0:00:02 > 0:00:06This is it, final of the tenth School Choir of the Year competition.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Three Junior and three Senior Choirs have made it through the tricky
0:00:09 > 0:00:12semi-finals, and today will sing one more time
0:00:12 > 0:00:15to try and amaze the judges if they're to be crowned the 2012
0:00:15 > 0:00:18School Choir of the Year champions.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Hello and welcome once more to the Lowry Theatre
0:00:27 > 0:00:30here in Salford Quays for this all-important final
0:00:30 > 0:00:34of the 2012 School Choir of the Year competition.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:37 > 0:00:41This is what all those hours of hard work is all about.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- Who wants it? - ALL: Me!
0:00:45 > 0:00:48Funnily enough, they all do.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50We not only have our three Junior Choir finalists,
0:00:50 > 0:00:53the best three senior school choirs in the land will be here later,
0:00:53 > 0:00:55trying to win one of these, too.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58And if that wasn't enough, we have the fabulous Joe McElderry
0:00:58 > 0:01:02singing right here on this stage, ladies and gentlemen.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Now, the Junior Choirs are ready and waiting to go.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11They are, from Croydon, Coloma Convent Girls' School.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:13 > 0:01:16And from Derry in Northern Ireland, it's St Patrick's Primary School.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:19 > 0:01:22And from Hertfordshire, it's Heath Mount School.
0:01:22 > 0:01:23CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Yeah, the fans are in. They all clearly want to win this.
0:01:29 > 0:01:30But there can only be one winner.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35The three people tasked with choosing which choir that will be are our celebrity judges, of course.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38First up, he's a music producer, performer, a vocal coach
0:01:38 > 0:01:40to some of the biggest names in the business,
0:01:40 > 0:01:42please welcome David Grant.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:46 > 0:01:50Our next judge has several strings to her bow to qualify for the job.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53She's a choir director, choir founder, choir conductor.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55She's the one and only Suzi Digby.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:59 > 0:02:02Our last judge is a world-class tenor with a voice
0:02:02 > 0:02:04that keeps on getting bigger and better.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06It's the one and only Russell Watson.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:02:10 > 0:02:13David, these choirs have done so well to get to the final.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15What can they do to get this?
0:02:15 > 0:02:19To sing their hearts out, to be the best they can be,
0:02:19 > 0:02:21to deliver everything they can, and to show the viewers
0:02:21 > 0:02:28just how colossally high the standard of choral singing is in Junior schools.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33You eat, drink, breathe choirs, Suzi, what are you looking for?
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Quality of sound, and all the technical aspects -
0:02:35 > 0:02:37the tuning, the blend, the balance.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40But overall, what's really, really important is the integrity
0:02:40 > 0:02:43of the interpretation of the words.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45And Russell, let me guess - you want to get emotional?
0:02:45 > 0:02:49Aled, it's the final, the nerves are going to be jangling,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52that's for sure, so they've got to keep the nerves under control
0:02:52 > 0:02:54and just go out there
0:02:54 > 0:02:57and think about nothing other than enjoying themselves.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01APPLAUSE
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Now, then, to get to this stage of the competition,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05each of our choirs sang a hymn.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Here's a reminder of how they made it through to the final.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11# It's hard to dance
0:03:11 > 0:03:14# With the Devil on your back
0:03:14 > 0:03:17# They buried my body
0:03:17 > 0:03:21# And they thought I'd gone
0:03:21 > 0:03:25# But I am the dance and I still go on. #
0:03:25 > 0:03:28# Siyahamba, siyahamba
0:03:28 > 0:03:32# Siyahamba ekukhanyeni kwenkos
0:03:32 > 0:03:36# Siyahamba ekukhanyeni kwenkos. #
0:03:36 > 0:03:38# Dance, then, wherever you may be
0:03:38 > 0:03:41# I am the lord of the dance, said he
0:03:41 > 0:03:44# And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be
0:03:44 > 0:03:49# And I'll lead you all in the dance, said he. #
0:03:49 > 0:03:51For the final, our three choirs will sing their choice
0:03:51 > 0:03:52of inspirational song.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56Going first are Coloma Convent Girls' School from Croydon.
0:03:57 > 0:04:06# Swing low, sweet chariot
0:04:06 > 0:04:12# Coming for to carry me home
0:04:12 > 0:04:20# Swing low, sweet chariot
0:04:20 > 0:04:27# Coming for to carry me home
0:04:27 > 0:04:36# Swing low, sweet chariot
0:04:36 > 0:04:42# Coming for to carry me home
0:04:42 > 0:04:50# Swing low, sweet chariot
0:04:50 > 0:04:56# Coming for to carry me home
0:04:56 > 0:05:04# I looked over Jordan and what did I see
0:05:04 > 0:05:10# Coming for to carry me home?
0:05:10 > 0:05:18# A band of angels a-following me
0:05:18 > 0:05:25# Coming for to carry me home
0:05:27 > 0:05:30AT A JAUNTY PACE
0:05:30 > 0:05:34# Swing low, sweet chariot
0:05:34 > 0:05:38# Coming for to carry me home
0:05:38 > 0:05:42# Swing low, sweet chariot
0:05:42 > 0:05:45# Coming for to carry me home
0:05:45 > 0:05:50# I looked over Jordan and what did I see
0:05:50 > 0:05:53# Coming for to carry me home?
0:05:53 > 0:05:58# A band of angels a-following me
0:05:58 > 0:06:01# Coming for to carry me home
0:06:01 > 0:06:06# I looked over Jordan and what did I see
0:06:06 > 0:06:09# Coming for to carry me home?
0:06:09 > 0:06:13# A band of angels a-following me
0:06:13 > 0:06:17# Coming for to carry me home
0:06:17 > 0:06:21# I looked over Jordan and what did I see
0:06:21 > 0:06:25# Coming for to carry me home?
0:06:25 > 0:06:29# A band of angels a-following me
0:06:29 > 0:06:34# Coming for to carry me...
0:06:34 > 0:06:45# Home, home, home, home, home. #
0:06:45 > 0:06:49CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Thank you, Coloma.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- David Grant, that was brilliant, wasn't it? - Yeah, that was excellent.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00I never thought I'd live to see jazz hands at the Songs Of Praise
0:07:00 > 0:07:03School Choir Of The Year competition. But it worked. Everything...
0:07:03 > 0:07:09Everything worked, even stuff that really shouldn't have worked worked.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12You just defied certain laws of musical gravity there.
0:07:12 > 0:07:13LAUGHTER
0:07:13 > 0:07:16And you actually made it work, so well done to you.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19APPLAUSE
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- Suzi, there's a lot of pressure on these young girls.- There is.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27That was my kind of performance from beginning to end. It started...
0:07:27 > 0:07:30It was so subtly moving, really moving,
0:07:30 > 0:07:32and then it became fun,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36and so it had this sort of range of entertainment, as well as
0:07:36 > 0:07:41what I was talking about before - the integrity of the performance.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43It was subtle, it was understated,
0:07:43 > 0:07:47and it was technically excellent on top.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Russell, whatever happens, can the girls go home happy?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Absolutely. And first of all, wow! Where did that come from?
0:07:52 > 0:07:54I mean, it was just incredible.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59It's such a complex arrangement as well, that you pulled off so well.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- That was absolutely fantastic, well done.- Thank you, judges, and thank you,
0:08:02 > 0:08:04the Coloma Convent Girls' School Choir.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07APPLAUSE
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Atmosphere when we came off was great, we were all really happy
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- with ourselves and what we'd done, what we've achieved. - Good luck for us.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14THEY LAUGH
0:08:14 > 0:08:18They were winners in the semi-final, and they're still winners,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21no matter what happens, because I think they've sung their hearts out.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24ALL: Hurray!
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Our next Junior Choir finalists are from Derry in Northern Ireland.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29It's St Patrick's.
0:08:34 > 0:08:41SOLO: # When I'm lying in the darkness
0:08:41 > 0:08:48# And I'm half afraid to sleep
0:08:48 > 0:08:54# I keep thinking of tomorrow
0:08:54 > 0:09:00# And the thoughts that lie so deep
0:09:00 > 0:09:06# Then I pray in talking whispers
0:09:06 > 0:09:15# Cos I know that somewhere near
0:09:16 > 0:09:23# Is the presence of an angel
0:09:23 > 0:09:29# Come to hold me through my fears
0:09:29 > 0:09:36ALL: # And who are you who guides me
0:09:36 > 0:09:42# My messenger of light?
0:09:42 > 0:09:47# Will you walk beside me now
0:09:47 > 0:09:52# Beyond the day and night?
0:09:52 > 0:09:54# Ooh ooh
0:09:54 > 0:09:59# Who are you who guides me
0:09:59 > 0:10:07# With words I cannot write?
0:10:08 > 0:10:14# It's the voice of an angel
0:10:14 > 0:10:21# Come to hold me close this night
0:10:25 > 0:10:30# And who are you who guides me
0:10:30 > 0:10:37# My messenger of light?
0:10:37 > 0:10:42# Will you walk beside me now
0:10:42 > 0:10:46# Beyond the day and night?
0:10:46 > 0:10:49# Ooh ooh
0:10:49 > 0:10:53# Who are you who guides me
0:10:53 > 0:11:02# With words I cannot write?
0:11:02 > 0:11:09# It's the voice of an angel
0:11:09 > 0:11:16# The voice of an angel
0:11:20 > 0:11:25# The voice of an angel
0:11:25 > 0:11:38# Come to hold me close this night. #
0:11:40 > 0:11:45APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:11:47 > 0:11:50St Patrick's Primary School, everybody.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53MORE APPLAUSE
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Russell, they all have angel's voices, haven't they?
0:11:56 > 0:11:58It was definitely angelic, no question about that.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Particularly the young lady there. Absolutely fantastic.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04You held it throughout as well.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07I thought there were some nice pop inflections in there as well.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12I wasn't expecting them, but they were there, which I thought was very nice and slightly different.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16For me, on that performance, your tuning wasn't as good.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18But overall, I thought the performance was really good.
0:12:18 > 0:12:23- David, what do you think? - Lovely solo at the beginning. Loved the tone that you guys have.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26When you sing together as a choir, it's beautiful.
0:12:26 > 0:12:32It's subtle, it's warm, it's bright. It's just a lovely sound.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37I pick up on the point that Russell made, though - the counter melody being slightly under.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42But that, to me, was the only flaw in the whole performance.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45It was really understated and beautiful.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- Does it matter if the tuning is out a bit, Suzi?- Yes, I'm afraid so.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52For me, it was just a little bit. It was pretty good.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Standards are ridiculously high.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59But what I admire about you is, you really explore every corner of every word.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01I so enjoyed watching you.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06Thank you, judges. And thank you for the time being St Patrick's primary school.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08APPLAUSE
0:13:10 > 0:13:12I think it went quite well.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- If we won...- If we won...
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- We'd be just ecstatic. It would be so good.- Ecstatic!
0:13:18 > 0:13:20I think they will remember this day for ever,
0:13:20 > 0:13:24long after they've left St Patrick's primary school and moved on.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26I just hope they treasure it for ever.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32Our third and final choir in the Junior competition, performing their inspirational song,
0:13:32 > 0:13:34it's Heath Mount School from Hertfordshire.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38CLICKING FINGERS
0:13:49 > 0:13:57HUMMING
0:14:04 > 0:14:08# Wade in the water
0:14:08 > 0:14:12# Wade in the water, children
0:14:12 > 0:14:15# Wade in the water
0:14:15 > 0:14:19# God's going to trouble the water
0:14:19 > 0:14:22# Who's that yonder dressed in red?
0:14:22 > 0:14:26# Wade in the water, children
0:14:26 > 0:14:30# Must be the children that Moses led
0:14:30 > 0:14:33# God's going to trouble the water
0:14:33 > 0:14:37# Wade in the water # (Wade in the water)
0:14:37 > 0:14:41# Wade in the water, children # (Wade in the water, children)
0:14:41 > 0:14:45# Wade in the water # (Wade in the water)
0:14:45 > 0:14:48# God's going to trouble the water
0:14:48 > 0:14:52# Who's that yonder dressed in white?
0:14:52 > 0:14:56# Wade in the water, children
0:14:56 > 0:14:59# Must be the children of the Israelites
0:14:59 > 0:15:03# God's going to trouble the water
0:15:03 > 0:15:07# Wade in the water # (Wade in the water)
0:15:07 > 0:15:11# Wade in the water, children # (Wade in the water, children)
0:15:11 > 0:15:15# Wade in the water # (Wade in the water)
0:15:15 > 0:15:18# God's going to trouble the water
0:15:18 > 0:15:22# Who's that yonder dressed in blue?
0:15:22 > 0:15:26# Wade in the water, children
0:15:26 > 0:15:29# Must be the children that are coming through
0:15:29 > 0:15:33# God's going to trouble the water
0:15:33 > 0:15:37# Wade in the water # (Wade in the water)
0:15:37 > 0:15:41# Wade in the water, children # (Wade in the water, children)
0:15:41 > 0:15:44# Wade in the water # (Wade in the water)
0:15:44 > 0:15:48# God's going to trouble the water
0:15:48 > 0:15:52SOFTLY: # Wade in the water # (Wade in the water)
0:15:52 > 0:15:56# Wade in the water, children # (Wade in the water, children)
0:15:56 > 0:15:59# Wade in the water # (Wade in the water)
0:15:59 > 0:16:02# God's going to trouble the water. #
0:16:04 > 0:16:07CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Heath Mount, ladies and gentlemen!
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Suzie, are they ending on a high?
0:16:19 > 0:16:22PHEW! That actually took my breath away.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24It was really, really special.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29If I were given that choir and asked to produce a result with that piece of music,
0:16:29 > 0:16:31that's what I would hope to produce.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33AUDIENCE GASPS
0:16:33 > 0:16:36APPLAUSE
0:16:36 > 0:16:38Russell, an emotional performance?
0:16:38 > 0:16:42WOW! Absolutely fantastic. No wonder you look pleased!
0:16:44 > 0:16:48The light and shade was just fantastic. That was sublime singing.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51What an absolutely amazing performance.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54It's a privilege to be here listening to you.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56APPLAUSE
0:16:58 > 0:17:01David, will they be singing for joy on the coach home?
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Possibly.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09You see, in any kind of music, the hardest thing to find is identity.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Here we have a choir from the southern part of England
0:17:11 > 0:17:16who've taken a song more associated, when chorally sung, with the southern part of the United States.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19They've put their own spin on it.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22I would know this choir sound anywhere having heard them today
0:17:22 > 0:17:27and that's really thanks to their choirmaster, who has done a magnificent job.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32APPLAUSE
0:17:32 > 0:17:37Thank you very much, judges, and before he blushes any more, a big thanks to Heath Mount as well.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43We've always come second. To win it would be unbelievable.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47So we were all very tense, and I think we loosened up after
0:17:47 > 0:17:50five seconds of singing and just got into the groove.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52The foundation of success
0:17:52 > 0:17:56is hard work, hard work, hard work and nothing else.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Don't forget our three senior school finalists are still to come,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02but for now, our judges have retired to make their decision
0:18:02 > 0:18:04which Junior Choir will take away the trophy.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Whilst they do, I would like to welcome our very special guest.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10He knows a thing or two about winning singing competitions.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12Please welcome Joe McElderry.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:18:22 > 0:18:27# Hear my prayer
0:18:27 > 0:18:32# Hear my prayer
0:18:36 > 0:18:41# I carry you within me
0:18:41 > 0:18:46# In my darkest hour
0:18:46 > 0:18:52# My guardian angel
0:18:52 > 0:18:59# Who feels my deepest sorrow
0:18:59 > 0:19:02# My sweetest pleasure
0:19:06 > 0:19:13# There is a stillness in my heart
0:19:13 > 0:19:20# A strength inside that drives me on and on
0:19:20 > 0:19:29# Although my courage never falters daily
0:19:29 > 0:19:34# It never fails me
0:19:34 > 0:19:41# I go on
0:19:45 > 0:19:54# And so I ask you for your understanding
0:19:54 > 0:20:00# If I may stumble... #
0:20:03 > 0:20:08CHORAL SINGING
0:20:15 > 0:20:24# And with my faith in one who never leaves me
0:20:24 > 0:20:27# Someone who can please me
0:20:27 > 0:20:33# Someone who's always true
0:20:33 > 0:20:37# Always true
0:20:37 > 0:20:46# Always true... #
0:20:46 > 0:20:49CHORAL SINGING
0:20:55 > 0:21:01# Always true! #
0:21:02 > 0:21:06CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Joe McElderry, everybody!
0:21:17 > 0:21:18Wonderful stuff.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22And Joe has agreed to present the trophy to the winning Junior Choir
0:21:22 > 0:21:24in just a few moments from now.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27I'm sure you've all got a favourite, but if not,
0:21:27 > 0:21:31here's a quick reminder of all three Junior Choir performances.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35# Swing low sweet chariot... #
0:21:35 > 0:21:37The performance really took me by surprise.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40# Swing low sweet chariot... #
0:21:40 > 0:21:43It was quite complex and the first thing I said when I saw them was,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46"Where did that come from?"
0:21:46 > 0:21:49It was a very honest performance. Not overdone.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52It so much reflects the personality of the conductor.
0:21:52 > 0:21:59# Is the presence of an angel... #
0:21:59 > 0:22:01The soloist at the beginning was absolutely fantastic.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04Angelic, sublime sound.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08# And who are you who guides me... #
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- It was actually extremely touching throughout, wasn't it?- Yeah.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15# ..messenger of light... #
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- There were some very slight tuning issues. - There were tuning issues, yeah.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22# Wade in the water... #
0:22:22 > 0:22:25We had the fabulous performance by Heath Mount.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- When they were doing the chorus, wasn't it amazing?- It was fantastic.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30# Who's that yonder dressed in white... #
0:22:30 > 0:22:34How seldom do you get a children's choir that gets an arrangement
0:22:34 > 0:22:39that stretches them but is achievable and suits the music?
0:22:39 > 0:22:42That's really credit to the choir leader.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48Our choirs are back on stage. Our judges are back with their decision.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51And Joe McElderry has the trophy, but not for long.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52Which choir will take it home?
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Suzi, how difficult a decision has it been?
0:22:56 > 0:22:57It was very difficult indeed.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Say there are 20 elements we're looking for,
0:22:59 > 0:23:03all of them had 18 of those.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08So, to make it through as the winner is really quite an achievement.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11David, what can you say to the two choirs that don't win?
0:23:11 > 0:23:15What I can say is that form is temporary, class is permanent.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20And I think that what we saw there was three classy choirs.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Russell, would you please announce
0:23:22 > 0:23:25the winner of the Junior School Choir competition?
0:23:25 > 0:23:34The Songs Of Praise Junior School Choir of the Year is...
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- ..Heath Mount! - SCREAMING AND CHEERING
0:23:51 > 0:23:52Lift it up.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10- I think I know the answer to this, but how are you feeling?- Amazing!
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- Was it worth all the hard work? - Definitely, yeah.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- Is this the greatest moment of your choral life?- Yes.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21I'm glad you said that.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- How do you feel, sir?- Oh, I'm going to have a nice beer now, I think.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Well done, everyone,
0:24:27 > 0:24:28you've worked so hard
0:24:28 > 0:24:33and thank you to all the support from all the staff and parents.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34You've been so fantastic.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37Well done to the winners, Heath Mount!
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Ladies and gentlemen, please can you show your appreciation
0:24:48 > 0:24:50for all our Junior Choirs!
0:24:57 > 0:25:01I need a lie down after that! But we have three Senior Choirs still to come
0:25:01 > 0:25:04and believe me, they're worth waiting for.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Here's a reminder of how they got into the final.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10# Be thou my breastplate
0:25:10 > 0:25:13# My sword for the fight
0:25:13 > 0:25:17# Be thou my whole armour
0:25:17 > 0:25:20# Be thou my true light... #
0:25:20 > 0:25:25# O praise him, O praise him.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28# Alleluia
0:25:28 > 0:25:31# Alleluia
0:25:31 > 0:25:37# Alleluia... #
0:25:37 > 0:25:41# A chyda thi rwyf innau'n siwr
0:25:41 > 0:25:45# Mai tydi yw serch fy nghalon
0:25:45 > 0:25:52# Ac o Dduw, addolaf di. #
0:25:55 > 0:25:59The juniors were amazing, the senior choirs will be astounding, I'm sure.
0:25:59 > 0:26:04Please welcome from Weybridge, St George's College.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09From Salisbury, the Godolphin School.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14And finally, from Llanelli, Ysgol Y Strade!
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Our senior choirs have also chosen an inspirational song to perform.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Have they picked one of your favourites?
0:26:22 > 0:26:26Getting us underway are St George's College from Weybridge.
0:26:29 > 0:26:30# Didn't my Lord
0:26:30 > 0:26:32# Didn't my Lord
0:26:32 > 0:26:35# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:26:35 > 0:26:38# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:26:38 > 0:26:39# Daniel
0:26:39 > 0:26:41# Daniel
0:26:41 > 0:26:42# Daniel
0:26:42 > 0:26:45# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:26:45 > 0:26:47# Deliver Daniel
0:26:47 > 0:26:48# Deliver Daniel
0:26:48 > 0:26:51# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:26:51 > 0:26:54# Then why not every man?
0:26:54 > 0:26:58# He delivered Daniel from the lion's den
0:26:58 > 0:27:00# Jonah from the belly of the whale
0:27:00 > 0:27:04# And the Hebrew children from the fiery furnace
0:27:04 > 0:27:06# Then why not every man?
0:27:06 > 0:27:07# Didn't my Lord
0:27:07 > 0:27:09# Didn't my Lord
0:27:09 > 0:27:11# Didn't my Lord
0:27:11 > 0:27:14# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:27:14 > 0:27:16# Deliver Daniel
0:27:16 > 0:27:17# Deliver Daniel
0:27:17 > 0:27:21# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:27:21 > 0:27:24# Then why not every man?
0:27:24 > 0:27:25# The wind blow east
0:27:25 > 0:27:27# And the wind blow west
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- # It blow like a judgment day - Ooo-ooh
0:27:30 > 0:27:34# And every poor soul that never did pray
0:27:34 > 0:27:36# Would be glad to pray that day
0:27:36 > 0:27:37# Didn't my Lord
0:27:37 > 0:27:39# Didn't my Lord
0:27:39 > 0:27:41# Didn't my Lord
0:27:41 > 0:27:44# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:27:44 > 0:27:46# Deliver Daniel
0:27:46 > 0:27:47# Deliver Daniel
0:27:47 > 0:27:51# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:27:51 > 0:27:54# Then why not every man?
0:27:54 > 0:27:57# Didn't my Lord, didn't my Lord
0:27:57 > 0:28:00# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:28:00 > 0:28:03# Didn't my Lord, didn't my Lord
0:28:03 > 0:28:06# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:28:06 > 0:28:10# I set my foot on the gospel ship
0:28:10 > 0:28:12# And the ship, it begin to sail
0:28:12 > 0:28:16# It landed me over on Canaan's shore
0:28:16 > 0:28:19# And I'll never come back any more
0:28:19 > 0:28:21# My Lord, my Lord
0:28:21 > 0:28:22# Didn't my Lord
0:28:22 > 0:28:24# My Lord, my Lord
0:28:24 > 0:28:28# Oh, didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:28:28 > 0:28:30# Deliver Daniel
0:28:30 > 0:28:32# Deliver Daniel
0:28:32 > 0:28:35# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
0:28:35 > 0:28:38# Then why not every man?
0:28:38 > 0:28:42# And why not every man?
0:28:42 > 0:28:44# My Lord, my Lord
0:28:44 > 0:28:45# Why not every man?
0:28:45 > 0:28:47# My Lord, my Lord
0:28:47 > 0:28:49# Why not every man?
0:28:49 > 0:28:51# My Lord, my Lord
0:28:51 > 0:28:55# Why not every man? #
0:28:59 > 0:29:01APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Thank you, St George's!
0:29:09 > 0:29:14What a final. David, have they just shown why they're in the final?
0:29:14 > 0:29:17They have. They wowed us last week, they've wowed us again.
0:29:17 > 0:29:22That was a remarkable arrangement and a remarkable execution.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24These guys have opened this.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27They've raised the bar, they've raised the standard.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29And if the competition is going to be this high,
0:29:29 > 0:29:32we are in for an amazing three performances.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34Suzi, you're scribbling away.
0:29:34 > 0:29:35Yes, I am.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39I'm trying to put into words what is spinning around in my head.
0:29:39 > 0:29:46As David says, the technical demands of the arrangement were matched
0:29:46 > 0:29:50more than ably, by your performance. The tenors,
0:29:50 > 0:29:54for example, when you're going into the high notes, you really kept
0:29:54 > 0:29:55that consistency of tone
0:29:55 > 0:29:57and quality of singing all the way through.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01The basses, on that very difficult, fast-rising scale,
0:30:01 > 0:30:03every note was centred.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07Throughout...for me, there wasn't a weak spot in it.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09I thought it was just marvellous. Thank you.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12Wonderful. Russell, they've got great support in the crowd.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14That's got to help, hasn't it?
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- It definitely helps! - What did you think?
0:30:17 > 0:30:20What's the collective term for genius?
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Genii!
0:30:22 > 0:30:26That was genii. You were absolutely amazing.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Judges, thank you very much, and thank you, St George's!
0:30:34 > 0:30:36CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:30:38 > 0:30:41We'd sung before, in the semifinals, so it wasn't a new experience,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44but the bar was just so much higher, so much more pressure.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48The music department at St George's is just a big family,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50so, if we win, it will be like a family wedding.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54I hope they've communicated to the audience how much they want this,
0:30:54 > 0:30:57just how much they need this now and how good they are.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Our next choir in the competition are Godolphin, from Salisbury.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09# O, be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands
0:31:09 > 0:31:13# O, be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands
0:31:13 > 0:31:17# Serve the Lord with gladness
0:31:17 > 0:31:24# And come before his presence with a song
0:31:27 > 0:31:33# Be ye sure that the Lord he's God
0:31:33 > 0:31:36# It is he that hath made us
0:31:36 > 0:31:43# And not we ourselves
0:31:49 > 0:31:54# We are his people
0:31:54 > 0:31:59# We are his people
0:31:59 > 0:32:06# And the sheep of his pasture
0:32:20 > 0:32:30# O, go your way into his gates with thanksgiving
0:32:30 > 0:32:38# And into his courts with praise
0:32:42 > 0:32:46# Be thankful unto him and speak good of his name
0:32:46 > 0:32:50# Be thankful unto him and speak good of his name
0:32:50 > 0:32:54# For the Lord is gracious
0:32:54 > 0:33:01# His mercy is everlasting
0:33:01 > 0:33:05# And his truth endureth
0:33:05 > 0:33:09# Endureth
0:33:09 > 0:33:16# From ge-e-en-eration
0:33:16 > 0:33:18# To ge-e-e-e
0:33:18 > 0:33:22# Ne-era-a-a-a-a-a-a
0:33:22 > 0:33:27# A-a-a-a-a-a-a
0:33:27 > 0:33:32# A-a-a-a-a-a-a
0:33:32 > 0:33:33# ..tion! #
0:33:33 > 0:33:37CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:33:38 > 0:33:41Godolphin, ladies and gentlemen.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45Suzi, you can tell that these girls are used to singing together.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47They're listening to one another, aren't they?
0:33:47 > 0:33:49The listening is absolutely fantastic,
0:33:49 > 0:33:52and it's a very ambitious arrangement you've chosen
0:33:52 > 0:33:54and you coped with that extremely well.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56I wonder if the arrangement, though,
0:33:56 > 0:34:01gives perhaps not an enormous amount of variety of expression through it.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04It's very hard to maintain the energy you need for that text.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09And what a wonderful technical achievement that last chord was,
0:34:09 > 0:34:11with all that excellent staggered breathing! Well done.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13Russell, how about you?
0:34:13 > 0:34:16I joined in on the last note and ran out of breath!
0:34:16 > 0:34:20It was a very complex piece, it must have took a huge amount of work.
0:34:20 > 0:34:25I particularly liked the blend between the mezzos and the sopranos.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26Fantastic.
0:34:26 > 0:34:27Last word, David.
0:34:27 > 0:34:32Just clusters of harmonies all the way through, which can,
0:34:32 > 0:34:36I think, sound sometimes like it needs a breath,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38a bit of a release, but I didn't feel that,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41because the harmonic balance was constantly changing.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45That last - as everybody said about that last note - the last note
0:34:45 > 0:34:48and the swell on the last note, the length of it,
0:34:48 > 0:34:52the accuracy of it, was fantastic!
0:34:52 > 0:34:55Thank you very much, judges, and thank you, Godolphin!
0:34:59 > 0:35:02'It's brilliant to have other professionals giving us'
0:35:02 > 0:35:04such compliments and also suggestions for the future.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07We wanted to go out there and do the best we could, for each other,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10for Mrs Sparkhall, for the school and I think that's what we've done.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13If we get there, wow, what an amazing, amazing finale
0:35:13 > 0:35:15to what's been a fantastic couple of weeks.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21Our next and last choir are from Llanelli, it's Ysgol Y Strade.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32# Curo llaw
0:35:32 > 0:35:38# Curo llaw
0:35:38 > 0:35:40# Curady law haleliwia
0:35:40 > 0:35:42# Bob unyn y gan
0:35:42 > 0:35:43# Pobunheddiw
0:35:43 > 0:35:45# Curady law
0:35:45 > 0:35:47# Curady 'goes
0:35:47 > 0:35:49# Halelwia Halelwia
0:35:49 > 0:35:52# Pobundewch a cha-nu'nu-chel
0:35:52 > 0:35:54# Yn y jiwbi-li
0:35:54 > 0:35:55# Curady law
0:35:55 > 0:35:57# Curady 'goes
0:35:57 > 0:35:58# Co-fia ga-nu
0:35:58 > 0:35:59# Go-fia ga-nu
0:35:59 > 0:36:02# Tyrdi 'rllemaepawbyunrha-nnu
0:36:02 > 0:36:05# Rhannu'n car-iadni
0:36:05 > 0:36:07# Gelligly-wed nawr
0:36:07 > 0:36:09# Lei-siau'ncanuyrawel
0:36:09 > 0:36:13# A cho-fiacwyddy ben a cha-na'r
0:36:13 > 0:36:14# Ganhonynuch-el
0:36:14 > 0:36:15# Paid a bod yndawel
0:36:15 > 0:36:17# Cu-rady law
0:36:17 > 0:36:19# Curady 'goes
0:36:19 > 0:36:21# Halelwia Halelwia
0:36:21 > 0:36:23# Pobunheddiwmawr a man
0:36:23 > 0:36:26# Ca-nu'rgan
0:36:26 > 0:36:33# Yn y jiwbi-li
0:36:36 > 0:36:38# Cu-ro llaw
0:36:38 > 0:36:41# Cura'r goes
0:36:41 > 0:36:42# Co-fia'r ga-n
0:36:42 > 0:36:44# Halelwia
0:36:44 > 0:36:45# Halelwia
0:36:45 > 0:36:48# Pobun he-ddiw
0:36:48 > 0:36:49# Cu-ro llaw
0:36:49 > 0:36:51# Cura'r goes
0:36:51 > 0:36:53# Cofia'r gan
0:36:53 > 0:36:56# Rhan-nu'n car-iadni
0:36:56 > 0:36:58# Gelligly-wed nawr
0:36:58 > 0:36:59# Lei-siau'ncanuyr awel
0:36:59 > 0:37:01# Awel
0:37:01 > 0:37:03# A chof-ia cwyd dy ben a cha-na'r
0:37:03 > 0:37:05# Ganhonyn u-chel
0:37:05 > 0:37:06# Paid a bod yndawel
0:37:06 > 0:37:07# Cu-ro llaw
0:37:07 > 0:37:11# Cura'r goes
0:37:11 > 0:37:13# Halelwia Halelwia
0:37:13 > 0:37:15# Pobundewch a cha-nu'n u-chel
0:37:15 > 0:37:17# Yn y jiwbi-li
0:37:17 > 0:37:18# Tyrdnawri'rlle
0:37:18 > 0:37:21# Tyrdnawri'rlle
0:37:21 > 0:37:23# Pobunheddiw
0:37:23 > 0:37:25# Yn y jiwbi-li
0:37:25 > 0:37:28# Jiwbi-li
0:37:28 > 0:37:31# Jiwbi-li
0:37:31 > 0:37:33# Haleliwia! Le! #
0:37:35 > 0:37:36APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:37:38 > 0:37:41Ysgol Y Strade, ladies and gentlemen!
0:37:41 > 0:37:46- Russell, did they deliver a winning performance?- Absolutely.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Music paints pictures in your mind.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51That's what's so incredible about it.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53And the picture I had in my mind during your performance
0:37:53 > 0:37:55was of a train chugging along,
0:37:55 > 0:38:00going up the side of a mountain, toot-toot!
0:38:00 > 0:38:04Back down the other side. I've got my ticket, I'm on board!
0:38:09 > 0:38:12David, is that a smile I see on your face?
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Yeah, as you know, I try and not show anything
0:38:15 > 0:38:19to give away what I'm feeling, but I couldn't help smiling
0:38:19 > 0:38:23from the beginning to the end of that performance.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26You get a dynamism and a rhythmicality
0:38:26 > 0:38:29and a togetherness and a unity of sound
0:38:29 > 0:38:32that just jumps off the stage and grabs you
0:38:32 > 0:38:37and doesn't let go till the very last note finished.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- Suzi, were you inspired?- Yes, I was.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43What's so impressive is the minute the music started, you relaxed.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45You're such a relaxed choir,
0:38:45 > 0:38:47you must have a lot of faith in your conductor.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50It was just, from beginning to end, a great joy.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52APPLAUSE
0:38:52 > 0:38:57Thank you very much, judges, and thank you, Ysgol Y Strade!
0:38:59 > 0:39:01We've worked so hard!
0:39:01 > 0:39:04We've been in every break time and every dinner time,
0:39:04 > 0:39:05practising and rehearsing.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09It's been a wonderful experience for the kids to be able to share
0:39:09 > 0:39:12the stage with all the fabulous choirs.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16It's been a long day, but a very rewarding one.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21Our judges have retired to come to a decision.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25As they do so, here's a reminder of their inspirational songs.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel... #
0:39:28 > 0:39:31In voice quality terms, they're fearless.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36- I know many professional choirs who couldn't...- Feel safe with that.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38# Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel... #
0:39:38 > 0:39:42I couldn't actually think of anything negative to say.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44# ..Deliver Daniel... #
0:39:44 > 0:39:49The director has an immense grasp on the technical issues of singing.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53# O be joyful unto Him... #
0:39:53 > 0:39:57I have to say, I was blown away by Godolphin!
0:39:57 > 0:40:01I was waiting for the spark, and it did come towards the end,
0:40:01 > 0:40:05but I did feel that it was slightly overdrilled.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12There were sections of it that I thought were absolutely outstanding.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13# Curo Llaw... #
0:40:13 > 0:40:15Out of all the performances today,
0:40:15 > 0:40:20this is the performance that I think I enjoyed the most.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23They're obviously having fun doing this.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26This isn't their work, this is their fun.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31- Ysgol have this extraordinary unity of sound, don't they?- Incredible.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33I really enjoyed it.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35# Jiwbi-li... #
0:40:35 > 0:40:36- Is it between those two?- It is, yes.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39# Haleliwia! Le! #
0:40:39 > 0:40:41A decision has been made
0:40:41 > 0:40:44and our choirs wait nervously for the outcome.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Russell is going to present the trophy to our winning senior choir.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50But before we announce the winner, David,
0:40:50 > 0:40:53ten years this competition has been going,
0:40:53 > 0:40:55the standard this year has been amazing.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59The standard has been incredible. We had three impeccable choirs.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03They were absolutely fantastic and I want to commend both them
0:41:03 > 0:41:06and their leaders for giving us three wonderful performances.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08APPLAUSE
0:41:10 > 0:41:16OK, none of us can wait any longer. Can you announce the winner, Suzi?
0:41:17 > 0:41:24The Songs of Praise Senior School Choir of the Year for 2012 is...
0:41:28 > 0:41:30..St George's.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Now, guys, I have to ask you,
0:42:03 > 0:42:06have you ever seen your choir mistress SO excited?
0:42:06 > 0:42:07No!
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- What does it mean for you to win this?- It's a dream come true.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15It's just indescribable really. It's amazing.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19- Are they allowed to party this evening, Miss?- Really hard!
0:42:19 > 0:42:21LAUGHTER
0:42:23 > 0:42:27St George's, ladies and gentlemen! Our worthy winners!
0:42:29 > 0:42:32Congratulations to our winning Senior School Choir of the Year,
0:42:32 > 0:42:35and our thanks to all the choirs for making it such a close final.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38Don't you agree, ladies and gentlemen?
0:42:38 > 0:42:40APPLAUSE
0:42:45 > 0:42:49That's just about it for this tenth school choir competition.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52If you'd like to see and hear all the choirs' performances
0:42:52 > 0:42:56from throughout the competition as well as some top tips for improving your singing
0:42:56 > 0:43:02from our celebrity judges and Joe McElderry, please visit our website.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Our thanks to David Grant, Suzi Digby,
0:43:05 > 0:43:07Russell Watson, and all the choirs today.
0:43:11 > 0:43:15From all of us here at the Lowry Theatre, goodbye!
0:43:18 > 0:43:21Next week, Eamonn visits the breathtaking Causeway coast
0:43:21 > 0:43:24to meet a painter, a novelist and a singer,
0:43:24 > 0:43:27all inspired by this beautiful landscape.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29And there's some grand hymn singing
0:43:29 > 0:43:33from St Killian's College set in the heart of the glens of Antrim.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd