh, the king cried Oh, Daniel, Daniel, oh
0:27:06 > 0:27:08# Daniel, Daniel, oh
0:27:08 > 0:27:12# A-that-a Hebrew Daniel Servant of the Lord
0:27:12 > 0:27:17# Oh, the king cried Oh, Daniel, Daniel, oh
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- # Daniel, Daniel, oh - A-that-a Hebrew Daniel
0:27:20 > 0:27:22# Servant of the Lord
0:27:22 > 0:27:25# Daniel, Daniel, Daniel, Daniel
0:27:25 > 0:27:27# Daniel, Daniel, Daniel, oh
0:27:27 > 0:27:30# Among the Hebrew nation
0:27:30 > 0:27:32# One Hebrew Daniel was found
0:27:32 > 0:27:35# They put him in the lion's den
0:27:35 > 0:27:36# He stayed there all night long
0:27:36 > 0:27:41# Oh, the king cried Oh, Daniel, Daniel, oh
0:27:41 > 0:27:43# Daniel, Daniel, oh
0:27:43 > 0:27:45# A-that-a Hebrew Daniel
0:27:45 > 0:27:48# Servant of the Lord
0:27:48 > 0:27:53# Now the king in his sleep was troubled
0:27:53 > 0:27:55# Oooh...
0:27:55 > 0:28:01# And early in the morning he rose
0:28:01 > 0:28:06# To find God had sent his angel
0:28:06 > 0:28:09# Down
0:28:09 > 0:28:16# To lock the lion's jaws
0:28:16 > 0:28:22- # Oh, the king cried, oh - Oh, Daniel, Daniel
0:28:22 > 0:28:23- # Daniel, Daniel, oh - Daniel, oh
0:28:23 > 0:28:27# A-that-a Hebrew Daniel Servant of the Lord
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- # Oh the king cried, oh - Oh, the king cried Daniel, Daniel
0:28:30 > 0:28:32# Daniel, Daniel
0:28:32 > 0:28:34# Daniel, Daniel
0:28:34 > 0:28:42# O-oh-oh-oh!
0:28:42 > 0:28:45# That Hebrew Daniel
0:28:45 > 0:28:47# Servant of the Lord
0:28:47 > 0:28:49# That servant of the Lord
0:28:49 > 0:28:54# That servant of
0:28:54 > 0:29:00# The Lord! #
0:29:00 > 0:29:03CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Tring, ladies and gentlemen.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13That was a really confident performance, wasn't it, Katherine?
0:29:13 > 0:29:16Wow, you just totally knocked my socks off.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19I was so impressed with that. It was confident, it was accomplished.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22It was such a technical performance.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25I feel like you must've worked on all those little details
0:29:25 > 0:29:26again and again and again.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29But it's paid off. It was fantastic.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32That was really just a wonderful thing to be able to watch
0:29:32 > 0:29:34- and listen to. Thank you. - Brilliant.- Wow.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Ken, it was a really complicated arrangement, wasn't it?
0:29:37 > 0:29:41That was precise, that was clean, that was really skilled,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45that was polished, the harmonisation was balanced,
0:29:45 > 0:29:46that was really, really great.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49And I will also want to mention, really, just the soloists,
0:29:49 > 0:29:52because again, the soloists came right through.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56It cut right through the texture and we heard everything.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59The slight issue I'm having at the moment
0:29:59 > 0:30:03is that this is a dramatic story, and the king didn't cry, "Oh."
0:30:03 > 0:30:05The king cried, "Ooh!"
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Yeah, there was a lot to this story,
0:30:09 > 0:30:13and I just felt you could've worked the storytelling a lot more.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15If I'd been stuck in a lion's den for a couple of days
0:30:15 > 0:30:16and I hadn't been eaten,
0:30:16 > 0:30:20I think, you know, I would be crying out hallelujah.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22So I just wanted to hear more of what is this story,
0:30:22 > 0:30:26what is this drama. But... Well done, fantastic.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Thank you very much, judges, and a big round of applause for Tring.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:30:33 > 0:30:35I thought it went really well.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39Obviously, a lot of nerves, but I think we pulled it out of the bag.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Oh, if we won, oh, it would be absolutely amazing -
0:30:41 > 0:30:44amazing for the school and for the future of our choir as well.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47It would be absolutely incredible.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48The final choir to sing
0:30:48 > 0:30:53in the 2016 School Choir Of The Year competition is St George's College.
0:30:57 > 0:31:02# Every time I feel the spirit
0:31:02 > 0:31:05# Moving in my heart, I will pray
0:31:05 > 0:31:09# Every time I feel the spirit
0:31:09 > 0:31:13# Moving in my heart, I will pray
0:31:13 > 0:31:18# Upon the mountain my Lord spoke
0:31:18 > 0:31:22# Out of his mouth came fire and smoke
0:31:22 > 0:31:24# Down in the valley
0:31:24 > 0:31:26# On my knees
0:31:26 > 0:31:30# Ask my Lord, "Have mercy, please!"
0:31:30 > 0:31:34# Every time I feel the spirit
0:31:34 > 0:31:38# Moving in my heart, I will pray
0:31:38 > 0:31:42# Oh, every time I feel the spirit
0:31:42 > 0:31:46# Moving in my heart, I will pray
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- # Jordan river - Jordan river
0:31:49 > 0:31:51- # Is chilly an' cold - Is chilly an' cold
0:31:51 > 0:31:55# It chills the body, not the soul
0:31:55 > 0:31:57- # All around me - All around me
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- # Looks so fine - Looks so fine
0:31:59 > 0:32:03# I asked my Lord if all was mine
0:32:03 > 0:32:07# Every time I feel the spirit
0:32:07 > 0:32:11# Moving in my heart, I will pray
0:32:11 > 0:32:15# Every time I feel the spirit
0:32:15 > 0:32:19# Moving in my heart, I will pray
0:32:19 > 0:32:23# Ain't but one train on this track
0:32:23 > 0:32:25# It runs to heaven
0:32:25 > 0:32:27# And right back
0:32:27 > 0:32:31# St Peter waiting at the gate
0:32:31 > 0:32:36# Saying, "Come on, sinner, don't be late!"
0:32:36 > 0:32:39# Every time I feel the spirit
0:32:39 > 0:32:43# Moving in my heart, I will pray
0:32:43 > 0:32:47# Oh, every time I feel the spirit
0:32:47 > 0:32:50# Moving in my heart
0:32:50 > 0:32:52# In my heart
0:32:52 > 0:32:56# In my heart, I will pray
0:32:56 > 0:32:57# I will pray! #
0:33:04 > 0:33:06St George's, everyone!
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- Was there enough passion for you, Connie?- So much passion.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15I felt that you drove that piece, it didn't drive you.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17I think it could run away with you, that piece.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19But I felt that all of you were in the moment.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22And I think that's brilliant. You performed it.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25And what I love about you is you look so confident.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28You just walk on, you find your own space,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31and you listen to each other as a choir.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35For me, there were moments that weren't quite together.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38But I think you did a phenomenal job. I felt the spirit.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40They're cool customers, aren't they?
0:33:40 > 0:33:43What I love about you is the way you stand
0:33:43 > 0:33:45and the way you hold yourselves.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47And it was almost like you were raring to go,
0:33:47 > 0:33:49you were absolutely just...
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Couldn't wait to come out and give your best performance.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57You work so well together, and the voices blended beautifully,
0:33:57 > 0:33:59but I would say maybe only half of you
0:33:59 > 0:34:01were actually smiling when you're singing,
0:34:01 > 0:34:05so I want to see a little bit more in the sort of mask of your face,
0:34:05 > 0:34:07try and raise those cheekbones.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10You don't have to switch that off just cos you're already singing.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14But you told the story and you emoted it very, very well.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17But just smile a little bit more next time.
0:34:17 > 0:34:18Thank you very much, judges,
0:34:18 > 0:34:20and a huge round of applause for St George's.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23APPLAUSE
0:34:23 > 0:34:25I loved it, it was brilliant.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27I am a bit nervous, but I think we did our best.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30So whatever happens, we did our best.
0:34:31 > 0:34:32The final was amazing!
0:34:32 > 0:34:35It was certainly very exciting, very empowering.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39And we tried our best, I hope it was good enough.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43The judges have now left the hall to choose the 2016 senior champions.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45And while they do, it's my pleasure to introduce
0:34:45 > 0:34:47our very special performers.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Please welcome the wonderful Collabro.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51APPLAUSE
0:35:02 > 0:35:08# From the day we arrive on the planet
0:35:08 > 0:35:13# And blinking, step into the sun
0:35:14 > 0:35:20# There's more to see than can ever be seen
0:35:20 > 0:35:26# More to do than can ever be done
0:35:26 > 0:35:30# There's far too much to take in here
0:35:32 > 0:35:37# More to find than can ever be found
0:35:38 > 0:35:41# But the sun rolling high
0:35:41 > 0:35:44# Through the sapphire sky
0:35:44 > 0:35:49# Keeps great and small on the endless round
0:35:49 > 0:35:54# It's the circle of life
0:35:54 > 0:36:00# And it moves us all
0:36:00 > 0:36:07# Through despair and hope
0:36:07 > 0:36:12# Through faith and love
0:36:12 > 0:36:18# Till we find our place
0:36:18 > 0:36:25# On the path unwinding
0:36:25 > 0:36:30# In the circle
0:36:30 > 0:36:38# The circle of life
0:36:38 > 0:36:44# Some of us fall by the wayside
0:36:44 > 0:36:48# And some of us soar to the stars
0:36:48 > 0:36:51# Some soar, some soar
0:36:51 > 0:36:56# And some of us sail through our troubles
0:36:56 > 0:37:02# And some have to live with the scars
0:37:02 > 0:37:06# There's far too much to take in here
0:37:06 > 0:37:08# Ooh-ooh
0:37:08 > 0:37:14# More to find than can ever be found
0:37:14 > 0:37:17# But the sun rolling high
0:37:17 > 0:37:19# Through the sapphire sky
0:37:19 > 0:37:25# Keeps great and small on the endless round
0:37:25 > 0:37:30# It's the circle of life
0:37:30 > 0:37:36# And it moves us all
0:37:36 > 0:37:42# Through despair and hope
0:37:42 > 0:37:48# Through faith and love
0:37:48 > 0:37:54# Till we find our place
0:37:54 > 0:38:01# On the path unwinding
0:38:01 > 0:38:06# In the circle
0:38:06 > 0:38:13# The circle of life
0:38:13 > 0:38:20# Circle of life! #
0:38:21 > 0:38:25APPLAUSE
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Collabro, ladies and gentlemen.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35We'll be hearing from our judges very soon.
0:38:35 > 0:38:36But have you chosen your winner?
0:38:36 > 0:38:38This might help you decide.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45Oakham, what a great opening.
0:38:45 > 0:38:51# I want Jesus to walk with me... #
0:38:51 > 0:38:54I was with them from the moment they came on stage, really.
0:38:54 > 0:38:55They really lit the room up for me.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59# ..pilgrim journey... #
0:38:59 > 0:39:03The thing that is their strength is the complicated harmonies.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06And they brought that the second time around, and almost bettered it.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09# ..when I'm in trouble
0:39:09 > 0:39:11# Lord, walk with me... #
0:39:11 > 0:39:15And I thought that their communication was a little better,
0:39:15 > 0:39:17but I still wanted a little bit more.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19I didn't quite get enough of that from them.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23They nailed it as an arrangement.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28I think they nailed it chorally, in terms of what a spiritual really is.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32- Mm-hm.- I wasn't quite sure they...always hit the mark.
0:39:32 > 0:39:37# Oh the king cried Oh, Daniel, Daniel, oh... #
0:39:37 > 0:39:40I loved the way that Tring started their performance.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42# ..servant of the Lord... #
0:39:42 > 0:39:44They literally attacked the final.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Like, I felt like they came in all guns blazing.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52And they're so...they're so professional in their own way.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53They're sort of very accomplished.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56# Upon the Hebrew nation... #
0:39:56 > 0:39:59Do you know? I was a little bit disappointed.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01They didn't quite sell it to me.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03# ..and he stayed there all night long... #
0:40:03 > 0:40:05I was hoping that they would sell it in their faces,
0:40:05 > 0:40:06that it would come alive.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09And as you said about the lion's den,
0:40:09 > 0:40:11they weren't quite in the moment for me.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14# And the king cried Oh, Daniel, Daniel, oh... #
0:40:14 > 0:40:16What was really good was that
0:40:16 > 0:40:18they actually selected this particular piece,
0:40:18 > 0:40:21which showed, you know, the depth of the basses,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23it showed the height of the sopranos.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25So I think, you know, when you're actually in a competition,
0:40:25 > 0:40:30it's good to actually choose a song which enables you to
0:40:30 > 0:40:32sort of show what can your choir do.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35# Every time I feel the spirit... #
0:40:35 > 0:40:38You know, with St George's, Weybridge, when they came out
0:40:38 > 0:40:42and they just had that particular look on their face,
0:40:42 > 0:40:48which sets you up as the audience to expect something.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51# On the mountain, my Lord spoke... #
0:40:51 > 0:40:53It was exciting, actually.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- I love the way they find their own space as a choir.- Yeah.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00But they listen and sing as one. It's very empowering, I think.
0:41:00 > 0:41:05# Every time I feel the spirit... #
0:41:05 > 0:41:08I love St George's. I think they make a really beautiful sound.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10# Oh, every time I... #
0:41:10 > 0:41:13I felt like the body was there, but I wanted the face
0:41:13 > 0:41:16to be expressive and excited and, "Yes, I'm ready to do this!"
0:41:16 > 0:41:19And they were amazing technically, but I just wanted to see
0:41:19 > 0:41:22it in the eyes, I wanted to see it in the face.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25What a final. The judges have come to a decision,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28and Katherine has joined us on stage to present the champion's trophy.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Ken, was it a difficult decision?
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Well, everybody expects me to say,
0:41:32 > 0:41:34"Yes, it was a difficult decision."
0:41:34 > 0:41:36But it was, and I'm going to qualify that
0:41:36 > 0:41:39by saying that they all sung very complex music.
0:41:39 > 0:41:40Every single choir pulled it off.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44And will say to each choir, your excellence is
0:41:44 > 0:41:48a testament to the hard work of your teachers and yourself.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51And every single one of you on that stage should go back
0:41:51 > 0:41:55to your schools with your heads held high.
0:41:55 > 0:41:56Absolutely.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:42:01 > 0:42:04Ken, who is going to be the Senior Choir Of The Year?
0:42:05 > 0:42:11The Songs of Praise Senior School Choir Of The Year for 2016 is...
0:42:13 > 0:42:14..Tring Park School...
0:42:14 > 0:42:17CHEERING DROWNS OUT VOICES
0:42:30 > 0:42:32- The gang are happy.- Yeah, yeah.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34We're just so lucky to be here and to have this experience.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37We've never done this before, so... Thank you, yeah, thanks!
0:42:37 > 0:42:39- Oh, I don't know. - LAUGHTER
0:42:39 > 0:42:42So that's what a Tring accent sounds like. Well, I never knew.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44That's amazing.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46And tonight, big party?
0:42:46 > 0:42:50- Going on the bus back home! - LAUGHTER
0:42:50 > 0:42:53What's the first song you'll sing on the bus trip back? Dare I ask...
0:42:53 > 0:42:55# Oh, the kind cried, oh!
0:42:55 > 0:42:57- # Daniel, Daniel. # - LAUGHTER
0:42:57 > 0:43:01Thank goodness you didn't sing it like that in the competition.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03Ladies and gentlemen, the wonderful Tring.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:43:06 > 0:43:09Congratulations to our Senior School Choir Of The Year,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Tring Park School, and are thanks to St George's and Oakham,
0:43:12 > 0:43:14who gave them a good run for their money.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17If you'd like to see and hear all our choirs' performances
0:43:17 > 0:43:19from throughout the whole competition,
0:43:19 > 0:43:21all you need to do is visit our website...
0:43:23 > 0:43:27My thanks to Katherine Jenkins, Ken Burton, Connie Fisher, Collabro
0:43:27 > 0:43:29and to all our finalists.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31From Sheffield, goodbye.