0:00:02 > 0:00:04Choirmaster Gareth Malone believes
0:00:04 > 0:00:08that singing can change the toughest of lives.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10I know that music can bring people together
0:00:10 > 0:00:13under really extraordinary circumstances.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18He's come to a base in Devon to form a choir of military wives
0:00:18 > 0:00:21while their husbands are away fighting in Afghanistan.
0:00:21 > 0:00:26Words can't explain how much I just want him to come home.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30This is real, it's not Action Man. This is a real stuff.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35It's testing what a choir is for and testing it to the limit.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40In just six weeks, he's had them singing to the local town.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Now, Gareth wants to expand his choir.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Wow, it's a good turnout.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- I've been in a couple of rock bands. - Rock bands.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- Were you happy? - I'm feeling a little bit deflated.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54I just ballsed it up.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58And to take them to the heart of the military establishment.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00I want to run away, I just want to run away.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03This is like no other gig I've ever done.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Gig is a wrong word, this is a ceremony.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10May I say that you are the most beautiful choir in the UK
0:01:10 > 0:01:12at this time.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18They needed a voice and this is about giving them that voice
0:01:18 > 0:01:20right now in front of these guys.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35It's April and Gareth's military wives choir is now six weeks old.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39The women's husbands have been away for nearly two months.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Gareth's arranged for his choir
0:01:44 > 0:01:46to come to a theatre in Ilfracombe in Devon,
0:01:46 > 0:01:51to record a song to be played to the troops on British Forces Radio.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Get yourself in there.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58'This is a chance for them to sing to their men in Afghanistan.'
0:01:58 > 0:02:00They're very excited, they want to do it
0:02:00 > 0:02:01but when we get into those songs
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and they know it's going to be heard in Afghanistan,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06it's quite a powerful thing.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08It'll be the first time many of the husbands
0:02:08 > 0:02:10will have heard their wives sing.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14I think all of us are choking up and trying to hold back the tears.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17When you know your husband is going to be listening,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19hopefully all the husbands are proud of us
0:02:19 > 0:02:22and what we've achieved in such a short space of time.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26My son was deployed to Afghanistan last night
0:02:26 > 0:02:29and I'm a bit of an emotional wreck.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33It's good to have all the girls and keep each other going.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37You're sending a message of support and sending it through that.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39It has to show in your faces.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42If it shows in your faces, it'll show in the sound.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Wear your heart on your sleeves, you're not used to that.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Think of it as catharsis,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50this is about letting it all out in this next take.
0:02:53 > 0:02:59# When the evening shadows and the stars appear
0:02:59 > 0:03:06# And there's no-one there to dry your tears
0:03:06 > 0:03:12# I can hold you for a million years
0:03:12 > 0:03:19# to make you feel my love
0:03:19 > 0:03:27# To make you feel my love. #
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Good, well done, that's the one.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35Some found it difficult and emotional, standing there knowing
0:03:35 > 0:03:37they were singing to their husbands at this time.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Very, very, very emotional.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42I wish we could see the lads' reactions
0:03:42 > 0:03:44because they'll find it amazing.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49For me, singing with the girls is singing for all wives.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51It's not just about us,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53it's about all wives who've been through this,
0:03:53 > 0:03:57who're going through this and who will go through this. It's really emotional.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01I think this is having exactly the right effect.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04The women are singing really well, they're being brought together
0:04:04 > 0:04:05which is what counts.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08This is something that could easily spread to other bases.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11It's gone so well here in a really short space of time
0:04:11 > 0:04:14and the women are singing well and getting so much out of it.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17I'd like this to go further, I want to go to other bases.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Gareth's had an invitation to take his choir
0:04:20 > 0:04:23to a nearby military base at Plymouth.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28But before he arrives, news comes through from Afghanistan.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Colleagues of a Royal Marine based in Plymouth have paid tribute to him
0:04:34 > 0:04:37after he was killed in southern Afghanistan.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39A Plymouth-based Royal Marine has been killed.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43The Marine from 42 Commando...
0:04:43 > 0:04:47A Marine based in Plymouth has been killed by a bomb in Afghanistan.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50For choir member Suzy,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54the recent deaths from Plymouth have hit close to home.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57Her 21-year-old son, Ross, has recently deployed
0:04:57 > 0:05:00and serves with the same unit.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04I hate the thought of my lad seeing something like that.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09My heart breaks for them. My heart breaks for the families.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13You wake up thinking of them, go to bed thinking of them.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16As a mother you want to protect your children
0:05:16 > 0:05:20and the thought of your child going to war
0:05:20 > 0:05:24and putting his life potentially on the line,
0:05:24 > 0:05:26is something you have no control over.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30I've gradually become more and more emotional over each tour.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34You hate the thought of something happening to a loved one.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38I think that's what makes it so hard.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46Gareth's got to decide if it's still the right time to go to Plymouth.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49He calls a meeting with the Chivenor choir.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54It's not a position I've been in before, it's new territory for me.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59I'd love to go to Plymouth, it's an accident of timing that everything happened this weekend.
0:05:59 > 0:06:05The music can't solve the problem, but I kind of have a hunch that it might be something beneficial.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08I want to know what you think about it really. Suzy?
0:06:08 > 0:06:10They need all the support they can get.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12They need something to focus on.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14I'd be lost without it, this is my distraction,
0:06:14 > 0:06:18it keeps me going in a way and they're having a pretty rough time.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24I can't describe to you how hard it is on a personal level.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27It's heartbreaking.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34The potential for upsetting people who're already incredibly upset,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36going into a very sensitive situation
0:06:36 > 0:06:41with something as crass as singing in a choir,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44it's testing what a choir is for
0:06:44 > 0:06:48and testing it to the limit.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Hello, ladies. Ready?
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- Yeah.- Let's go.
0:06:55 > 0:06:56Despite some reservations,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Gareth decides to go to Plymouth.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01He takes a small group from his Chivenor choir,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04to encourage new members to join.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06# Ee ay ah, ee ay ah... #
0:07:06 > 0:07:09I love how you're suddenly doing a posh phase.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Ladies, ladies of the Chivenor choir,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16we're going to a place just outside Plymouth
0:07:16 > 0:07:18which is where a lot of the women live.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21We're going to go and flyer all their houses
0:07:21 > 0:07:24and try and drum up some support for this evening.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Plymouth is the biggest military city in the South West.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Nearly 2,000 military families are based here.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Here we go. OK, ladies, make this happen.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38It's home to the wives and loved ones
0:07:38 > 0:07:40of some 1,300 soldiers and Marines,
0:07:40 > 0:07:44most of whom are currently serving on the front line in Afghanistan.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47It's about letting your hair down, doing something you've not done before.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50My husband has been out 11 weeks and I've been stressing out,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54the kids are stressed out and it's no good for anybody.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57You need something for you. What you need is a choir.
0:07:57 > 0:07:58Like Sister Act?
0:07:58 > 0:08:00It's Sister Act.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Thank you very much, see you later on.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09Mechelle, the wife of a Marine, is the kind of woman Gareth hopes
0:08:09 > 0:08:12will turn up to tonight's singing session.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16I've got a cat's voice, I'm terrible.
0:08:16 > 0:08:21I'll go along, being there the first night could be really good fun.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26Mechelle's husband, Phil, is part of 42 Commando Royal Marines
0:08:26 > 0:08:29which has suffered several fatalities in the last month.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32He's down by the Kandahar section.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34He's down there at the moment
0:08:34 > 0:08:39so I'm hoping they haven't seen much action,
0:08:39 > 0:08:42I'm hoping they haven't, but J Company,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45they've been very busy, shall we say.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50There is massive injuries already,
0:08:50 > 0:08:55quite a few fatalities which is horrific, absolutely horrific.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59This is real, it's not Action Man here, it's real stuff.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02At the end of the day, somebody on every single tour so far
0:09:02 > 0:09:05has got killed.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10Perched on the edge of Plymouth Hoe is the Royal Citadel.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12The 17th century building is now an Army base
0:09:12 > 0:09:15for 350 Royal Artillery soldiers.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21It'll also be home for Gareth's choir.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24He's arranged for potential new members to meet in the sergeants' mess
0:09:24 > 0:09:29for this evening's impromptu singing session.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Great, this is where we're rehearsing, come on over.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I think they're going to be here soon,
0:09:33 > 0:09:38so what will be fantastic is if we can sing to them first.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43I think it'll be really good and it'll inspire them.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45They'll be much more nervous than you are.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50Now that we're here in Plymouth, I'm really, really nervous.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51There's only a small number of us.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Singing in such a little number, we haven't done that before.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57I'm just really hoping we sound good.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58Hello, come on in.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- Hello.- What's your name?- Heather. - Any singing experience?
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Yeah, I was in the school choir. - School choir.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05Husband?
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- Marine.- Marine.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- And what does your husband do? - Royal Marines.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Hi, Laura.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12Good turnout. Hi.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- Been in a couple of rock bands. - Rock bands.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19I love it. I think you're our first rock singer.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- What does your husband do? - He's a submariner.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Submariner. Go on through.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Of course, yeah.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Ladies, it's really good to see so many of you here tonight.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35We're all very aware that we've come at a sensitive time, so we wanted to acknowledge that.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37We've come with some fun
0:10:37 > 0:10:39and just to share our singing with you,
0:10:39 > 0:10:45hopefully inspire you and give you something to focus on during what I know is a very difficult time.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- Suzy, please.- Hi, I'm Suzy.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50I moved to Chivenor about seven months ago.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I knew nobody, then the flyers came through for the choir.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55I wasn't going to do it, originally -
0:10:55 > 0:10:57best thing I've ever done.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59I don't regret it for a minute. I'm happy,
0:10:59 > 0:11:01I'm smiling,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04which is hard to do at times like this...
0:11:04 > 0:11:06and it's getting us all through a very tough time.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- I'm shaking! - LAUGHTER
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Um...but, yeah,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14I highly recommend it, and just get stuck in
0:11:14 > 0:11:17and enjoy it for everything it is, because it's fabulous.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20APPLAUSE
0:11:21 > 0:11:23PIANO STARTS UP
0:11:23 > 0:11:27# I don't know what it is that makes me love you so
0:11:27 > 0:11:30# I only know I never want to let you go
0:11:30 > 0:11:34# Cos you started something, Can't you see
0:11:34 > 0:11:38# That ever since we met You've got a hold on me
0:11:38 > 0:11:44# It happens to be true I only want to be with you. #
0:11:44 > 0:11:47CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Very good. Now it's YOUR turn! Just sing it slightly slowly, the tune at the beginning,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56all together now - one, two, three, four -
0:11:56 > 0:12:01# I don't know what it is that makes me love you so
0:12:01 > 0:12:04# I only know I never want to let you go... #
0:12:04 > 0:12:05Stop.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09At this point, things get more complicated -
0:12:09 > 0:12:12# Cos you started something, Can't you see... #
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- Sing that for me - three, four! - ALL: # Cos you started something
0:12:15 > 0:12:17# Oh, can't you see... #
0:12:17 > 0:12:18Two, three, and...
0:12:18 > 0:12:22# You stopped and smiled at me
0:12:22 > 0:12:25# Asked me if I'd care to dance
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Lighter - # You stopped and smiled... #
0:12:28 > 0:12:31More innocent, it's a bit... HE SINGS WITH AGGRESSIVE TONE
0:12:31 > 0:12:33# You b... !
0:12:33 > 0:12:36# You left me... then you went to Afghanistan! #
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Very innocent, OK?
0:12:40 > 0:12:42One, two, three, four...
0:12:42 > 0:12:45# I don't know what it is that makes me love you so
0:12:45 > 0:12:48# I only know I never want to let you go
0:12:48 > 0:12:52# Cos you started something Oh can't you see
0:12:52 > 0:12:55# That ever since we met you've had a hold on me
0:12:55 > 0:13:01# It happens to be true I only want to be with you. #
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Round of applause. Really well done.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07It feels to me that singing is such a necessary thing.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10I've just had a daughter, and we sing with her all the time,
0:13:10 > 0:13:14and she absolutely lights up, not just cos she's a genius,
0:13:14 > 0:13:15but because...
0:13:15 > 0:13:19because she loves singing and it's such a human thing to do.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21That was extremely good for a first start,
0:13:21 > 0:13:26so we'll have to notch up the difficulty level a few steps for next time.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Class dismissed, thank you.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30APPLAUSE
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I was able to forget the complications in my life
0:13:33 > 0:13:34and just have a good night,
0:13:34 > 0:13:37and I feel I'm doing something for myself.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40A bit nervy, but I've got to say,
0:13:40 > 0:13:43for a bunch of Royal Marines' wives,
0:13:43 > 0:13:47we did quite well, but then we would do, wouldn't we(?)
0:13:47 > 0:13:50I am actually quite scared about how good they are.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54They are actually really amazing,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56and that's a bit intimidating.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Brilliant. That was absolutely brilliant,
0:13:58 > 0:14:02really exciting. It felt like something was really happening.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07I was really worried about coming here and singing with them,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10I didn't want to stir up emotions at this really difficult time.
0:14:10 > 0:14:16Those women, especially, whose husbands are in action at the moment, and are suffering fatalities,
0:14:16 > 0:14:18I really feel for them.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23It's lovely to be able to do something like that, that just takes them out of it for ten minutes,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25makes them think about something else.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35Back at Chivenor, Gareth catches up with some of the choir after their trip to Plymouth.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Hello.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Hi, how are you?
0:14:46 > 0:14:49I'm glad we went to Plymouth, it was really good. Were you happy?
0:14:49 > 0:14:52We do all feel a little bit deflated.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54When we all did the mixture of singing,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56I felt...
0:14:57 > 0:14:59I sat down.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- Really?- Yeah, I just sat down and I just thought,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04"Actually, they just sound so good,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07"and we're just being completely drowned out."
0:15:07 > 0:15:09If they are so good already, after one rehearsal,
0:15:09 > 0:15:13and there's about 80 of them - there's only a few of us!
0:15:13 > 0:15:17I didn't expect to stand there and think, "Oh, my God,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20"they're so much further on than we are."
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Your singing sounds great, and it's going to sound better and better.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28It feels like the best thing to do is to expand it and give the opportunity to other women,
0:15:28 > 0:15:30and that's to take nothing away from you.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34I don't want to sound like any one of us begrudges them anything,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37because the more places across the country you could do this,
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- the better for everyone.- Because we have come so much closer...
0:15:40 > 0:15:43I would rather not be there on Thursday at all
0:15:43 > 0:15:45because I think I would feel like I want to sing,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48whereas now, I just feel like I want to get in my bed!
0:15:48 > 0:15:53Yeah, well, I will work very hard to make sure you don't continue to feel like that.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56It's the opposite of what I was hoping.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59'It's not about being the best singer,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02'about singing better than others,
0:16:02 > 0:16:04'it's about using your voice to do something,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07'to mean something to you and to other people.'
0:16:07 > 0:16:10That's what was powerful about those women singing the other day,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13it was them showing who they are through song.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16I thought that was brilliant, I thought they were great.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21I just ballsed it up, I think.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33For Hayley, family life on the Chivenor base has never been tougher.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Husband Adrian, a staff sergeant,
0:16:35 > 0:16:40is still only just over halfway through his tour of duty in Afghanistan.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43My middle son, Bill,
0:16:43 > 0:16:47he's such a daddy's boy, and he's four
0:16:47 > 0:16:50and he REALLY struggles. He cries for Daddy
0:16:50 > 0:16:53every single day, which is heartbreaking,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56but it takes a while and you get on with it...
0:16:56 > 0:16:58It's part of our life.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03If I let my guard down and let the emotion come out,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06I would be crying the whole day.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Every situation, from a flat tyre to the milk spilling,
0:17:09 > 0:17:12would result in, "It's all because my husband's not here",
0:17:12 > 0:17:15and you can't...you cannot survive for six months like that,
0:17:15 > 0:17:19so you find coping mechanisms and strategies
0:17:19 > 0:17:22and one of them is that you go, "It's fine. It's fine,
0:17:22 > 0:17:24"it'll all be fine,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27"tomorrow's another day, we've got through a day",
0:17:27 > 0:17:34and that's why 99% of the girls you speak to count sleeps,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37because one sleep down is one closer.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49Gareth needs to find a way to pull his new expanded choir together.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52In Plymouth, he thinks he's found the answer.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- Good afternoon, Gareth. - Are you Charles?
0:17:54 > 0:17:57I am, indeed. Welcome to sunny Plymouth.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Charles Chrichton is the local events organiser.
0:18:01 > 0:18:07In the last week in June, we have a wonderful festival to celebrate our armed forces.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Down here, we have our arena.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13We've got a mass pipe band on parade, which will excite everyone,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15we've got the cadets,
0:18:15 > 0:18:17we get ready with a great parade down here...
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Gosh, this is no small thing.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21It is marvellous on the day.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- How might it work? 110 women... in this wind...- Yes.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28Where might we put them?
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- All things are possible down here in Plymouth.- Excellent.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Don't let any other voices tell you so.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39But Armed Forces Day is only two weeks away
0:18:39 > 0:18:43and Gareth doesn't have a song that both halves of his choir can sing.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47PIANO PLAYS
0:18:47 > 0:18:50HE HUMS
0:18:52 > 0:18:56I have to come up with something that really lifts the spirits.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Sitting and working it out, I keep imagining
0:18:59 > 0:19:03the women of Plymouth, and then, somehow, musically speaking,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05the support of the Chivenor Choir.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08I've got a mash-up of two songs, one of which is...
0:19:08 > 0:19:12HE SINGS # I'll be there
0:19:12 > 0:19:16# I'll be there... #
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Jackson Five song. The other one is a song
0:19:19 > 0:19:21by a guy called Bruno Mars.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26# Girl, you're amazing Just the way you are. #
0:19:26 > 0:19:29The choruses fit together really well, the verses fit together well,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32so you'd have one verse, then another verse of a different song,
0:19:32 > 0:19:37one chorus, then a different chorus, then the two things come together and fit like glue.
0:19:37 > 0:19:42What's important is that this is about these women coming together, and showing support for each other,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46not just from one base, but from one base to another base.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50So...yeah, I've got to find a way to get Chivenor on side with this.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- Morning, everyone. - ALL: Morning.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- I've brought biscuits.- ALL: Hooray! - So come and help yourselves.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10I wanted to talk to you about the way forward with Plymouth.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15With that in mind, there's an event, Armed Forces Day, which seems like
0:20:15 > 0:20:19a really perfect occasion to go down there and do something.
0:20:19 > 0:20:26We'd have you here singing one song, and then all of those women
0:20:26 > 0:20:29singing another song, and then the two songs would combine
0:20:29 > 0:20:33and be somewhat stirring, hopefully with some accompaniment as well.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36I think it could be amazingly powerful.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Who thinks they'd be up for it?
0:20:38 > 0:20:42OK, that's a pretty resounding success. Fine.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- I think motion passed, yes? - ALL: Yes.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49Being the whole choir, I think, is going to be brilliant.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52And it will be a real force of women standing together
0:20:52 > 0:20:57and showing everyone what we're made of. It's going to be brilliant, yeah, I can't wait, really excited.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01I think joining forces with Plymouth is really good
0:21:01 > 0:21:05because it's a stronger choir, all of us showing our solidarity.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09It will be a really good chance to meet the other wives. Yeah, I'm really excited.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Hello, hello. Hi.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25Two weeks ago, the Plymouth half of Gareth's choir didn't even exist.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- Good evening.- ALL: Good evening.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Now he's got less than 14 days to get them
0:21:32 > 0:21:35ready for their first ever performance.
0:21:36 > 0:21:42I think every choir, even when they are only two weeks old,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45really needs to do a performance.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48I propose that you, alongside the full ranks of
0:21:48 > 0:21:54the Chivenor Ladies' Choir, will go and perform at Armed Forces Day.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55CHORISTER SNEEZES
0:21:55 > 0:21:56LAUGHTER
0:21:56 > 0:22:01You are allergic to Armed Forces Day! Oh, dear!
0:22:01 > 0:22:05I've done an arrangement... # Ooh-oo-ooh... #
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Does anyone know what it is?
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- Bruno Mars?- Bruno Mars, right. So, have a copy of the words.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21You're only going to need the very first bit and the chorus.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25Chivenor then sing I'll Be There. And it'll be really exciting.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28The first time you hear it will be on the day.
0:22:28 > 0:22:29LAUGHTER
0:22:29 > 0:22:32But don't worry because I'll be there going like this: "Now!"
0:22:32 > 0:22:34LAUGHTER
0:22:34 > 0:22:35And you just look at me.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- Two, three... - # When I see your face... #
0:22:39 > 0:22:41That's it, good.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Would it be ridiculous to go...
0:22:43 > 0:22:47HE SINGS FALSETTO
0:22:47 > 0:22:53Would it sound a bit ridiculous? Try it. One, two, three and go.
0:22:53 > 0:23:00SINGING AND LAUGHTER
0:23:02 > 0:23:09# She's so beautiful and I tell her every day. #
0:23:09 > 0:23:11And there. So... Sh-sh.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15The best thing about doing something where you don't have music
0:23:15 > 0:23:18and it's not clear from the bits of paper, is that you don't end up
0:23:18 > 0:23:21like this: "I love this piece of paper."
0:23:21 > 0:23:26We don't have time for paper love, we have a performance in under two weeks.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29This has unsettled you, I can see. It's going to be fine.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34Take your sheets, bring them back next week. Thank you very much. You may go.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37It was a bit nerve wracking because we don't have much time
0:23:37 > 0:23:41to prepare, and at first we sounded quite dodgy.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42So I hope it all comes together.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45It's going to be scary.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47This is the second week we've done this.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51I'm kind of hoping that we all come together
0:23:51 > 0:23:56and sound like we should, rather than sounding like a pack of wild dogs,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59which is what I'm really terrified about.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01With just three rehearsals left,
0:24:01 > 0:24:06Gareth shuttles the 70 miles between Chivenor and Plymouth.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09The first time they get to sing together is on the day.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12And that's the first time that they sing with the band as well,
0:24:12 > 0:24:16which is, although not ideal, I think it's possible.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19But it is going to make them nervous.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22HE SINGS FALSETTO
0:24:22 > 0:24:24# I'll be there... #
0:24:24 > 0:24:26LAUGHTER
0:24:26 > 0:24:30I didn't see any knee dippers. Just try it, just humour me.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32# I'll be there. #
0:24:32 > 0:24:34It helps me, anyway.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39- # I'll be there... # - That's really good.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43We're not climbing Everest, but it's at least Ben Nevis, you know, it's not easy.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50Don't be embarrassed. We've got to be really... Fortitude, ladies.
0:24:50 > 0:24:51Two, three, and...
0:24:51 > 0:24:55# Her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like they're not shining. #
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Bit slow, there. Can we just do the words?
0:24:57 > 0:25:01ALL: Her hair, her hair, falls perfectly without her trying.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04You're still slowing me down. It's a bit like playing in treacle.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08It slightly fell to pieces tonight. I wasn't expecting that to happen.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12I've suddenly got a bit of nerves about Saturday.
0:25:12 > 0:25:18Having two choirs in two different locations is a stress.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21I'm getting to know this road very well indeed.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24- # You and I... # - Yeah.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27# ..must make a pact
0:25:27 > 0:25:31# We must bring salvation back
0:25:31 > 0:25:38# Where there is love # I'll be there. #
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Fabulous. Sit down, thank you. Well done.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45I feel like the wobbles of a couple of weeks ago are now starting
0:25:45 > 0:25:48to dissipate. I think, once we're there, it's going to make sense.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51This isn't about showing their vulnerability,
0:25:51 > 0:25:52this is about showing their strength,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55and how impressive a bunch of women they are.
0:26:06 > 0:26:07CANNON FIRES
0:26:07 > 0:26:11It's June 25th and Armed Forces Day.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14CHEERING
0:26:14 > 0:26:16For the people of Plymouth,
0:26:16 > 0:26:19it's a chance to celebrate their military heritage.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Who's psyched? THEY CHEER
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Really good. I just wanted to say a few words before we go in
0:26:30 > 0:26:33and meet the ladies of Plymouth.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37They're really quite nervous. Just remember they haven't done it before.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Is everyone ready for this?
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- All: Yes!- Good.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43This way, everyone.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46For Gareth, it's the first time his new,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49100-strong choir will sing together.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54To mark the occasion, the Chivenor choir arrive dressed in white,
0:26:54 > 0:26:56with their Plymouth counterparts dressed in red.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00I really think there might be some tears in the crowd. Definitely.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04Yeah, I think you might... and in the choir, actually.
0:27:04 > 0:27:05Yeah, definitely!
0:27:06 > 0:27:09OK. The massed choirs of Plymouth
0:27:09 > 0:27:13and Chivenor are are ready for their performance. Let's go. THEY CHEER
0:27:13 > 0:27:18MARCHING MUSIC PLAYS
0:27:24 > 0:27:28He did phone up very quickly this morning and just wish me good luck.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32Apparently it's spread like wildfire out there that we're all singing,
0:27:32 > 0:27:34so it's been really nice, absolutely fantastic.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38Even though they're not here, they're all thinking of us.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41That's going to be really special.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Up for it, adrenaline's kicked in.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Terrified.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47I just hope I remember all the words.
0:27:47 > 0:27:48SHE LAUGHS
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55It gives me great pride to stand in front of the group of women behind me.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58Whilst the troops are away in Afghanistan
0:27:58 > 0:28:02and other parts of the world, the wives and girlfriends are
0:28:02 > 0:28:05left behind and are doing a hugely important job.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to present to you
0:28:08 > 0:28:13the Plymouth and Chivenor Military Wives and Girlfriends Choirs,
0:28:13 > 0:28:18along with the Band of the Royal Marines. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:28:26 > 0:28:30# You and I must make a pact
0:28:30 > 0:28:35# We must bring salvation back
0:28:35 > 0:28:41# Where there is love I'll be there.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47# Her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like they're not shining
0:28:47 > 0:28:51# Her hair, her hair falls perfectly without her trying
0:28:51 > 0:28:58# She's so beautiful and I tell her every day
0:28:58 > 0:29:03# When I see your face
0:29:03 > 0:29:08# There's not a thing that I would change
0:29:08 > 0:29:11# Girl, you're amazing
0:29:11 > 0:29:16# Just the way you are
0:29:16 > 0:29:19# When I see your face
0:29:19 > 0:29:21# I'll be there
0:29:21 > 0:29:24# There's not a thing that I would change
0:29:24 > 0:29:26# I'll be there
0:29:26 > 0:29:31# Girl, you're amazing just the way you are
0:29:31 > 0:29:34# I'll be there
0:29:34 > 0:29:36# And when you smile
0:29:36 > 0:29:38# I'll be there
0:29:38 > 0:29:42# The whole world stops and stares for a while
0:29:42 > 0:29:49# Girl, you're amazing just the way you are
0:29:49 > 0:29:52# And I'll be there. #
0:29:52 > 0:29:55CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:30:05 > 0:30:07We were watching, baby!
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Yeah, they were really good, it was really good.
0:30:09 > 0:30:14Fantastic they are supporting their husbands and boyfriends out in Afghanistan.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18People forget about the wives and girlfriends and what
0:30:18 > 0:30:21they have to go through when the soldiers are going away on tour.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25I looked over and my mum was like that!
0:30:25 > 0:30:30- I'm not crying because it was really bad.- Did you enjoy it?- Yeah.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- She's crying because she's happy. - I just miss my husband.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38It is a phenomenal feeling, I can't explain it. It's so nice.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43All of us came together. It was awesome.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45It's combined us all together.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48We just feel like one big team now and it's just a really good feeling.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Bring on the next one!
0:30:50 > 0:30:55You've got all these bands and all these women able to sing really well.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59And uniting their voices, that sends a better message of support
0:30:59 > 0:31:01to the troops than anything else I can think of.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03It's so potent.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06It just makes me think bigger - do more, more of this!
0:31:06 > 0:31:08It's really, really strong.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16It's midsummer.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20Over the last four months, 9500 British troops have been fighting
0:31:20 > 0:31:23in Afghanistan, leaving behind thousands of families.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27Gareth is determined that his choir could be a voice for all of them.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31I want the women to be heard by the upper echelons of the military.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35Because at the moment, they support stoically and quietly
0:31:35 > 0:31:38in the background. And I think they need the endorsement that comes
0:31:38 > 0:31:41from being heard by people from the top ranks.
0:31:41 > 0:31:47So I'm going somewhere where it's the perfect place for their next performance.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Sandhurst in Berkshire.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51One of Britain's top military academies
0:31:51 > 0:31:55and the place where the Army officers of the future are trained.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59This is literally the most formal place I've ever been in my life.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03Gareth wants his choir to sing here.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05He's hoping it will be an opportunity to sell the idea
0:32:05 > 0:32:10of military wives' choirs to the Army's top brass.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13Prince Harry went to Sandhurst, Prince William went to Sandhurst,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16It's the place in the military for the leaders of tomorrow.
0:32:16 > 0:32:21So if they approve of what our women do and if they support it
0:32:21 > 0:32:25and believe in it and are impressed by it, then it's job done.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29Then they will feel like a choir of military wives.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32I'm going to go and see the Commanding Officer of New College.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35He's the man who has been responsible for the officers
0:32:35 > 0:32:39for the last period while they've been training.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46- Come in.- Hello. Lieutenant Colonel Lambert?- Hi, yes indeed. - Gareth, hello.- Good to meet you.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49It would be good to tell you about what we've been doing.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52The guys down at Chivenor on the base have told me
0:32:52 > 0:32:56that they've had fewer complaints and phonecalls about welfare issues
0:32:56 > 0:33:01while the choir's been in existence, which is great to hear.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05The reason for performing to you at Sandhurst is trying to get the seal of approval
0:33:05 > 0:33:08for what we've been doing and for what the women are doing.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12This is something that they definitely want to continue. I'd love to see it continue.
0:33:12 > 0:33:18I can't see a reason why it shouldn't. I'm not asking for money, but I'm looking to try
0:33:18 > 0:33:23to find ways to make it continue. So this feels like our first performance for the military...
0:33:23 > 0:33:25I don't know, let me know what you think.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29- It's a great initiative and I'd certainly fully support it.- Good.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33I think it is important and I think it will mean something to the cadets
0:33:33 > 0:33:37because it's much, much, much harder for the people you leave behind when you deploy.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- And I think this is the message that you bring.- Yeah.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- And I welcome it wholeheartedly. - Thank you, that's great.
0:33:43 > 0:33:48I was really scared about coming here but this is absolutely appropriate.
0:33:48 > 0:33:49This is the heart of the Army.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52This is the perfect place for us to perform.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54If we get this right, I think this will send ripples,
0:33:54 > 0:33:58people will talk about it. We have to do a good job.
0:34:09 > 0:34:14In Chivenor, rehearsals are back in full swing.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16- Good morning, ladies.- Morning.
0:34:16 > 0:34:21But Gareth's choir has no idea what he has in store for them.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24I've been talking a lot about getting you the recognition...
0:34:24 > 0:34:28Look, you are all holding hands. Oh, gosh! What's he going to do?!
0:34:28 > 0:34:30I think this is really good.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34We are going to go and perform at a final dinner
0:34:34 > 0:34:37as all of the officers pass out of Sandhurst.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Oh, wow!
0:34:39 > 0:34:42I know. I'm glad that was your reaction.
0:34:42 > 0:34:47It's going to be a kind of black tie and uniforms event.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49It means posh frocks.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51If we can do that, if we can stand up
0:34:51 > 0:34:53on the stage in front of those people, get the approval
0:34:53 > 0:34:57of the people who ultimately are the leaders of the army of tomorrow,
0:34:57 > 0:34:59- it'll be really fantastic. - Wow.- Yes.
0:35:00 > 0:35:06Sandhurst! My dream has come true. I've always wanted to go there.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08It's just going to be amazing.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Really, really fab. Brilliant news.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15It's quite a big occasion with the officers passing out.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17It's really quite a grand occasion.
0:35:17 > 0:35:22So we are going to have to be pretty top-notch, I think, to pull it off.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25We will do a couple of numbers, but the most important thing
0:35:25 > 0:35:29is we are going to be singing a classical choral piece.
0:35:29 > 0:35:34It's in Latin, which you'll really enjoy.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Pange lingua gloriosi.
0:35:37 > 0:35:44# Pange lingua gloriosi
0:35:44 > 0:35:51# Corporis mysterium... #
0:35:51 > 0:35:53Well done!
0:35:53 > 0:35:57It's not quite the sound I'm looking for, but we'll get there.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02They feel embarrassed about singing classical music, and it sounds like it.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04There's no room for embarrassment at Sandhurst.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08They've got to sell it.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11Yeah, there's a little way to go.
0:36:12 > 0:36:19For Sandhurst to be a success, Gareth needs to get the women singing confidently.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21They are struggling with classical singing.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25If you've never done it before, it's a totally different way of singing.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27I need to work with them individually.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31There's no way to do that en masse, you need really hear their voices.
0:36:31 > 0:36:37What I want to do is build up the confidence of each section. I think it's really important.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40To a certain degree, this might be shock therapy.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44By the end of the morning, everyone will have sung one line on their own.
0:36:44 > 0:36:45No way!
0:36:45 > 0:36:49Emma. Hiding behind the pillar. It's your turn.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52I really don't mind if it goes badly wrong.
0:36:52 > 0:36:57# The storm shall not wake thee... #
0:36:57 > 0:36:59That's a really good soprano-y sound. That's really good.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02# ..At thy knees
0:37:02 > 0:37:06# The storm shall not wake thee... #
0:37:06 > 0:37:10Don't worry, just go for it and let the sound out. There's a really good voice in there.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14# Asleep in the arms... #
0:37:14 > 0:37:18Really nice instrument. Lovely voice.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21# And black are the waters... #
0:37:21 > 0:37:26# That sparkled so green... #
0:37:26 > 0:37:30Well done, that's really brave. That's quite choirboyish, your voice. Rather lovely.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34- Jo, ready? Here we go. - No, I'm not ready.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38Here we go. One... Do you want to do it in twos?
0:37:38 > 0:37:41Do it in a two. Do it in a three.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45- I'm totally tone-deaf. I know I am. - Jo, I'll sing it with you.
0:37:45 > 0:37:46You're not, you're not.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49I speak like a man so I know what I'm like.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52No, you don't, you have a beautiful voice.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Your parents have bequeathed you an instrument.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57And it's not you, it's your voice, it's an instrument.
0:37:57 > 0:38:02You have to play it like an instrument. Detach it from yourself.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04It's the way that singers get through it.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08You make a mistake, you go, "I don't know what happened to my voice there!"
0:38:08 > 0:38:12It wasn't me, I was fine, but my voice messed it up. That's what you need to think about.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14It isn't your personality that's on the line here.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Hold my hand. We'll sing it together. Here we go.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19# A weary... #
0:38:19 > 0:38:21You'll be fine, you'll be fine.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24We'll sing it together. One, two, three.
0:38:24 > 0:38:29# A weary flipperling
0:38:29 > 0:38:33# Curl at thy... #
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Do it again. # Our weary... #
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- With me.- Sorry! - One, two, three.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43# A weary flipperling
0:38:43 > 0:38:49# Curl at thy knee. #
0:38:49 > 0:38:50There, that's you.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53The thing is, that was really good, you are concentrating on me
0:38:53 > 0:38:57and not worrying about yourself and what people think.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00And then you are making music and not just in yourself.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02The torture is over. Well done.
0:39:02 > 0:39:03I'm still shaking,
0:39:03 > 0:39:08but I do feel I've moved on a little bit from it.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10I don't feel so manly now.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Yeah, it was definitely worth it.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16It was great. I thought it was really good.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18Gosh, they were frightened, but so worth doing.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Because now that we can do that, I think the sky's the limit.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24They are a good group of women, they really are.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26And they are finding their voices.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30The whole point of this is to give voice to these women
0:39:30 > 0:39:31and make people hear them.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35And it's amazing how much some of them hide and are terrified
0:39:35 > 0:39:40of just being heard. They can't make a sound because they hide in their houses
0:39:40 > 0:39:45and don't come out. This is forcing them to do it, and I think it's a really positive thing.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48All of Gareth's choir are starting to progress,
0:39:48 > 0:39:52but one singer in particular has caught his eye.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56OK, on your feet. Here we go.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58It's not a chance for a chat, have a chat later.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00Ready, and...
0:40:00 > 0:40:05# Fructus ventris generosi
0:40:05 > 0:40:11# Rex effudit gentium. #
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Sam, do you mind singing it on your own?
0:40:14 > 0:40:19I can hear you really confidently, it sounds fantastic. Would you mind?
0:40:19 > 0:40:22- No, I do mind.- Give it a go.- No!
0:40:22 > 0:40:26Since they first met four months ago, Gareth's been struggling to get Sam
0:40:26 > 0:40:29to sing in front of the rest of the choir.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33- Sam, what's your singing experience? - I was in a choir.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36- Can I hear you sing on your own at some point?- Right now?
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- Not in front of people. - No, when people have gone away.
0:40:39 > 0:40:40Yeah, yeah, sorry.
0:40:40 > 0:40:47# When the rain is blowing in your face... #
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- Crap, sorry. - It wasn't crap.- No, I can't do it.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53- # Before I put on my make-up... # - Sorry.
0:40:53 > 0:40:58- What are you apologising for? - I don't know, I apologise for everything.- Yes.- Sorry. Sorry!
0:40:58 > 0:41:00I'm sorry for saying sorry.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04- Do it on your own.- What? No, no.- Sam, please. Go on.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06Here we go. Ready? # Pange... # And -
0:41:06 > 0:41:12# Pange lingua gloriosi
0:41:12 > 0:41:18# Corporis mysterium
0:41:18 > 0:41:23# Rex effudit gentium. #
0:41:23 > 0:41:27APPLAUSE
0:41:27 > 0:41:32I can safely say I've waited for a moment like that.
0:41:32 > 0:41:37I really have. Thank you very much, it was absolutely beautiful. Brilliant singing.
0:41:37 > 0:41:38That's how you do it.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40I just wanted the world to eat me up,
0:41:40 > 0:41:45I was so embarrassed to be singing in front of everybody.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49But obviously, they liked it, but... My legs were like jelly.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53Sam I thought was brilliant today, absolutely fantastic.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56I knew she could sing, but I was really impressed with that.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00That was a great... It was just a great moment. She can really sing.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03It's a lovely voice. It's a lovely instrument, she's got the experience.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07She's exactly what the choir needs. We need a leader.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10We're going to the park.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13But Sam's feeling the pressure of this tour of duty.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16It's her husband's first deployment to Afghanistan
0:42:16 > 0:42:20and the first time she's been on her own with the children.
0:42:20 > 0:42:26Words can't explain how much I just want him to come home
0:42:26 > 0:42:30and it to be all over and us to be just a family again.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32Having him here every day...
0:42:32 > 0:42:35I mean, you don't want to wish time away
0:42:35 > 0:42:39but I really want time to go as quick as it can.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44When Osama Bin Laden got shot...
0:42:44 > 0:42:49This sound so naive and stupid and childlike.
0:42:49 > 0:42:50I thought, he's been shot,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53does that mean my husband gets to come home now?
0:42:53 > 0:42:56You have a glimmer of hope, the tiniest bit of hope
0:42:56 > 0:43:01that that's it over with, but then you put the reality on the other side of it.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04That certainly isn't the case.
0:43:11 > 0:43:15- Hi.- Hello. That looks heavy. - I've brought my keyboard, yes. How are you?
0:43:15 > 0:43:18With the Sandhurst performance looming,
0:43:18 > 0:43:22Gareth believes Sam is finally ready to face her fears.
0:43:23 > 0:43:28# Pange lingua gloriosi... #
0:43:28 > 0:43:31This is like a different Sam from the one...
0:43:31 > 0:43:36I sat there and you went, "No, no, I can't, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
0:43:36 > 0:43:41Just the sound that I'm at seeing in rehearsals now. Totally different.
0:43:41 > 0:43:42- Oh.- It's really good.
0:43:42 > 0:43:47- We seem to have found your thing, really, haven't we?- What, music wise?
0:43:47 > 0:43:51- Yeah.- For my voice? Yeah. - It suits you so well.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55- I was going to go to uni to study music in Edinburgh.- Really?
0:43:55 > 0:43:57- What happened?- I met by husband.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01- Really? So you sort of... - Gave it all up for love.
0:44:01 > 0:44:03- Gave it up.- For love.- Wow!
0:44:03 > 0:44:05- Which... Quite rightly so. - No regrets?- No regrets.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09But I feel as though it's my time to shine a little bit.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12I think it is, I really do. I've been cooking up a plan.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16I'd like to ask you to do a solo at Sandhurst.
0:44:16 > 0:44:20It's going to be a square of real kind of top brass,
0:44:20 > 0:44:24so they'll have loads of medals. I want you to walk out on your own
0:44:24 > 0:44:27and then all the other women will join you from around.
0:44:27 > 0:44:28Are you OK with that?
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- I suppose!- Yeah?- I suppose so.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37- Bye, Sam. Thank you. - Thank you for coming round, Gareth. - That was great. Well done.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40- See you later.- And you. Bye.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43I'm really chuffed that he's offered me a solo.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46I feel a little bit privileged.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49Especially singing a solo at Sandhurst.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53It's a bit nerve-racking, but I'm looking forward
0:44:53 > 0:44:57to the challenge of it, so it should be really good.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00I think the choir's had a bigger impact on Sam than anyone else.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02It's restored her to life, I think.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05She was really not in a good place when I first met her,
0:45:05 > 0:45:09incredibly vulnerable, incredibly nervous, especially about singing,
0:45:09 > 0:45:10and now she's necessary here.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14The other women are relying on her because she's so confident.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16But that's only returning to her now
0:45:16 > 0:45:20and I think it's really good to see that she's not going to let that go.
0:45:20 > 0:45:25She needs to sing, this woman, and it's really good to have helped her.
0:45:29 > 0:45:33Both the Chivenor and Plymouth halves of Gareth's choir will sing at Sandhurst
0:45:33 > 0:45:37and getting up to scratch is a challenge.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40'Now we're running into our last couple of rehearsals,
0:45:40 > 0:45:44'everyone's started to do rehearsals on their own and meet together'
0:45:44 > 0:45:47and I think there's a little bit of terror.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50I had a massive "Yeah!" from some and nothing from others.
0:45:53 > 0:45:58'This has to be a big splash. At Sandhurst, it's got to be something amazing.
0:45:58 > 0:46:02'This is an incredible place. The uniforms, the grandeur, the event, the formality of it.'
0:46:02 > 0:46:04Don't under sing this.
0:46:04 > 0:46:06'It's got to be theatrical, really amazing.
0:46:06 > 0:46:10'I want those guys to go home and say, "Remember that event where those women sang?"
0:46:10 > 0:46:18'That's what I'm looking for. Anything less than that will fail to send the message to the military.'
0:46:18 > 0:46:20We're going to do that again.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23# The boogie woogie bugle boy of company B. #
0:46:23 > 0:46:24Well done.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27She looks absolutely amazing. Love it!
0:46:33 > 0:46:35That's good! That was really, really good.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39'I think that they are doing really well.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42'I'm just incredibly nervous about it.'
0:46:45 > 0:46:48'This feels like the one to get right.'
0:46:51 > 0:46:54It's the morning of the Sandhurst performance
0:46:54 > 0:46:57and Gareth has a surprise for his choir.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00Morning. Thank you very much for coming. Do you know what you're doing?
0:47:00 > 0:47:04Right, OK. I'm afraid it's singing.
0:47:05 > 0:47:10Good reaction. Excellent. Come on. It won't be as bad as you think it's going to be.
0:47:10 > 0:47:14If you wait round the corner, they won't see. I'll keep this door shut.
0:47:16 > 0:47:20Right. OK. Good morning, ladies.
0:47:20 > 0:47:25We are going to go and do a very, very scary thing today.
0:47:25 > 0:47:29I felt like the mood has been extremely serious in the last few rehearsals
0:47:29 > 0:47:34so I felt like you needed something to lighten the mood a little bit.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36So I had a little word with Colonel Brown
0:47:36 > 0:47:41and I've organised for something... I think it's got to be a first,
0:47:41 > 0:47:45I really think it's got to be a first, because, for you, as a gesture of goodwill,
0:47:45 > 0:47:50you've sung for them, now they're going to sing for you.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53It's the Rear Party!
0:47:53 > 0:47:55CHEERING
0:48:05 > 0:48:07# I've got sunshine
0:48:07 > 0:48:10# On a cloudy day
0:48:12 > 0:48:15# When it's cold outside
0:48:15 > 0:48:19# I've got the month of May
0:48:21 > 0:48:25# I guess you'll say
0:48:25 > 0:48:30# What can make me feel this way?
0:48:30 > 0:48:33# My girl, my girl, my girl
0:48:33 > 0:48:36# Talking 'bout my girl
0:48:36 > 0:48:38# My girl
0:48:38 > 0:48:41# I've got so much honey... #
0:48:41 > 0:48:43CHEERING
0:48:43 > 0:48:46# Do do do do do
0:48:46 > 0:48:50# I've got a sweeter song
0:48:50 > 0:48:52# Than the birds in the trees
0:48:52 > 0:48:55# Do do do do do
0:48:55 > 0:48:59# I guess you'll say
0:48:59 > 0:49:03# What can make me feel this way?
0:49:03 > 0:49:05# My girl
0:49:05 > 0:49:07# My girl, my girl
0:49:07 > 0:49:09# Talking 'bout my girl
0:49:09 > 0:49:11# My girl. #
0:49:11 > 0:49:17CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:49:17 > 0:49:20It was all right, yeah. A good thing to do, really.
0:49:20 > 0:49:24It's got them psyched up, so it's for them, the end of the day.
0:49:24 > 0:49:28Ladies, are we ready for Sandhurst?
0:49:28 > 0:49:29- ALL:- Yes!
0:49:29 > 0:49:32OK. Off you go. Let's go.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35APPLAUSE
0:49:43 > 0:49:45Shoulder...
0:49:45 > 0:49:46arms!
0:49:50 > 0:49:54It's the biggest event of the Sandhurst calendar.
0:49:57 > 0:50:03Today, 260 cadets will receive their commissions in a grand passing out ceremony.
0:50:08 > 0:50:13Gareth's choir will sing at a formal dinner to mark the end of months of training
0:50:13 > 0:50:17and the beginning of their careers as army officers.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20With the parade over, the Plymouth and Chivenor choirs arrive
0:50:20 > 0:50:23to prepare for their evening performance.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25Welcome to Sandhurst!
0:50:25 > 0:50:27- Everyone all right?- Yes!
0:50:27 > 0:50:31It is massive. I didn't expect it to be this big.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34'It looks absolutely fabulous so everyone's got butterflies now.'
0:50:34 > 0:50:36Everything's getting all excited.
0:50:36 > 0:50:38It's looking really good though, I must admit.
0:50:38 > 0:50:40'Scared. Really scared.'
0:50:40 > 0:50:43Nerves have definitely kicked in.
0:50:43 > 0:50:47My stomach is going 100 mph and I want to run away.
0:50:47 > 0:50:50I just want to run away. I'm not feeling good right now.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53This is like no other gig I have ever done.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56Gig is the wrong word. This is a ceremony.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59This is the real deal and it's so formal here
0:50:59 > 0:51:04and the women are all putting their hair in rollers and their lipstick...
0:51:04 > 0:51:08I see now why they've gone to such an effort because it's so formal.
0:51:08 > 0:51:13The uniforms and the table covered in silverware. It's just astonishing.
0:51:15 > 0:51:16Ooh!
0:51:23 > 0:51:28Pretty nervous. I feel like it's a responsibility...
0:51:30 > 0:51:33..because they needed a voice and this is about giving them
0:51:33 > 0:51:37that voice right now in front of these guys.
0:51:38 > 0:51:41Ladies, just gather a bit closer.
0:51:41 > 0:51:45May I say, you are the most beautiful choir in the UK at this time.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47- All:- Awwwww.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49Try and hold it together.
0:51:49 > 0:51:51Focus on all the things we've done in rehearsal.
0:51:51 > 0:51:55The posture, the breathing, the singing...
0:51:55 > 0:51:57THEY LAUGH
0:51:57 > 0:51:59Stay strong, be really positive
0:51:59 > 0:52:03and just sing your socks off. Good luck.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06- Ready?- Yes.- Good.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09General, ladies and gentlemen, can I introduce, please,
0:52:09 > 0:52:12Gareth Malone and the Military Wives Choir.
0:52:30 > 0:52:35General, ladies and gentlemen, we are going to sing a small selection
0:52:35 > 0:52:39starting with a piece of plainsong from 1263.
0:52:39 > 0:52:45Can I say, congratulations on your achievements and it's a real honour to be here as part of this.
0:52:45 > 0:52:50I know this is a very important dinner for you, so thank you very much for having us this evening.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04# Pange lingua
0:53:04 > 0:53:07# Gloriosi
0:53:07 > 0:53:09# Corporis
0:53:09 > 0:53:13# Mysterium
0:53:13 > 0:53:17# Sanguinisque pretiosi
0:53:17 > 0:53:21# Quem in mundi pretium
0:53:21 > 0:53:27# Fructus ventris generosi
0:53:27 > 0:53:33# Rex effudit gentium
0:53:33 > 0:53:37- CHOIR SINGS:- # Nobis datus
0:53:37 > 0:53:40# Nobis natus
0:53:40 > 0:53:46# Ex intacta virgine
0:53:46 > 0:53:53# Et in mundo conversatus
0:53:53 > 0:54:00# Miro clausit ordine. #
0:54:01 > 0:54:06APPLAUSE
0:54:10 > 0:54:15There is a slight ulterior motive to coming here tonight,
0:54:15 > 0:54:19which is to persuade you, the military in general,
0:54:19 > 0:54:24of the importance of singing, and hopefully I would love to see
0:54:24 > 0:54:30choirs like this continuing and springing up long into the future. I think there is a great need for it.
0:54:30 > 0:54:34In order to start to spread this a little further,
0:54:34 > 0:54:40I went to Plymouth to create the second part of this growing choir
0:54:40 > 0:54:43so I'm delighted now to invite the women
0:54:43 > 0:54:47of the Plymouth Military Wives Choir to come and join us. Here they come.
0:54:47 > 0:54:51APPLAUSE
0:54:54 > 0:54:56One, two, one, two, three, four.
0:54:56 > 0:54:59PIANO STARTS UP
0:55:01 > 0:55:05# He was a famous trumpet man from out Chicago way
0:55:05 > 0:55:07# He had a boogie style that no-one else could play
0:55:07 > 0:55:10# He was the top man of his craft
0:55:10 > 0:55:11# But then his number came up
0:55:11 > 0:55:13# And he was gone with the draft
0:55:13 > 0:55:15# He's in the army now, he's blowing reveille
0:55:15 > 0:55:18# He's the boogie woogie bugle boy of company B
0:55:18 > 0:55:21# They made him blow a bugle For his Uncle Sam
0:55:21 > 0:55:24# It really brought him down because he couldn't jam
0:55:24 > 0:55:27# The captain seemed to understand
0:55:27 > 0:55:30# Because the next day the cap' went out and drafted a band
0:55:30 > 0:55:33# And now the company jumps when he plays reveille
0:55:33 > 0:55:37# He's the boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B
0:55:37 > 0:55:40# Toot toot he blows it eight to the bar
0:55:40 > 0:55:42# He can't play a note
0:55:42 > 0:55:45# If the bass and guitar isn't with him
0:55:45 > 0:55:49# He makes the company jump when he plays reveille
0:55:49 > 0:55:53# He's the boogie woogie bugle boy of company B. #
0:55:53 > 0:55:59APPLAUSE AND WHISTLING
0:56:08 > 0:56:13That was the first time I've seen a military wives' choir and they were amazing.
0:56:13 > 0:56:17I think we've got a genuine respect for what they do.
0:56:17 > 0:56:20They take a lot on while the lads are away so it's really nice to see.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23The girlfriends and wives are the real unsung heroes when we go away.
0:56:23 > 0:56:27They're the strength behind us. They keep us doing what we do.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30Inspirational. Really, really inspirational.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33The fact that when they're singing, they're pretty emotional about it
0:56:33 > 0:56:37proves to those of us who've been away and not really understood
0:56:37 > 0:56:41what it's like to be left behind, it brings it home, really.
0:56:41 > 0:56:43Was that a good reaction?
0:56:43 > 0:56:46I've not seen it before, so it must have been pretty good.
0:56:46 > 0:56:48So you hit the spot.
0:56:48 > 0:56:51CHEERING
0:56:51 > 0:56:54Ladies, that was absolutely fantastic, absolutely great.
0:56:54 > 0:56:59It sounded really accomplished. It had gravitas, grandeur and it had a great dose of fun at the end.
0:56:59 > 0:57:04It was brilliant. Really well done. Great job. Sandhurst accomplished!
0:57:04 > 0:57:07CHEERING
0:57:08 > 0:57:10I tell you what, that was awesome.
0:57:10 > 0:57:15To stand there and see all the lads...
0:57:15 > 0:57:17I can't even describe the feeling.
0:57:17 > 0:57:20- Very proud.- I'm proud of you. - I'm proud of you!
0:57:20 > 0:57:24We showed what we're made of, you know. We're strong,
0:57:24 > 0:57:27we're gutsy and we like a challenge.
0:57:27 > 0:57:32Oh, man, I feel so good now. I want to go back and do it again.
0:57:32 > 0:57:34It was amazing.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37I feel so much more confident now and I can just take on anything.
0:57:37 > 0:57:39I feel really good.
0:57:47 > 0:57:49I'm really proud of them.
0:57:49 > 0:57:52It was really good.
0:57:53 > 0:57:56Scariest gig of my life.
0:58:00 > 0:58:04Next time... After six long months of waiting for their loved ones,
0:58:04 > 0:58:08the men finally return home from Afghanistan.
0:58:08 > 0:58:09Daddy!
0:58:09 > 0:58:15It's like Christmas morning as a kid, that kind of feeling.
0:58:15 > 0:58:19In a grand finale, Gareth's choir will perform at the Royal Albert Hall
0:58:19 > 0:58:22in the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance.
0:58:22 > 0:58:26I want this to be the best thing you've ever done, a very proud moment.
0:58:26 > 0:58:30It's so exciting. I can't put into words. It's such a shock.
0:58:40 > 0:58:44E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk
0:58:44 > 0:58:48Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd