0:00:02 > 0:00:04Six of the very best senior school choirs in the UK
0:00:04 > 0:00:07have arrived in Liverpool, to sing to win a place in the final
0:00:07 > 0:00:10of one of the most prestigious singing competitions on television.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13Only one of them can become
0:00:13 > 0:00:17the 2013 Songs of Praise senior school choir of the year.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26APPLAUSE
0:00:26 > 0:00:28Last week, the junior choirs wowed us.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30Today, the seniors will, I'm sure, do the same.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34But only three choirs can make it to next week's final. Who will be?
0:00:34 > 0:00:38Please welcome, from Scotland, the High School of Glasgow...
0:00:38 > 0:00:40CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:42 > 0:00:46..from Somerset, Millfield School...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:49 > 0:00:54..from Hertfordshire, Haileybury School...
0:00:54 > 0:00:55CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:55 > 0:00:59..from Belfast, Grosvenor Grammar School...
0:00:59 > 0:01:02CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:02 > 0:01:05..from Llanelli, Ysgol y Strade...
0:01:05 > 0:01:09CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:09 > 0:01:12..and, from Kent, Tonbridge Grammar School.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:01:16 > 0:01:19Now, as we have all six choirs on-stage at the same time,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22how about we hear them together singing a wonderful hymn?
0:01:22 > 0:01:25You can join them and so can everyone else here in the hall.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28It's beautiful, this - Angel-Voices Ever Singing.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02APPLAUSE
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Now, our judges are in their seats and that can only mean one thing -
0:03:06 > 0:03:09the competition is about to begin.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Our first judge has formed choirs, conducted them,
0:03:12 > 0:03:13sung in them and judged them.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Please welcome Suzi Digby.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18APPLAUSE
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Our next judge knows a thing or two about singing.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23He's worked with some of the world's top pop acts
0:03:23 > 0:03:28and he's been a chart-topping singer himself. It's David Grant.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31APPLAUSE
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Our third judge studied voice at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama
0:03:34 > 0:03:37before winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40She's a concert pianist and found fame with the pop group Hear'Say.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Please welcome the lovely Myleene Klass.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45APPLAUSE
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Right, let's get the competition going.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50Each of our six choirs will sing their choice of hymn.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52Based on those performances,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55the judges will select three choirs to go through to the final.
0:03:55 > 0:03:56No-one said it was going to be easy.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59The first choir to sing are new to the competition.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02From Belfast, it's Grosvenor Grammar School.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07# Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart... #
0:04:07 > 0:04:10A choir is about team players.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13And if you have the right team and the commitment
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and everybody singing off the same sheet,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19they are the key elements to a very fine choir.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21Ms Foster's always very hard-working
0:04:21 > 0:04:24and it hasn't stopped since we found out we got through.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28She wants to see us succeed, and we want to succeed for her.
0:04:28 > 0:04:29Be Thou My Vision is our piece,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32and we're very proud of that for Northern Ireland
0:04:32 > 0:04:33because it breaks down barriers.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36That hymn is for everyone in the province.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39It isn't a big "wow" hymn. It's not.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41But it's so simple that it's gorgeous.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46We have worked extremely hard and we've been practising so much
0:04:46 > 0:04:48and, you know, it would be absolutely fantastic
0:04:48 > 0:04:51if we were to get through to the final. It be absolutely amazing.
0:04:58 > 0:05:06# Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart
0:05:06 > 0:05:14# Naught be all else to me Save that thou art
0:05:14 > 0:05:23# Thou my best thought in the day and the night
0:05:23 > 0:05:31# Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light
0:05:38 > 0:05:45# Be thou my breastplate My sword for the fight
0:05:45 > 0:05:54# Be thou my armour and be thou my might
0:05:54 > 0:06:03# Thou my soul's shelter and thou my high tower
0:06:03 > 0:06:11# Raise thou me heavenward O power of my power
0:06:16 > 0:06:23# Riches I heed not Nor man's empty praise
0:06:23 > 0:06:32# Thou mine inheritance through all my days
0:06:32 > 0:06:41# Thou and thou only The first in my heart
0:06:41 > 0:06:48# High King of Heaven My treasure thou art
0:06:48 > 0:06:56# High King of Heaven When the battle is done
0:06:56 > 0:07:04# Grant Heaven's joy to me O, bright my sun
0:07:04 > 0:07:14# Christ of my own heart Whatever befall
0:07:14 > 0:07:20# Still be my vision
0:07:20 > 0:07:30# Though ruler of all. #
0:07:32 > 0:07:35APPLAUSE
0:07:41 > 0:07:45Grosvenor Grammar School, ladies and gentlemen.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48So, Suzi, their debut in this competition. How did they get on?
0:07:48 > 0:07:52For a debut, that was remarkable. First of all, the opening.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56It had a sort of simplicity, but a simplicity with confidence.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57And I loved the way that, at the end,
0:07:57 > 0:08:00the long endings of phrases had this sort of lovely bloom.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05A couple of things - after the modulation when it changes key,
0:08:05 > 0:08:10I found that there was a slight harshness in the upper voices.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12So perhaps one could work a little bit
0:08:12 > 0:08:15on getting that beautiful initial bloom back into the voice.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18And, on a very positive note,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21wonderful quality of sound in the basses throughout.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Thank you. David, it showed off their range as well, didn't it?
0:08:25 > 0:08:26Yes, it really did.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28I love the fact that there are so many boys in there.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30And those boys sound like men.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34The bottom notes in your harmonies were so rich
0:08:34 > 0:08:36that they really made the whole thing sound amazing.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39The only note that I could give is that you try and keep
0:08:39 > 0:08:42the placement at the top end consistent throughout.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45But, you know what, I have to say that's a really small critique
0:08:45 > 0:08:48in a very, very impressive performance.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- Myleene, what did you make of it? - Hugely impressed.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55Never easy to be the first choir to walk onto the stage.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Nothing to compare to and also you have to set the standard,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01so be reassured that you've set it very, very high indeed. Well done.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04It is fair to say that
0:09:04 > 0:09:07when you change key you are going to adapt a different tone,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11that it's going to change the feel of that warm sound that you have.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14However, the competition is of a very high standard,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16so you have to find a remedy.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20You have to find a way to keep that warm sound within the choir
0:09:20 > 0:09:23and hopefully you guys can work on that. But, I think, well done.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Grosvenor Grammar School, everybody.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28APPLAUSE
0:09:30 > 0:09:33That was our best and, when it comes to young people,
0:09:33 > 0:09:35you can only ask your best. So, I'm a happy lady.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40I think the judges' comments were really fair and they've really given us something that we can work on
0:09:40 > 0:09:42if we do get through in the final.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45It would be absolutely incredible if we got into the final.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48It would mean so much because we've tried so hard and come so far.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Last year, our next choir made it to the final.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Well, they're back to try and go one better.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54From Llanelli, it's Ysgol y Strade.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59# Be still for the glory of the Lord
0:09:59 > 0:10:02# Is shining all around... #
0:10:02 > 0:10:03Feeling a bit nervous.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07All the memories from last year have come flooding back.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11We're ready for it. We know exactly what to expect, so we'll do our best.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Mr Davies does get a bit stressed,
0:10:13 > 0:10:15but it's all for a good reason, really.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18And we really want to do well to please him, to be honest.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21He puts so much effort in, and if we manage to do well
0:10:21 > 0:10:23in this competition, it would mean a lot to him.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28We certainly feel the music in Wales. It's in our blood somehow.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30We enjoy singing and we enjoy performing.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34The judges' comments last year were very, very positive.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37We've had numerous emails from across the UK
0:10:37 > 0:10:41commenting on our performance last year and wishing us all the best,
0:10:41 > 0:10:43so we're building on that.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46I'm doing the solo on the first verse of Be Still.
0:10:46 > 0:10:47I'm quite nervous.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50But hopefully when I get on-stage it'll be all right
0:10:50 > 0:10:53and I'll just sing and give it everything.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59# Be still, for the presence of the Lord
0:10:59 > 0:11:05# The Holy One is here
0:11:05 > 0:11:10# Come bow before him now
0:11:10 > 0:11:16# With reverence and fear
0:11:16 > 0:11:22# In him no sin is found
0:11:22 > 0:11:28# We stand on holy ground
0:11:28 > 0:11:33# Be still, for the presence of the Lord
0:11:33 > 0:11:40# The Holy One is here
0:11:43 > 0:11:48# Be still, for the glory of the Lord
0:11:48 > 0:11:55# Is shining all around
0:11:55 > 0:11:59# He burns with holy fire
0:11:59 > 0:12:06# With splendour he is crowned
0:12:06 > 0:12:11# How awesome is the sight
0:12:11 > 0:12:18# Our radiant King of light
0:12:18 > 0:12:23# Be still, for the glory of the Lord
0:12:23 > 0:12:29# Is shining all around
0:12:37 > 0:12:41# Distewch, cans mae nerth yr Arglwydd Ior
0:12:41 > 0:12:47# Yn symud yn ein plith
0:12:47 > 0:12:52# Daw i'n iachau yn awr
0:12:52 > 0:12:59# Gweinyddai ras fel gwlith
0:12:59 > 0:13:05# Fe glyw ein hegwan lef
0:13:05 > 0:13:12# Trwy ffydd derbyniwch ef
0:13:12 > 0:13:18# Distewch, cans mae nerth yr Arglwydd Ior
0:13:18 > 0:13:24# Yn symud y nein plith
0:13:24 > 0:13:29# Amen
0:13:29 > 0:13:32# Amen
0:13:32 > 0:13:44# Amen. #
0:13:46 > 0:13:50APPLAUSE
0:13:53 > 0:13:54Ysgol y Strade!
0:13:58 > 0:14:01So, David, do you know what you call that sort of singing in Wales?
0:14:01 > 0:14:02Tell me.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Canu bendigedig. Beautiful singing.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07I thought so, anyway.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08I agree with you.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13I think from the very beginning the little harmonic bed that was laid
0:14:13 > 0:14:17for the soloist was beautiful, the soloist was great, because when singing in a
0:14:17 > 0:14:19choir, the temptation is to sound very choral,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21she sounded very natural.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23There's a saying that music, however well accomplished,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26must first touch the soul, and that performance did.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29If I wasn't judging you, I would've wanted to close my eyes
0:14:29 > 0:14:33and just listen, because sonically it was a feast.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35When you went into Welsh, and you did the harmonies,
0:14:35 > 0:14:38you changed the harmonic structure, and it was great.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Myleene, it's one of my favourite hymns, did they do it justice?
0:14:41 > 0:14:44They know they did it justice.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47I would have liked to have seen even more evocative pictures
0:14:47 > 0:14:51when it came to the storytelling, the words, they're such evocative
0:14:51 > 0:14:57words. However, when you went into Welsh, it was so exciting, a real
0:14:57 > 0:15:01wall of sound just hit the audience, and I thought it was spectacular.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Thank you. Suzi, what did you make of it?
0:15:04 > 0:15:06The first thing that struck me is that this is a choir
0:15:06 > 0:15:10that really does sing from the heart, and it's an amazing sound.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15When the unison voices came in on the second verse, it was breathtaking.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18When you're powering through the lines, which gives this
0:15:18 > 0:15:22extraordinary effect, you can compromise intonation.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27And what I would say is that to really get that chording,
0:15:27 > 0:15:29and the lines in perfect tuning
0:15:29 > 0:15:33and perfect intonation will take it to another level again.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36But, altogether, wonderful performance.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Thank you, judges. Thank you, Ysgol y Strade.
0:15:39 > 0:15:40APPLAUSE
0:15:41 > 0:15:43CHEERING
0:15:43 > 0:15:46The comments from the judges were very good, mostly positive.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48There were a couple of things we could have done better.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52As soon as we hit the Welsh section it, absolutely, just, "bang,"
0:15:52 > 0:15:55it was perfect. I'm so happy.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Hopefully we've done enough to get through to the final,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01and if we get there we will see how it goes from there.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Our next choir are new to the competition,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05hailing from south-west England.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07It's Millfield School from Somerset.
0:16:07 > 0:16:13# Praise thy soul the king of heaven
0:16:13 > 0:16:15# To his feet your tribute bring... #
0:16:15 > 0:16:17We've travelled a long way to be here, I think we are
0:16:17 > 0:16:19delighted to be involved.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22We're delighted to be taking part, we want to give of our best,
0:16:22 > 0:16:25do our absolute best and that's all we can hope for today.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27We've just had a practice, and obviously it's gone well,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31so, yes, feeling more confident than I was this morning.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34All of the choirs here have very good reputations, they're good
0:16:34 > 0:16:38enough to get the semifinal, so they're certainly good enough to win.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42We're probably a little bit nervous about singing in a big venue
0:16:42 > 0:16:46that has a proper stage, all the lights, all the cameras,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50it's just a completely new experience that none of us are used to.
0:16:50 > 0:16:56# Praise my soul the king of heaven
0:16:56 > 0:17:01# To his feet your tributes bring
0:17:01 > 0:17:05# Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven
0:17:05 > 0:17:09# Who like me his praise should sing
0:17:09 > 0:17:12# Praise him, praise him
0:17:12 > 0:17:14# Praise him, praise him
0:17:14 > 0:17:18# Praise the everlasting King
0:17:20 > 0:17:26# Praise him for his grace and favour
0:17:26 > 0:17:31# To our fathers in distress
0:17:31 > 0:17:35# Praise him still the same for ever
0:17:35 > 0:17:39# Slow to chide, and swift to bless
0:17:39 > 0:17:42# Praise him, praise him
0:17:42 > 0:17:44# Praise him, praise him
0:17:44 > 0:17:49# Glorious in his faithfulness
0:17:51 > 0:17:56# Angels, help us to adore him
0:17:56 > 0:18:00# Ye behold him face to face
0:18:00 > 0:18:05# Sun and moon, bow down before him
0:18:05 > 0:18:09# Dwellers all in time and space
0:18:09 > 0:18:12# Praise him, praise him
0:18:12 > 0:18:14# Praise him, praise him
0:18:14 > 0:18:20# Praise with us the God of grace. #
0:18:21 > 0:18:23APPLAUSE
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Big thank you to Millford, ladies and gentlemen.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37So, Myleene, a very familiar hymn, did it hit the mark for you?
0:18:37 > 0:18:39One thing with this hymn
0:18:39 > 0:18:42is the fact that people love it for its simplicity, however
0:18:42 > 0:18:45because of its simplicity, and its repetitive nature,
0:18:45 > 0:18:49you have to find different ways to make it expressive, just to keep
0:18:49 > 0:18:51it interesting for the audience.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54When you did come in and give more variation to the melody
0:18:54 > 0:18:56I thought it was beautiful.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00Thank you. Suzi, have they done enough to get through to the final, do you think?
0:19:00 > 0:19:03The first thing I'd like to say is, "Well done, lads!"
0:19:03 > 0:19:05You did a great job, really. Lovely, lovely singing.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08If I had to be picky,
0:19:08 > 0:19:13the "oo" vowel just has a slight colour, which
0:19:13 > 0:19:16disrupts the line, so make sure it's a proper "oo"
0:19:16 > 0:19:21without any diphthong in it, and that could transform the line.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23David?
0:19:23 > 0:19:27Yes, I did like the sound, I liked the uniformity of the sound,
0:19:27 > 0:19:31I liked the fact that when you sang together,
0:19:31 > 0:19:37your diction was brilliant, you were absolutely moving as one.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39I would've liked possibly a little more...
0:19:39 > 0:19:41There were hints in verse two, particularly
0:19:41 > 0:19:44when the boys came in and the harmony split of what was there,
0:19:44 > 0:19:49of the capacity that you have, to be a little more exciting.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51What I'm saying is, I would have liked to hear more,
0:19:51 > 0:19:53and that can only be a good thing, because quite often
0:19:53 > 0:19:57when you hear a choir, you're glad you're not hearing any more.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Thank you, judges. Thank you, Millfield.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Oh, it was great, it was so exciting, everything seems
0:20:08 > 0:20:10so much more real on stage.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13The most exhausting two and a half minutes of my life so far, I think.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Well done, fantastic.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Well, have you heard your favourite hymn yet,
0:20:17 > 0:20:18or maybe your favourite choir?
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Well, hold on, there are more hymns and more wonderful choirs to come.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24By the way, if you do have a favourite hymn, we are
0:20:24 > 0:20:26running a vote to find the UK's top ten,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30so if you'd like to register your vote then go on to our website.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33You never know, your favourite hymn could be performed at this
0:20:33 > 0:20:36year's Big Sing in London. Can't be bad.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Now, our next choir are ready, it's their second time in the competition,
0:20:40 > 0:20:42it's Tonbridge Grammar School from Kent.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46# Just as I am
0:20:46 > 0:20:50# Without one plea
0:20:50 > 0:20:54It's really great to be here, Liverpool is an amazing city,
0:20:54 > 0:20:56and it's also a great venue.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59The hymn Just As I Am is one of my favourites,
0:20:59 > 0:21:01it was my mother's favourite.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03It's about how God will accept you into heaven,
0:21:03 > 0:21:05no matter what you've done.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08I think a good school choir is not always about technique,
0:21:08 > 0:21:10you need to have good, solid technique, but it's
0:21:10 > 0:21:15about making the words live in your faces, to communicate with people.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17It's an honour to be singing with great choirs
0:21:17 > 0:21:19because that makes me think our choir could be as good
0:21:19 > 0:21:24as that, so, it is an inspiration to try and do our very best.
0:21:30 > 0:21:37# Just as I am, without one plea
0:21:39 > 0:21:45# But that thy blood was shed for me
0:21:46 > 0:21:52# And that thou bid'st me come to thee
0:21:53 > 0:22:00# O Lamb of God, I come
0:22:00 > 0:22:03# Just as I am
0:22:04 > 0:22:07# Just as I am
0:22:08 > 0:22:12# Just as I am
0:22:12 > 0:22:17# I come
0:22:22 > 0:22:30# Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind
0:22:30 > 0:22:38# Sight, riches Healing of the mind
0:22:38 > 0:22:45# Yes, all I need In thee to find
0:22:45 > 0:22:52# O Lamb of God, I come
0:22:52 > 0:22:56# Just as I am
0:22:56 > 0:23:00# Just as I am
0:23:00 > 0:23:03# Just as I am
0:23:03 > 0:23:07# I come
0:23:13 > 0:23:21# Just as I am of that free love
0:23:21 > 0:23:29# The breadth, length, depth and height to prove
0:23:29 > 0:23:35# Here for a season then above
0:23:35 > 0:23:43# O Lamb of God, I come
0:23:43 > 0:23:46# Just as I am
0:23:46 > 0:23:49# Just as I am
0:23:49 > 0:23:50# Just as I am
0:23:50 > 0:23:59# Just as I am, I come. #
0:24:04 > 0:24:07APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Tonbridge Grammar School, everybody.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Suzi?
0:24:18 > 0:24:24There was a magical, treacly quality to the sound, it's really beautiful.
0:24:24 > 0:24:31It's interesting that this rise from the B to the E on "of God",
0:24:31 > 0:24:34it's good when you are in unison, you produce it well,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38but you lose that support a little bit when it's in parts,
0:24:38 > 0:24:40and lastly, on a very positive note, I thought you had wonderful
0:24:40 > 0:24:44dynamic control, and it really was spine tingling in places.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Thank you. David, what did you make of it?
0:24:46 > 0:24:49I agree with a lot of what Suzi said, actually.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53I think there is a sound that you have that is absolutely yours,
0:24:53 > 0:24:55we haven't yet heard that in the competition.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57On the other side,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00when you were singing strongly on that last verse, it felt as
0:25:00 > 0:25:05though there was a little bit of a looseness that wasn't there earlier.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08And finally, your last "Come", on "Lamb of God, I come"
0:25:08 > 0:25:11was a thing of beauty.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Myleene, what did you make of it?
0:25:13 > 0:25:14I would first like to say,
0:25:14 > 0:25:18I want to be in this choir for the accessories alone.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23Do you get those red tights, do they just hand them out? They're fabulous.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28I love the control that this choir has.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31The diction is perfectly placed.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35And yet, it doesn't feel like the technicalities of how this
0:25:35 > 0:25:38choir work are taking away the personality of that, because
0:25:38 > 0:25:42you have oodles of personality, so it is a lovely thing to see.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47The ending I thought was magical, the hum just had everybody
0:25:47 > 0:25:50on the edge of their seat, waiting to applaud,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54waiting to thank you, but also not wanting it to end, so congratulations.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Think very much, judges, and also thank you Tonbridge Grammar School.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05It was a live performance, and we did the best that we could do,
0:26:05 > 0:26:07and I'm really proud of what we have done.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10For me, the high point was that really controlled, quiet singing
0:26:10 > 0:26:12just at the end of the last verse, they really pulled it off today.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15I thought the judge's comments were going to be a lot harsher,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18but they were really uplifting and good to hear.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19Two choirs left to sing,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22and the tension is definitely mounting in the hall.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Our next choir should be able to handle it,
0:26:24 > 0:26:25they were in the final two years ago.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28It's the High School of Glasgow.
0:26:28 > 0:26:34# You know my resting and my rising... #
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Well, we've made it through to the finals before,
0:26:37 > 0:26:39so, that may give us an edge.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41We've got a really good choir this year,
0:26:41 > 0:26:45and everybody is so accomplished, it's just a great group to be in.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48It's a very beautiful tune, it's very well written
0:26:48 > 0:26:51and the harmonies are well written, so the lines are all cohesive.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55I'm going to open the hymn with my solo, which is really quite daunting.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58I think she will probably be a bit nervous, because there's a
0:26:58 > 0:27:01lot of pressure on her, but I'm sure that she will rise to the challenge.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05In competitions, you can't be trying to judge what the judges will want,
0:27:05 > 0:27:09you've just got to give of your best and hope that the judges like it.
0:27:10 > 0:27:18# O God, you search me and you know me
0:27:18 > 0:27:24# All my thoughts lie open to your gaze
0:27:24 > 0:27:32# When I walk or lie down you are before me
0:27:32 > 0:27:40# Ever the maker and keeper of my days
0:27:40 > 0:27:48# You know my resting and my rising
0:27:48 > 0:27:55# You discern my purpose from afar
0:27:55 > 0:28:02# And with love everlasting you besiege me
0:28:02 > 0:28:11# In every moment of life or death, you are
0:28:11 > 0:28:19# Before a word is on my tongue, Lord
0:28:19 > 0:28:27# You have known its meaning through and through
0:28:27 > 0:28:34# You are with me beyond my understanding
0:28:34 > 0:28:42# God of my present My past and future, too
0:28:42 > 0:28:50# Although your Spirit is upon me
0:28:50 > 0:28:57# Still I search for shelter from your light
0:28:57 > 0:29:06# There is nowhere on earth I can escape you
0:29:06 > 0:29:13# Even the darkness is radiant in your sight
0:29:13 > 0:29:21# For you created me and shaped me
0:29:21 > 0:29:28# Gave me life within my mother's womb
0:29:28 > 0:29:36# For the wonder of who I am I praise you
0:29:36 > 0:29:47# Safe in your hands, all creation is made new. #
0:29:49 > 0:29:53APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:29:56 > 0:29:58High School of Glasgow!
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Myleene, what do you make of it?
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Firstly, congratulations, you have a really rich,
0:30:06 > 0:30:11warm tone to this choir, and I think that's because you
0:30:11 > 0:30:15really are honing in and listening to each other and just, I think,
0:30:15 > 0:30:19moving around each other, which is beautiful to see, and to hear.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24When you sang a cappella, without any accompaniment,
0:30:24 > 0:30:27it's a beautiful thing. You show your strength as a choir.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31The first few bars, for me, were a little shaky, because the notes
0:30:31 > 0:30:34are falling, and, again, that's where you need the support.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38However, when you started to go into the rise from "there is nowhere",
0:30:38 > 0:30:40when you started to go into the higher notes,
0:30:40 > 0:30:44and you're climbing together again, it was joyous to behold.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- It was just spectacular.- Thank you. Suzi, what did you make of it?
0:30:48 > 0:30:52For my taste, the opening soloist was just stunning.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54Loved the quality of singing.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57APPLAUSE
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Applause from your own choristers. Cor, that's something, isn't it?
0:31:02 > 0:31:06If I would be picky, I would say it would be great to find just
0:31:06 > 0:31:09a couple more basses, to support that great sound.
0:31:09 > 0:31:14- But, you know, what a fantastic job you did. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16David, were you impressed?
0:31:16 > 0:31:17Yes, very impressed actually,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20but not necessarily for the reasons you'd think.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22I kind of agree with both the ladies.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25I agree with Myleene in as much as it wasn't flawless,
0:31:25 > 0:31:26but it was perfect.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29And the reason it was perfect is because,
0:31:29 > 0:31:32as Suzi was trying to say, you can have a performance that is
0:31:32 > 0:31:36flawless that has no meaning, that has no spirit and no heart.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39What you had was feel.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43You connected with the lyric, you connected with the meaning,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46you connected with the music, and that meant that I,
0:31:46 > 0:31:49as a listener, completely connected with you.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51That was a great performance.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Thank you, High School of Glasgow!
0:31:58 > 0:32:01David Grant pointed out their communication
0:32:01 > 0:32:04and their bringing across of the text. That was the best compliment.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Whatever happens, we've come and we've done a great performance,
0:32:07 > 0:32:09and achieved what we set out to achieve.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Our final choir made it to this stage of the competition last year.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14From Hertfordshire, it's Haileybury.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19# Be still, for the presence of the Lord... #
0:32:21 > 0:32:24I'm feeling a bit nervous, a bit pressured, but I feel like
0:32:24 > 0:32:29we're quite prepared at the moment, so it's a good feeling.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31We have chosen Be Still, For The Presence Of The Lord.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34I've really gone for an arrangement that suits our choir,
0:32:34 > 0:32:37that's full of blend, but exploring ranges
0:32:37 > 0:32:41and different voice parts and giving everybody a chance to shine.
0:32:41 > 0:32:42I think our chances are quite good.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45There's really tough competition but I hope we'll go through.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49I have no idea what the other choirs are like.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51All I can vouch for is our own choir, and I feel it's
0:32:51 > 0:32:54one of the strongest I've ever worked with at a school level.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57It's our director of music's last year this year
0:32:57 > 0:33:00and for a lot of us this is our last chance as well,
0:33:00 > 0:33:03so we're even more motivated to get out there and do it this time.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05We are better than last year
0:33:05 > 0:33:09and I'm hoping that we can really go for gold this year.
0:33:09 > 0:33:14THEY SING WORDLESSLY
0:33:28 > 0:33:34# Be still for the presence of the Lord
0:33:34 > 0:33:40# The Holy One is here
0:33:40 > 0:33:46# Come bow before Him now
0:33:46 > 0:33:53# With reverence and fear
0:33:53 > 0:33:59# In Him no sin is found
0:33:59 > 0:34:06# We stand on holy ground
0:34:06 > 0:34:11# Be still for the presence of the Lord
0:34:11 > 0:34:17# The Holy One is here
0:34:18 > 0:34:24# Be still for the glory of the Lord
0:34:24 > 0:34:30# Is shining all around
0:34:30 > 0:34:35# He burns with holy fire
0:34:35 > 0:34:42# With splendour He is crowned
0:34:42 > 0:34:47# How awesome is the sight
0:34:47 > 0:34:53# Our radiant King of Light
0:34:53 > 0:34:58# Be still for the glory of the Lord
0:34:58 > 0:35:04# Is shining all around
0:35:04 > 0:35:09# Be still for the power of the Lord
0:35:09 > 0:35:15# Is moving in this place
0:35:15 > 0:35:20# He comes to cleanse and heal
0:35:20 > 0:35:26# To minister His grace
0:35:26 > 0:35:32# No work too hard for Him
0:35:32 > 0:35:38# In faith receive from Him
0:35:38 > 0:35:43# Be still for the power of the Lord
0:35:43 > 0:35:49# Is moving in this place. #
0:35:49 > 0:35:54THEY SING WORDLESSLY
0:36:07 > 0:36:10APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Haileybury Choir, ladies and gentlemen!
0:36:20 > 0:36:24So, Mr Grant, I loved that arrangement.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26A fantastic arrangement.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31It was actually possibly the most ambitious arrangement we've heard so far.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Fantastic harmonies, great harmonic spreads which I loved.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37When you went up to that moving...
0:36:37 > 0:36:41Moving in this place on the very last...the last chorus,
0:36:41 > 0:36:45the placements of the sopranos weren't absolutely all together.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49You had different placements, and that made it sound not quite as
0:36:49 > 0:36:52bang-on as the rest had, but for me,
0:36:52 > 0:36:58I thought it was ambitious, brave and brilliantly sung.
0:36:58 > 0:36:59Almost all of it.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Myleene, what did you make of the choir?
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Well done showing off that ability and testing yourselves
0:37:05 > 0:37:09because you have to at this stage. You have to and you did it.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11But I would like a bit more thought
0:37:11 > 0:37:15into how you execute the trickier parts of songs like this.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19Saying that, I thought your phrasing was beautiful
0:37:19 > 0:37:24- and it was a really nice thing to sit back and enjoy.- Suzi?
0:37:24 > 0:37:28This is in a different league in terms of difficulty from everything.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31I mean, in a different league.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34And my view is that THAT is how young choirs learn.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37You challenge them, you take risks,
0:37:37 > 0:37:39but the most important thing is
0:37:39 > 0:37:42the young singers and what they're getting out of it.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44Good for you.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46There were some technical issues.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49So, to some extent, it's work in progress.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53The men, when they sang first in unison and then went into two parts,
0:37:53 > 0:37:57that was the best male singing we've heard in the competition.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59APPLAUSE
0:38:01 > 0:38:05Thank you, judges, and thank you, Haileybury.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11I think we did well. Obviously nerves had an impact,
0:38:11 > 0:38:14but I think we really shone through.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16The comments were very detailed,
0:38:16 > 0:38:19so I guess that reflects the level we're at.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21But I think there's a feeling of, you know...
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Cos we didn't quite come out of that as we wanted to.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27Our judges have left the auditorium to try and come to a decision
0:38:27 > 0:38:29on which three choirs will make it to the final.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31If you haven't decided yet,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34here's a reminder of all the choirs' performances.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37# Be thou my vision... #
0:38:37 > 0:38:39It was such a beautiful sound.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42They started with those lovely unison lines
0:38:42 > 0:38:45and were able to give that bloom at the end of each line.
0:38:45 > 0:38:50I thought it was exciting and they just held my attention.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55Do they have the technique as singers to really support their voices
0:38:55 > 0:38:58so that the tonal quality doesn't change?
0:38:58 > 0:39:02# Be still for the glory of the Lord... #
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Typically, for Welsh choirs,
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- there's this extraordinary robustness in the sound.- Yes.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12They started in English and it would have actually been to their strength
0:39:12 > 0:39:14if they'd sung the entire thing in Welsh.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18I thought the tuning was excellent, but inconsistent.
0:39:18 > 0:39:24# Praise, my soul the King of Heaven... #
0:39:24 > 0:39:28What I loved about this choir is that they had a beautiful shape to the line.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30So, lightening the syllables that needed to be lightened.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32It was very elegant.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35At this stage in the game, they could have done more with the song.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37They're a work in progress.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40# Just as I am... #
0:39:40 > 0:39:42I wanted to keep listening,
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- not just writing and critiquing, but listening.- Yes.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48And also, when I did write, I was splitting hairs.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52At this level, you still don't have
0:39:52 > 0:39:54total uniformity on the sound
0:39:54 > 0:39:58and placement and shape of all the vowels.
0:39:58 > 0:40:04# You know my resting and my rising... #
0:40:04 > 0:40:07They made me feel something.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11As soon as they started singing, I thought it's a choir that knows what it's doing.
0:40:11 > 0:40:16- I've written, "They sing with love." - Yeah. I thought technically flawed, emotionally perfect.
0:40:16 > 0:40:21# Be still for the power of the Lord... #
0:40:21 > 0:40:24This choir has come on in leaps and bounds since last year.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28I'd much rather hear something like this that makes me excited,
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- rather than safe.- My immediate feeling was work in progress.- Yeah.
0:40:32 > 0:40:38# ..To minister His grace... #
0:40:38 > 0:40:42Right, all our senior choirs are back on stage and our judges are back with their decisions.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44It's tense, it's exciting.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Didn't they do well, ladies and gentlemen?
0:40:51 > 0:40:55Judges, a quick word on these choirs and their efforts today. Myleene.
0:40:55 > 0:41:00The people that we see on the stage today are to be highly commended
0:41:00 > 0:41:04because what you see are just a few minutes of, um...a piece.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07However, behind the scenes, what really does go on,
0:41:07 > 0:41:09the blood, sweat and tears, the dedication,
0:41:09 > 0:41:11trying to make it to rehearsals,
0:41:11 > 0:41:13learn those words, learn to sing as one,
0:41:13 > 0:41:17there is so much that goes into this. This is the real deal.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19High praise indeed. David?
0:41:19 > 0:41:22It's been said that there are more people singing now
0:41:22 > 0:41:24than at any time for the last 40 or 50 years
0:41:24 > 0:41:27and I think that what we've heard today
0:41:27 > 0:41:31shows us that the future of choral music is in really good hands.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35I'm looking at the next generation of singers and thinking, wow!
0:41:35 > 0:41:40Suzi, any words of encouragement to the three choirs that don't make it to the final?
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Well, I was going to say, for those who don't make it,
0:41:43 > 0:41:47everything's work in progress, there's never perfection.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Please come back bigger and better.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52OK, I'm going to ask each of our judges to announce the name
0:41:52 > 0:41:56of a choir that has made it into the final. Myleene, can you please
0:41:56 > 0:42:00reveal the first senior school choir going through to the final?
0:42:00 > 0:42:03The first choir going through is...
0:42:06 > 0:42:08..The High School of Glasgow.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:42:17 > 0:42:21David, can you please tell us the second choir going through to the final?
0:42:21 > 0:42:25Yes, the second choir going through to the final is...
0:42:28 > 0:42:30..Tonbridge Grammar School.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:42:40 > 0:42:45Suzi, can you please reveal the name of the last choir going through to the final?
0:42:45 > 0:42:51The last choir going through to the final is...
0:42:54 > 0:42:56..Grosvenor.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:43:05 > 0:43:07So there we have it. We'll be back with the final next week.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10I personally can't wait. Let's hear our appreciation
0:43:10 > 0:43:14for our other semi-finalists who didn't quite make it, ladies and gentlemen.
0:43:25 > 0:43:26Next Sunday it's the big one.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30The final - the three junior and three senior school finalists
0:43:30 > 0:43:33will each sing an inspirational song of their choice
0:43:33 > 0:43:37to try and become the Songs Of Praise School Choir of the Year for 2013.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40You'd be mad to miss it. Bye-bye.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42APPLAUSE
0:44:03 > 0:44:05Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd