0:00:02 > 0:00:05We're at the Lowry Theatre in Salford for the second semifinal
0:00:05 > 0:00:08of this tenth Songs Of Praise school choir competition.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11We've had a fantastic number of schools enter the competition
0:00:11 > 0:00:14and this week, it's the turn of the senior school choirs
0:00:14 > 0:00:17who need to sing their very best to win a place in the final.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22APPLAUSE
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Hello and welcome to the Lowry Theatre for the second semifinal
0:00:33 > 0:00:35of this year's competition.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Last week saw the best three junior school choirs
0:00:37 > 0:00:39go forward to the final next week.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Today, three of these six senior choirs will aim to join them.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Which choirs will it be?
0:00:45 > 0:00:48We have, from Salisbury, the Godolphin School!
0:00:48 > 0:00:50CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Cantabile from Hereford Cathedral School.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:55 > 0:00:58From Rutland, Oakham School.
0:00:58 > 0:00:59CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:59 > 0:01:02From Hertfordshire, Haileybury School.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- CHEERING AND APPLAUSE - From Weybridge in Surrey, St George's College.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:08 > 0:01:10And from Llanelli, Ysgol y Strade.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:13 > 0:01:17And what great support from the crowd here once again this year.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Now, ahead of the competition,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22let's help our choirs warm up by singing together
0:01:22 > 0:01:24a very popular hymn by Graham Kendrick,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27who happens to be celebrating 40 years of hymn writing.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30This one's for you, Graham. It's Shine, Jesus, Shine.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13APPLAUSE
0:04:14 > 0:04:18Excellent singing, ladies and gentlemen. I certainly feel warmed up and ready to go.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21But it's not me who's got to impress our celebrity judges.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23It's these guys and girls.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Our first judge is a music producer, presenter, celebrity vocal coach
0:04:27 > 0:04:30and a chart-topper. What a talent! It is, of course, David Grant.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33APPLAUSE
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Our next judge has huge knowledge and experience of choirs and choral music.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41She's been a champion of singing in schools and the community.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Please welcome Suzi Digby.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47APPLAUSE
0:04:47 > 0:04:51And our final judge was born and brought up not far from this very spot.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53He's sung all over the world in some of the biggest venues,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56including his favourite football club - a certain Manchester United.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59But I don't hold that against him, ladies and gentlemen, oh, no.
0:04:59 > 0:05:00Please welcome Russell Watson!
0:05:00 > 0:05:03CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:05:05 > 0:05:09Now, judges, obviously these six choirs are a bit older than their junior counterparts.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12Are you expecting more from them? More experience?
0:05:12 > 0:05:17What I'm expecting is a greater level of accuracy, a greater level...
0:05:17 > 0:05:18of ability.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23By now, they should have come together and be able to more fully grasp their talent.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26I'm hoping to be completely wowed and blown away.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- Suzi, what about you? - What I'm hoping for
0:05:28 > 0:05:31is that very rare combination of a choir that is technically perfect
0:05:31 > 0:05:37- and can convey the words with tremendous integrity.- And Russell?
0:05:37 > 0:05:39It's the seniors.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40The bar has been raised.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43I just can't wait to hear you.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45OK, this is where the competition really starts.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Each of our six choirs will sing a hymn. Based on that performance,
0:05:48 > 0:05:52the judges will select just three choirs to go into the final next week.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Going first, a new choir to the competition -
0:05:55 > 0:05:57it's Oakham School from Rutland.
0:06:00 > 0:06:05# Angel voices, ever singing... #
0:06:05 > 0:06:08The hymn we're going to be singing is Angel Voices, Ever Singing.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12And the words are just beautiful and it's so nice to be able to express it
0:06:12 > 0:06:15through such lovely music.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18All our pupils who sing in our choirs,
0:06:18 > 0:06:19most of their singing is rooted in
0:06:19 > 0:06:22what happens in this wonderful chapel we're sitting in.
0:06:22 > 0:06:28And, so, really, all this religious music is very much at the core of what we do in a school like Oakham.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34'We're in really good spirits, we're looking forward to the competition.'
0:06:34 > 0:06:36It's good to be here in Salford.
0:06:36 > 0:06:37Pretty nervous, but excited,
0:06:37 > 0:06:41cos it's just the general buzz you get from being in the choir.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43# ..And confess thee... #
0:06:43 > 0:06:44Brilliant.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48Mr Davis was here in 2005 with Haileybury School, who we're competing against,
0:06:48 > 0:06:52singing the same song, so it should be interesting competition.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06# Angel voices, ever singing
0:07:06 > 0:07:10# Round thy throne of light
0:07:10 > 0:07:15# Angel harps, for ever ringing
0:07:15 > 0:07:19# Rest not day nor night
0:07:19 > 0:07:24# Thousands only live to bless thee
0:07:24 > 0:07:31# And confess thee and confess thee Lord of might
0:07:31 > 0:07:36# Thou who art beyond the farthest
0:07:36 > 0:07:40# Mortal eye can scan,
0:07:40 > 0:07:45# Can it be that thou regardest
0:07:45 > 0:07:49# Songs of sinful man?
0:07:49 > 0:07:54# Can we know that thou art near us
0:07:54 > 0:07:57# And wilt hear us?
0:07:57 > 0:08:01# Yea, we can
0:08:02 > 0:08:07# Yea, we know that thou rejoicest
0:08:07 > 0:08:11# O'er each work of thine
0:08:11 > 0:08:16# Thou didst ears and hands and voices
0:08:16 > 0:08:20# For thy praise design
0:08:20 > 0:08:25# Craftsman's art and music's measure
0:08:25 > 0:08:32# For thy pleasure all combine
0:08:33 > 0:08:37# In thy house, great God
0:08:37 > 0:08:43# We offer of thine own to thee
0:08:43 > 0:08:48# And for thine acceptance proffer
0:08:48 > 0:08:52# All unworthily
0:08:52 > 0:08:57# Hearts and minds and hands and voices
0:08:57 > 0:09:04# In our choicest psalmody
0:09:05 > 0:09:10# Honour, glory, might and merit
0:09:10 > 0:09:14# Thine shall ever be
0:09:14 > 0:09:18# Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
0:09:18 > 0:09:23# Blessed Trinity!
0:09:23 > 0:09:27# Of the best that thou hast given
0:09:27 > 0:09:36# Earth and heaven render thee. #
0:09:36 > 0:09:40CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:09:42 > 0:09:43Oakham School, everybody!
0:09:46 > 0:09:48David, that was a really confident start, wasn't it?
0:09:48 > 0:09:49Wow.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51OK, it was called Angel Voices,
0:09:51 > 0:09:55but it might as well have been called We Have Come To Win.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59I mean, that was a real declaration of intent. It had everything,
0:09:59 > 0:10:03harmonies, descant, counter-harmonies, counter-melodies.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07That was the sound of a gauntlet being hurled to the ground.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Suzi, what do you think?
0:10:09 > 0:10:13You sustain us in rapt attention throughout.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17Little bit of intonation instability, just fractionally,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20within one or two verses and I would say also,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24the higher range, perhaps, you could just sweeten that sound,
0:10:24 > 0:10:28just continue to improve the quality at the very high end of the range.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Russell, last year, you were blown away by the senior competition.
0:10:32 > 0:10:33Are you still impressed?
0:10:33 > 0:10:38Absolutely amazing. That was like a finely-tuned sports car,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42first, second, third, fourth, roar!
0:10:42 > 0:10:45The V12 opened up.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47And it was absolutely inspiring to watch.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49And where were the nerves?
0:10:49 > 0:10:50Highly impressed with you.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53Thank you very much, judges, and thank you, Oakham School!
0:10:53 > 0:10:55CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Absolutely fantastic. I don't think we could've hoped for better.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02David Grant was waxing lyrical about what a great start it was
0:11:02 > 0:11:03so it's really exciting.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06I think it would be the most amazing thing to get to the final
0:11:06 > 0:11:09but, you know, fingers crossed, see what happens.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Now, another school entering the competition
0:11:12 > 0:11:15for the very first time and they are from the West Country.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17It's Cantabile from Hereford Cathedral School.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27# For the beauty of the Earth... #
0:11:27 > 0:11:30This is like a song about helping other people
0:11:30 > 0:11:34and it is a celebration of the Earth and the world around us.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Singing saved my life.
0:11:36 > 0:11:42It gave me that absolutely... love of life and wanting to sing.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Miss Williamson makes us work really hard.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49Because we work so hard then when we do performances,
0:11:49 > 0:11:51they're really to perfection.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57It will be really cool to go to the big theatre.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59I've heard it is meant to be amazing.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04As soon as we got out of the bus there was cameras and everything.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06All the girls were like... Aaaaah!
0:12:06 > 0:12:08I think it is just fantastic we're here.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12I've heard the other choirs, they're all marvellous.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14So, hey, we're just here to enjoy it and do our best
0:12:14 > 0:12:16and that's all we can do.
0:12:30 > 0:12:37# For the beauty of the Earth
0:12:37 > 0:12:42# For the beauty of the sky
0:12:42 > 0:12:45# For the love
0:12:45 > 0:12:49# Which from our birth
0:12:49 > 0:12:52# Over and around us lies
0:12:52 > 0:12:56# Over and around us lies
0:12:56 > 0:13:02# Lord of all, to thee we raise
0:13:02 > 0:13:09# This our joyful hymn of praise
0:13:14 > 0:13:21# For the joy of human love For the joy of human love
0:13:21 > 0:13:26# Brother, sister, parent, child
0:13:26 > 0:13:28# Brother, sister, parent, child
0:13:28 > 0:13:32# Friends on earth and friends above
0:13:32 > 0:13:34# And friends above
0:13:34 > 0:13:41# For all gentle thoughts and mild For all gentle thoughts and mild
0:13:41 > 0:13:48# Lord of all, to thee we raise
0:13:48 > 0:13:54# This our joyful hymn of praise
0:13:56 > 0:14:03# For each perfect gift of thine
0:14:03 > 0:14:09# To our race so freely given
0:14:09 > 0:14:16# Graces human and divine Graces human and divine
0:14:16 > 0:14:19# Flowers of earth and buds of heaven
0:14:19 > 0:14:23# Flowers of earth and buds of heaven
0:14:23 > 0:14:29# Lord of all, to thee we raise
0:14:29 > 0:14:36# This our joyful hymn of praise
0:14:38 > 0:14:46# This our joyful hymn of praise. #
0:14:54 > 0:14:57APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Cantabile from Hereford Cathedral School.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03CHEERING
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Suzi, what do you think?
0:15:05 > 0:15:07What I love about this choir
0:15:07 > 0:15:10is that the sound is full-bodied
0:15:10 > 0:15:13but without being overdeveloped.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17So that it's a natural sound but really well supported.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21That, technically, is quite a difficult thing to produce.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- I really enjoyed it. - Russell, were you impressed?
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Yes, totally impressed. Particularly for me,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30the end of the song was just beautiful. Angelic.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34David, your face never gives anything away, can I just tell you that?
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- HE LAUGHS - Now, that's better!
0:15:36 > 0:15:41For me, it was actually the subtlety of the way that the song developed.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44You peaked at the end of the song.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47So often choirs peak in the middle and then sort of peter out
0:15:47 > 0:15:49but you built and built. It was beautiful.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Beautifully balanced. - Thank you, judges.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55For the time being, thank you to Hereford Cathedral School.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57CHEERING
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Now you know what I feel like when I'm telling you to smile.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- You smiled so much you ache now, don't you?- Yep.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Now you know what I feel like.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08Everyone was, like, really nervous and then... Oh, it was just SO cool!
0:16:08 > 0:16:10They've never done anything like this before so, hey,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13I'm really pleased with them. Proud as punch.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16For our next choir, simply reaching the semi-final stage last year
0:16:16 > 0:16:19wasn't good enough. They're back in an attempt to win.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23It's the Godolphin School from Salisbury.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27# All creatures of our God and King... #
0:16:27 > 0:16:30I've been working with this same group of girls for a couple of years now.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35It's been really fantastic. I've got to know their voices very well and they've got to know me.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38We picked a hymn that we felt could express our feelings about God
0:16:38 > 0:16:41and how we wanted to portray our school
0:16:41 > 0:16:44and I've managed to arrange it specifically for the girls
0:16:44 > 0:16:47that we have involved so they all have their special part to play.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Because I'm performing the solo,
0:16:50 > 0:16:52I can imagine it's going to be quite daunting on the day.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55We'll have to see. Maybe I'll be quite nervous.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57THEY CHEER
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Well, we got to the semifinals last year
0:17:00 > 0:17:02and then we were out of the competition
0:17:02 > 0:17:05so we're really hopeful that perhaps this year we'll get to the finals.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08We have a soloist who's opening the hymn today.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11I know she's really scared. She's very nervous
0:17:11 > 0:17:14but she's a performer who doesn't let the nerves get to her
0:17:14 > 0:17:18so she'll be absolutely fine doing it, I have no doubt about that.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- #- O praise him!
0:17:22 > 0:17:25# O praise him!
0:17:25 > 0:17:29# O praise him!
0:17:29 > 0:17:32# O praise him!
0:17:32 > 0:17:35# Alleluia!
0:17:35 > 0:17:38# Alleluia!
0:17:38 > 0:17:44# Alleluia!
0:17:45 > 0:17:51# All creatures of our God and King
0:17:51 > 0:17:56# Lift up your voice and with us sing
0:17:56 > 0:17:58# Alleluia!
0:17:58 > 0:18:03# Alleluia!
0:18:03 > 0:18:08# Thou burning sun with golden beam
0:18:08 > 0:18:14# Thou silver moon with softer gleam
0:18:14 > 0:18:17# O praise him!
0:18:17 > 0:18:19# O praise him!
0:18:19 > 0:18:22# Alleluia!
0:18:22 > 0:18:25# Alleluia!
0:18:25 > 0:18:30# Alleluia!
0:18:32 > 0:18:37- #- Thou flowing water, pure and clear
0:18:37 > 0:18:43- #- Make music for thy Lord to hear
0:18:43 > 0:18:46# Alleluia!
0:18:46 > 0:18:50# Alleluia!
0:18:50 > 0:18:56# Thou fire so masterful and bright
0:18:56 > 0:19:01# That givest man both warmth and light
0:19:01 > 0:19:04# O praise him!
0:19:04 > 0:19:07# O praise him!
0:19:07 > 0:19:10# Alleluia!
0:19:10 > 0:19:13# Alleluia!
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- #- Alleluia!
0:19:20 > 0:19:25# Let all things their Creator bless
0:19:25 > 0:19:30# And worship him in humbleness
0:19:30 > 0:19:33# O praise him!
0:19:33 > 0:19:37# Alleluia!
0:19:37 > 0:19:42# Praise, praise the Father Praise the Son
0:19:42 > 0:19:48# And praise the Spirit Three in One
0:19:48 > 0:19:50# Oh praise him
0:19:50 > 0:19:53# O praise him!
0:19:53 > 0:19:56# Alleluia!
0:19:56 > 0:20:00# Alleluia!
0:20:00 > 0:20:06# Alleluia! #
0:20:08 > 0:20:11APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:20:13 > 0:20:15The Godolphin School, ladies and gentlemen.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Russell, they are clearly determined, aren't they?
0:20:21 > 0:20:27Yes, only music has the power to evoke passion in the soul.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32What you just delivered has actually made me quite emotional. Beautiful.
0:20:32 > 0:20:33David, how about you?
0:20:33 > 0:20:36They came here last year.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- I remember you. - LAUGHTER
0:20:38 > 0:20:40This has turned into Dragons Den all of a sudden.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- LAUGHTER - It's kind of scaring me a little bit.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45They came last year and they were good.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48They've come back this year and they're better.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51There's a swagger about this choir, vocally.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55They moved as one, they breathed as one, they emoted as one
0:20:55 > 0:20:58and that was a performance I don't think they would have been capable of last year.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00That was a great performance.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Suzi, were you impressed?
0:21:02 > 0:21:03I was.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07It was a beautiful arrangement, superbly shaped,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10and I think this is what Russell, as well, was saying,
0:21:10 > 0:21:12that it was very emotional.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14To develop it,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17perhaps work on a little bit more roundness in the sound.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20It's just a little bit tight in places,
0:21:20 > 0:21:22but I thought it was exquisite,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- the performance in general. - Thank you, judges,
0:21:25 > 0:21:27and thank you, the Godolphin School.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30APPLAUSE
0:21:30 > 0:21:31'I think they liked it.'
0:21:31 > 0:21:33I hope they liked it, anyway.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36I think all of the choirs this afternoon are fantastic,
0:21:36 > 0:21:39and we can just cross our fingers and hope for the best.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41We did our best. That's all we can do, and we had fun.
0:21:41 > 0:21:42We really enjoyed it.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46THEY CHANT AND CHEER
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Our next school won this competition back in 2005.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52This year, it's their 150th anniversary.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54I wonder if they'll have something else to celebrate.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56It's Haileybury School from Hertfordshire.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03# Angel voices ever singing... #
0:22:03 > 0:22:04Just an amazing first line.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07"Angel voices ever singing round thy throne of light".
0:22:07 > 0:22:09I mean, whatever your perception of religion,
0:22:09 > 0:22:11whatever your perception of the afterlife,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14it's just a glorious image to have.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Mr Thomas is always very energetic and smiling,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22and even when he's stressed, he's really happy
0:22:22 > 0:22:25and he always brings it to life.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28It'd be fantastic to be in the top three,
0:22:28 > 0:22:30it'd be amazing to win it,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33and I think I need a strategy
0:22:33 > 0:22:35for dealing with the coach-load coming back
0:22:35 > 0:22:38if we haven't made it through to the finals.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43'The competition looks quite impressive.'
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Everyone looks very professional, so it's fantastic to be here.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47It'll be a fantastic opportunity,
0:22:47 > 0:22:49and whatever happens, we'll have fun.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51I still don't think they have the idea of millions of people
0:22:51 > 0:22:53across the planet watching this thing,
0:22:53 > 0:22:55but I think that'll dawn on them this afternoon,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57and I hope it won't be too late.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11# Angel voices ever singing
0:23:11 > 0:23:15# Round thy throne of light
0:23:15 > 0:23:20# Angel harps for ever ringing
0:23:20 > 0:23:24# Rest not day nor night
0:23:24 > 0:23:29# Thousands only live to bless thee
0:23:29 > 0:23:31# And confess thee
0:23:31 > 0:23:36# Lord of might
0:23:43 > 0:23:47# Thou who art beyond the farthest
0:23:47 > 0:23:52# Mortal eye can scan
0:23:52 > 0:23:57# Can it be that thou regardest
0:23:57 > 0:24:01# Songs of sinful man?
0:24:01 > 0:24:06# Can we know that thou art near us
0:24:06 > 0:24:08# And wilt hear us?
0:24:08 > 0:24:13# Yea, we can
0:24:28 > 0:24:33# Yea, we know that thou rejoicest
0:24:33 > 0:24:37# O'er each work of thine
0:24:37 > 0:24:43# Thou didst ears and hands and voices
0:24:43 > 0:24:47# For thy praise design
0:24:47 > 0:24:52# Craftsman's art and music's measure
0:24:52 > 0:24:55# For thy pleasure
0:24:55 > 0:25:00# All combine
0:25:06 > 0:25:11# Honour, glory, might, and merit
0:25:11 > 0:25:15# Thine shall ever be
0:25:15 > 0:25:19# Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
0:25:19 > 0:25:23# Blessed Trinity
0:25:23 > 0:25:28# Of the best that thou hast given
0:25:28 > 0:25:31# Earth and heaven
0:25:31 > 0:25:37# Render thee
0:25:37 > 0:25:41APPLAUSE
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Haileybury School, everybody.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50A different interpretation there, David.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Very different interpretation. I loved the balance
0:25:52 > 0:25:55of the very high soprano bits
0:25:55 > 0:25:57and then we had some low baritone.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58Beautiful.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02You know, happiness comes in a number of forms,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- and that was musical happiness.- Suzi?
0:26:05 > 0:26:08There's a lovely natural honesty about your sound.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11It's a very beautiful, beautiful openness.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13I always get a little nervous
0:26:13 > 0:26:16when I see singers clasp their hands in front,
0:26:16 > 0:26:18because it tends to, in my experience,
0:26:18 > 0:26:20generate tension, a little bit of tension.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22If the hands are the by the side,
0:26:22 > 0:26:25I think that enables the voice to develop more naturally.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Otherwise, I enjoyed it enormously.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- Russell.- As my dear old gran would say,
0:26:31 > 0:26:33"Crumbs! You can sing."
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- LAUGHTER - Absolutely fantastic.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39I particularly liked the way your choirmaster
0:26:39 > 0:26:41utilised the male and the female voices.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Super pianist as well. Well done, everybody.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Thank you, judges, and thank you, Haileybury School!
0:26:47 > 0:26:50APPLAUSE
0:26:50 > 0:26:54I really want to win the final. Loads, yeah.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57As my grandpa would say, "Crumbs! You can sing."
0:26:57 > 0:26:59I thought they were quite fair, apart from
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Suzi's comment about the hands.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04THEY CHEER
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Our next choir are also new to the competition.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09They are St George's College from Weybridge in Surrey.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16# Be thou my vision... #
0:27:16 > 0:27:18We know when it sounds good, cos the beam
0:27:18 > 0:27:20on Miss Castledine's face is amazing
0:27:20 > 0:27:23and everyone looks round at each other and everyone's glowing.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24There's such a good atmosphere.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28It is the first time we've ever entered a competition,
0:27:28 > 0:27:30so everything from here on for us is a bonus,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33and a way of learning how to do it even better next time.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Our singing sounds incredible, I think.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39So, yeah, I think we've got a great chance
0:27:39 > 0:27:41of getting through to the final.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45I'm so nervous, but so, so excited. I just can't wait.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47We like to think of it as a family, really.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50We're all very close to each other, we all know each other,
0:27:50 > 0:27:52and the teachers are all there for us.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57To have even got this far is brilliant, so I really don't know
0:27:57 > 0:27:58what our chances are,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01but I've got my fingers crossed of getting all the way.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11# Be thou my vision
0:28:11 > 0:28:15# O Lord of my heart
0:28:15 > 0:28:19# Be all else but naught to me
0:28:19 > 0:28:22# Save that thou art
0:28:22 > 0:28:29# Be thou my best thought in the day and the night
0:28:29 > 0:28:33# Both waking and sleeping
0:28:33 > 0:28:37# Thy presence my light
0:28:41 > 0:28:44# Be thou my wisdom
0:28:44 > 0:28:48# Be thou my true word
0:28:48 > 0:28:52# Be thou ever with me
0:28:52 > 0:28:55# And I with thee, Lord
0:28:55 > 0:28:58# Be thou my great Father
0:28:58 > 0:29:02# And I thy true son
0:29:02 > 0:29:05# Be thou in me dwelling
0:29:05 > 0:29:09# And I with thee one
0:29:13 > 0:29:16# Be thou my breastplate
0:29:16 > 0:29:19# My sword for the fight
0:29:19 > 0:29:23# Be thou my whole armour
0:29:23 > 0:29:26# Be thou my true might
0:29:26 > 0:29:31# Be thou my soul's shelter
0:29:31 > 0:29:33# Be thou my strong tower
0:29:33 > 0:29:36# O raise thou me heavenward
0:29:36 > 0:29:40# Great Power of my power
0:29:44 > 0:29:46# High King of Heaven,
0:29:46 > 0:29:49# Thou Heaven's bright sun
0:29:49 > 0:29:52# O grant me its joys
0:29:52 > 0:29:56# After victory is won!
0:29:56 > 0:30:00# Great heart of my own heart
0:30:00 > 0:30:03# Whatever befall
0:30:03 > 0:30:07# Still be thou my vision
0:30:07 > 0:30:12# O Ruler of all
0:30:14 > 0:30:19# Still be thou my vision
0:30:19 > 0:30:28# O Ruler of all. #
0:30:30 > 0:30:34APPLAUSE
0:30:35 > 0:30:37St George's College, everybody.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Suzi, first time in the competition. How do you think they did?
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Now that is good choral singing.
0:30:45 > 0:30:50From the very first unison singing, was pretty perfect.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Quality of sound, the way you shaped it,
0:30:52 > 0:30:54the text, everything.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56I was full of admiration.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59And what was so clever was the way you built
0:30:59 > 0:31:02and sustained the energy through to the very end.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Fine performance.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07What did you make of that, Russell?
0:31:07 > 0:31:09It was like a brandy on a cold winter's night.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11LAUGHTER
0:31:11 > 0:31:13It filled me with warmth.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16It was absolutely stunning.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Just when I thought it couldn't get any better.
0:31:19 > 0:31:20David, a very familiar hymn.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23- Everyone knows it. Did they do it justice?- Yeah.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25There's a benefit in familiarity, that everybody knows it.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27There's also a drawback -
0:31:27 > 0:31:28people can become so familiar
0:31:28 > 0:31:31that they kind of stop listening and switch off.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33The balance was superb.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35The bass voices, I mean,
0:31:35 > 0:31:38they made Barry White sound like a boy tenor.
0:31:38 > 0:31:39LAUGHTER
0:31:39 > 0:31:41I said at the start a gauntlet was thrown down.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44That was the sound of a gauntlet being picked up
0:31:44 > 0:31:46and waved around in the air,
0:31:46 > 0:31:49and a choir saying, "Come and catch us if you can."
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Thank you, judges, and thank you, St George's College.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54APPLAUSE
0:31:54 > 0:31:57'That was the best we've ever sung it.'
0:31:57 > 0:31:59It was just amazing.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01'I thought that we pulled it out of the bag and we just really'
0:32:01 > 0:32:04hoped we'd got through, we did enough to please the judges.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07They liked the boys particularly. I hope they want to hear them again.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09ALL: George's!
0:32:09 > 0:32:11Our last choir to perform tonight are the biggest in terms of number,
0:32:11 > 0:32:13and they hail from Wales,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16but I'm not allowed to be biased, so I'll just say,
0:32:16 > 0:32:18"Pob lwc i chi a llongyfarchiadau am fod yma."
0:32:18 > 0:32:20It's Ysgol Y Strade from Llanelli.
0:32:25 > 0:32:30# Gwell wyt ti nac aur nac arian...
0:32:30 > 0:32:32The children are very fond of this hymn.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34We sing it in the morning assembly.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38This is a special arrangement for this choir for this competition.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42We've been to many competitions,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44but we haven't been to a big one like this.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46I'm nervous. I'm really excited as well.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50We've come all the way from Llanelli, South Wales,
0:32:50 > 0:32:55and we're very glad to be up against all these wonderful choirs.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57I think Mr Davies is feeling quite nervous.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00He's been stressed all week.
0:33:00 > 0:33:01The soloist will be singing in English,
0:33:01 > 0:33:03and then as the choir comes in,
0:33:03 > 0:33:05we're singing it in Welsh, because it's important to us
0:33:05 > 0:33:08that we do bring our Welsh background into it as well.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10We don't know any of the other choirs.
0:33:10 > 0:33:11We've never heard them,
0:33:11 > 0:33:14so we're not really sure what we're up against,
0:33:14 > 0:33:16but we'll certainly do our best.
0:33:28 > 0:33:34# As the deer pants for the water
0:33:34 > 0:33:40# So my soul longs after you
0:33:40 > 0:33:46# You alone are my heart's desire
0:33:46 > 0:33:52# And I long to worship you
0:33:52 > 0:33:59# You alone are my strength, my shield
0:33:59 > 0:34:05# To you alone may my spirit yield
0:34:05 > 0:34:10# You alone are my heart's desire
0:34:10 > 0:34:16# And I long to worship you
0:34:22 > 0:34:28# Gwell wyt ti nac aur nac arian
0:34:28 > 0:34:35# Dim ond ti all lenwi'm bryd
0:34:35 > 0:34:40# Ti dy hun rydd i'm wir lawenydd
0:34:40 > 0:34:47# Rwyt ti werth y byd i gyd
0:34:47 > 0:34:53# Ti dy hun yw fy nerth a'm llw
0:34:53 > 0:34:59# A chyda thi rwyf innau'n siwr
0:34:59 > 0:35:05# Mai tydi yw serch fy nghalon
0:35:05 > 0:35:11# Ac o Dduw, addolaf di
0:35:17 > 0:35:23# Ti yw 'mrawd a thi yw 'nghyfaill
0:35:23 > 0:35:30# Er mai brenin ydwyt ti
0:35:30 > 0:35:35# Caraf di gan mil gwell na'r cwbl
0:35:35 > 0:35:42# Mwy na phawb a phopeth sydd
0:35:42 > 0:35:47# Ti dy hun yw fy nerth a'm llw
0:35:47 > 0:35:53# A chyda thi rwyf innau'n siwr
0:35:53 > 0:36:00# Mai tydi yw serch fy nghalon
0:36:00 > 0:36:10# Ac o Dduw, addolaf di. #
0:36:18 > 0:36:22Ysgol Y Strade, ladies and gentlemen!
0:36:23 > 0:36:24David.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28I just want to say congratulations to all of you.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Firstly, soloist, you sang in your own voice.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34You sang using your own accent.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37And you came in as an ensemble singing in Welsh,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40which is a hard language to stay perfectly in tune in
0:36:40 > 0:36:43because there's practically no vibrato at the ends of the lines.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46You're only the second choir that we've had up there
0:36:46 > 0:36:48whose tuning has been absolutely impeccable,
0:36:48 > 0:36:50where there hasn't been a single tuning issue.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52APPLAUSE
0:36:52 > 0:36:55And you're the largest choir, and that made it even harder.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00I commend you. I thought that was a very, very, very strong performance.
0:37:00 > 0:37:06- Suzi?- Erm, the quality of your sound was something between molten gold
0:37:06 > 0:37:10and melted, warm milk chocolate.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14It just had that wonderful feel and colour and texture.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16I have a translation in front of me,
0:37:16 > 0:37:18but I didn't need the translation
0:37:18 > 0:37:20because it was very obvious what you were singing about.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24Thanks for that, Suzi. I spent hours on that translation!
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Erm, Russell, did you enjoy the choir?
0:37:26 > 0:37:30I did. I think Suzi and David have just about said everything
0:37:30 > 0:37:32that there is of a technical aspect.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34When the girls started singing in unison,
0:37:34 > 0:37:39it was the best unison singing so far today.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42It was absolutely beautiful. You almost sounded like one.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45APPLAUSE
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Thank you, judges. And a big thank you to Ysgol Y Strade!
0:37:49 > 0:37:52APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:37:52 > 0:37:54It went really good.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56I don't think Sir could have wished for better.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59I hope we have a chance, cos it's all we did was our best,
0:37:59 > 0:38:01and I hope our best is good enough.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04I'm very, very, very proud of them. I couldn't ask for more.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08So, our judges have now left to decide which three choirs
0:38:08 > 0:38:11will be going through to next week's final.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Given the quality of the performances we've seen today,
0:38:13 > 0:38:15that isn't going to be an easy task.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17I'm sure you'll have your favourites,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21but if you haven't made up your mind just yet, here's a look back
0:38:21 > 0:38:22at our six senior choirs.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26# Angel voices ever singing...#
0:38:26 > 0:38:30I thought this was one of the finest interpretations of all six.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32And the men were so robust in their singing.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35# Forever ringing... #
0:38:35 > 0:38:37My only criticism was,
0:38:37 > 0:38:40at the very top end, the sopranos were a little harsh.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44# ..Lord of might. #
0:38:44 > 0:38:49# For the beauty of the earth... #
0:38:49 > 0:38:53I thought that it was a slightly nervous and tentative start,
0:38:53 > 0:38:55but as they started to get through the song,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58it really opened up and became quite beautiful.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03I liked the way that the director allows them
0:39:03 > 0:39:07to really use their voices in a natural, open way.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10# Oh, praise him
0:39:10 > 0:39:13If I died before I lift the platform for any reason,
0:39:13 > 0:39:15could they sing at my funeral?
0:39:17 > 0:39:21There is a slight nasal quality which, to my taste,
0:39:21 > 0:39:26needed rounding and relaxing a little.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29These were one of my favourites, without question.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31So, we'll put them on the probables list.
0:39:31 > 0:39:32Probably.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36# Yea, we know that thou rejoicest... #
0:39:36 > 0:39:41It was fantastic singing, there's no question about that.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44This is a choir that has immense potential,
0:39:44 > 0:39:46both in the men's and the women's voices.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50# For thy praise design... #
0:39:50 > 0:39:53They are fantastic. They could be great.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56# Be thou my breastplate... #
0:39:56 > 0:39:59There were some bass notes in there that I just think
0:39:59 > 0:40:01shook the foundations of the building.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05Yeah, the whole sound was very round and very warm. Very thick and rich.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11The conductor had a vision in her mind, and she has
0:40:11 > 0:40:14the technical wherewithal to communicate that vision.
0:40:14 > 0:40:19# Gwell wyt ti nac aur nac arian... #
0:40:19 > 0:40:22If we're looking at all these things we're asked to judge,
0:40:22 > 0:40:24they were very high.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29# Ti dy hun rydd i'm... #
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- I wasn't... - You weren't that smitten.- No.
0:40:31 > 0:40:37# Rwyt ti werth y byd i gyd. #
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Here we go. Our judges are back, and our choirs await nervously
0:40:40 > 0:40:43for their decisions. Whatever they are, I'm sure you'll agree
0:40:43 > 0:40:45that our choirs have done themselves proud.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48APPLAUSE
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Now, judges, what have you made of the standard
0:40:52 > 0:40:55of the senior choirs this year. David.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57The standard has been incredible.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00I think this has been the highest standard we've had,
0:41:00 > 0:41:02and this was the most difficult competition
0:41:02 > 0:41:05that I, personally, have ever judged.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07It came down to the finest of fine margins
0:41:07 > 0:41:10because what we heard was so good.
0:41:10 > 0:41:11How about you, Suzi?
0:41:11 > 0:41:15It makes you realise that the real jewel in the crown
0:41:15 > 0:41:18of the United Kingdom is our choral tradition.
0:41:18 > 0:41:24And I'm so proud that these choirs have continued, year on year,
0:41:24 > 0:41:27to get more and more brilliant and impressive.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Russell, what do you say to the three choirs that don't make it?
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Don't be too upset, there's always next year.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36Those that have made it through have made it through
0:41:36 > 0:41:38by the finest of parameters.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41You were all absolutely fantastic.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43Right, I'm going to ask each of our three judges
0:41:43 > 0:41:46to reveal one choir who will be going through
0:41:46 > 0:41:49to the final next week. Russell, can you reveal
0:41:49 > 0:41:52the first senior choir going through to the final?
0:41:52 > 0:41:56The first senior choir going through
0:41:56 > 0:42:02to the Songs Of Praise School Choir Of The Year is...
0:42:07 > 0:42:10..Saint George's College!
0:42:10 > 0:42:13APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Suzi, can you please tell us the second choir
0:42:19 > 0:42:20going through to the final?
0:42:20 > 0:42:25The second choir going through to the senior final is...
0:42:29 > 0:42:31Ysgol Y Strade.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:42:40 > 0:42:42OK, David, can you please reveal the name
0:42:42 > 0:42:46of the last choir going through to that final?
0:42:47 > 0:42:52The last senior choir going through to the final is...
0:42:58 > 0:42:59Godolphin.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:43:09 > 0:43:11Please put your hands together for our valiant choirs
0:43:11 > 0:43:14who haven't made it through to the final. They've been brilliant.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:43:18 > 0:43:21And if you'd like some top tips to improve your singing
0:43:21 > 0:43:23from our celebrity judges, please visit our website.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28Our senior finalists will be back next week
0:43:28 > 0:43:30when one of them will be taking home the famous trophy
0:43:30 > 0:43:34and the title, 2012 Songs Of Praise Senior School Choir Of The Year.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36It's going to be tense, it's going to be exciting.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39You'd be mad to miss it. Goodbye from all of us.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42APPLAUSE
0:43:47 > 0:43:50Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd