0:00:01 > 0:00:03find their voice.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06This is Gareth Malone here and I'm here to start a choir.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08Are you interested in joining a choir?
0:00:08 > 0:00:09Maybe, yeah.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11In search of hidden talent,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15he's creating choirs in five of Britain's biggest workplaces.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18I would like you to be in the choir, please. Yeah!
0:00:18 > 0:00:19Whoa!
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Yay!
0:00:21 > 0:00:23This proves that bankers can rock!
0:00:23 > 0:00:26If you were ever going to have a fire-fighting calendar,
0:00:26 > 0:00:28we've got them in the choir.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31As they compete to be this year's best workplace choir,
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Gareth's demanding musical excellence.
0:00:34 > 0:00:35Going to sing real music!
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Crescendo. Diminuendo.
0:00:38 > 0:00:57# La, la, la... # Mmm!
0:00:57 > 0:01:00all those horrible things that I see at work are kept.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02You've got to step it up one notch.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06The choirs will face huge public audiences...
0:01:06 > 0:01:08The appetite to win is now on.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Bricking it at the moment.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12..and be judged by three world-class musicians.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14You are never together.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Wonderful, wonderful tuning.
0:01:16 > 0:01:17Judgment day is coming.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19This means that I will sing for the rest of my life.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Other than getting married,
0:01:21 > 0:01:23it is one of the best experiences in my life.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26The Workplace Choir of the Year is...
0:01:36 > 0:01:40My impression of a council worker is performing very important tasks
0:01:40 > 0:01:42but doing it a little bit joylessly.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Gareth's visiting Britain's second city to set up a choir
0:01:46 > 0:01:49for the staff of Birmingham City Council.
0:01:49 > 0:02:07I don't know Birmingham Council
0:02:07 > 0:02:10A pioneer of local government, Birmingham now has
0:02:10 > 0:02:13the biggest local council in Europe.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15It runs nearly all the services in the city,
0:02:15 > 0:02:19supporting the community at every stage in their lives.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Use your arms.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29The council employs over 40,000 staff, but times are tough.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34It's in the midst of managing a ?400 million reduction in its budget.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36This could be a perfect storm of awfulness.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Budgets are being cut, money's been lost,
0:02:41 > 0:02:43it's a difficult time,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45and that's got to affect morale.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47I'm amazed they want to do it!
0:02:51 > 0:02:55The first stop is city hall, known as the Council House.
0:02:55 > 0:02:56Hello. Hello.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Nice to meet you. That's an unbelievable moustache.
0:02:59 > 0:03:17Oh, you're getting there soon. Thank you. I'm working on it.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19so they're excited and a bit nervous. Yeah.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22I'm getting the accent already.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23Terrible. It's so infectious.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Gareth has less than two months to recruit and train his choir
0:03:31 > 0:03:34up to contest standard.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36His first task is to find the very best voices
0:03:36 > 0:03:39the council has to offer.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43I'm looking for 22 people for the choir, which is small.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45It's a small choir but I think that's good.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47It puts more pressure on each individual.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49It puts the pressure on me now.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52I can't put anyone in who isn't absolutely able
0:03:52 > 0:03:55to hold their own, because it would be unfair.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59First day, first audition,
0:03:59 > 0:04:00HE SIGHS Here we go.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05The auditions take place over two days, with hundreds of workers
0:04:05 > 0:04:08turning up from every corner of the council.
0:04:08 > 0:04:30There's a lot of changes at the moment in the council,
0:04:30 > 0:04:31It's excitement.
0:04:34 > 0:04:35OK, Monique, what's your job?
0:04:35 > 0:04:39My official job title is cab customer advisor.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43I'm essentially a receptionist, in layman's terms. Oh, OK.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45I'm a peripatetic community officer.
0:04:49 > 0:04:50I'm a Bikeability instructor.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Pest controller.
0:04:52 > 0:04:53A ranger support officer.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Wasps, bed bugs, cockroaches, rats, fleas, you name it.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59Chef. Trampoline coach.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Grave-digger. Chief executive, Birmingham City Council!
0:05:02 > 0:05:04You're the man in charge.
0:05:04 > 0:05:05Well, allegedly, yes.
0:05:05 > 0:05:06I'm a children's social worker.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Children's social worker? Yes. That must be a tough job?
0:05:09 > 0:05:11It's a really tough job, actually. Really, really tough,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15but very, very rewarding. Is it? Love my job. I've been there 12 years.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19I hadn't appreciated until now just how much a local council does
0:05:19 > 0:05:19right across our society.
0:05:19 > 0:05:38ALL: Ah...
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Gareth's using a familiar song to test everyone's vocal range.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47Got it. OK, thank you very much. Here is Mandy. Here we go.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50# When you're alone and life is making you lonely
0:05:50 > 0:05:53# You can always go
0:05:53 > 0:05:55# Downtown... #
0:05:55 > 0:05:57There's more in there, isn't there? A little bit.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Shall we go higher?
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Two, three and...
0:06:02 > 0:06:05# When you're alone and life is making you lonely
0:06:05 > 0:06:07# You can always go... #
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Well done.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10# ..Downtown... #
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Thanks very much Mandy, you may sit down.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16What do you do, then?
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Assistant centre manager and I teach fitness classes.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21Can you give us a little demonstration of that?
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Squatting. All the way down, sitting down, all the way up.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26I won't do that in front of these good people here.
0:06:26 > 0:06:27I'll save that one for later.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28Two, three and...
0:06:28 > 0:06:46CROAKY VOICE: # When you're alo... #
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Good. Thank you, Idu, you may sit down.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54So many people turn up to audition
0:06:54 > 0:06:58that Gareth has to start making on-the-spot decisions.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00SHE SINGS SCALE
0:07:00 > 0:07:02OK.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04You have to be kind of cruel to be kind.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07There's no point building people up for hours and hours.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10You've just got to, "Sorry, you're not going to make the grade."
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Cheryl, a little bit too soft.
0:07:13 > 0:07:14Likewise Margaret.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Chantelle, up you get. Hello, Chantelle. Hello.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18What do you do?
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Morale's low, we've got lots of changes going on,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22so I go out and help teams
0:07:22 > 0:07:26and we actually come up with ideas of how we can actually help
0:07:26 > 0:07:30other services to get through the bad times and turn that around.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32I've got an idea. Mmm-hmm? A choir?
0:07:32 > 0:07:33We could start a choir! Yes! Oh, yay!
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Yeah, let's do it! Good. Thank you very much.
0:07:36 > 0:07:37Well done, everyone.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09The next morning, Gareth's on his way to deliver some good news.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11This is a nice part of my job,
0:08:11 > 0:08:13going to tell people that they're in my choir.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14It's really nice.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19Gareth's tried to pick a choir that represents all parts of the council.
0:08:19 > 0:08:20I've got to be the only person in the country
0:08:20 > 0:08:23actually looking for a traffic warden.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25This kind of job we do
0:08:25 > 0:08:28is a job whereby you interface with people,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30you meet different kinds of people,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33so you don't have any choice than to be happy about it!
0:08:33 > 0:08:37Go out with a smile so that you can have a fun-filled day.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42Firstly, madam, I've given you five minutes before I gave the ticket.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44If you check to be sure it's five...two minutes,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46then you can appeal it.
0:08:47 > 0:09:04Idu!
0:09:06 > 0:09:07You made it through. You're in the choir.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Ah, thank you so much. Thank you so much.
0:09:09 > 0:09:10Thank you so much.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12You did a great job. Wow, that's lovely.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13I'm very proud, you know?
0:09:13 > 0:09:16I'm very, very proud, I'm excited and I'm looking forward to it.
0:09:24 > 0:09:25Yes.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30OK. Thank you. Bye.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Oh, my God. Morning. How are you doing?
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Good morning! I've got some news. OK.
0:09:35 > 0:09:36You are in. Thank you.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Congratulations. Well done.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45I've never been in a choir before
0:09:45 > 0:09:47and I've never sung in public before
0:09:47 > 0:09:49so it's like,
0:09:49 > 0:09:53"Oh, my God, me of all people."
0:09:56 > 0:10:16I definitely think the person I'm going to go and see now has no idea
0:10:16 > 0:10:17Yeah. Yeah. Cool. Good!
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Gareth's picked Stephen for the tenor section.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22He's in charge of the fitness and swimming classes
0:10:22 > 0:10:24at the leisure centre.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26There's a lot of services that are central
0:10:26 > 0:10:29to a good quality of life, and this is definitely one of them.
0:10:29 > 0:10:30Definitely.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33I don't understand some of the cutbacks everyone's experiencing
0:10:33 > 0:10:34and stuff like that.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36We've just had to cut down on equipment and stuff
0:10:36 > 0:10:38and when we used to get things fixed when they're broke,
0:10:38 > 0:10:41wear and tear, we're doing mending things ourselves
0:10:41 > 0:10:42and stuff like that.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45There's an argument to say why not cut this?
0:10:45 > 0:10:46Why not get rid of the leisure centre?
0:10:46 > 0:10:50You know, it's not essential in the way that a hospital is essential.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53I think it's really important that the leisure centres are about,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56especially the ones that are for the community
0:10:56 > 0:10:58and the 20 schools who come in a week
0:10:58 > 0:11:00to learn to swim
0:11:00 > 0:11:02and I think, to take that away from the community,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05I think it would be a real disaster, I think it would be a real shame.
0:11:05 > 0:11:25Did you learn to swim in this pool?
0:11:25 > 0:11:27It's really lovely, it's a real sort of...
0:11:27 > 0:11:29This is the fabric of life.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30Give me five. You can have a rest now.
0:11:30 > 0:11:31That was good work, man.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42The choir's first rehearsal is held
0:11:42 > 0:11:46in the banqueting suite of the Council House.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48I feel like this year the contest is bigger.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Here we are, right in the centre of a huge organisation,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Birmingham City Council, the largest council in the whole of Europe,
0:11:55 > 0:11:57and we're right in their headquarters.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59I think it's really good to make them feel
0:11:59 > 0:12:03like they're representing this organisation and that's a big deal.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Gareth's choristers come from all areas of the council
0:12:07 > 0:12:10and today, most of them are meeting for the first time.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Hey, guys. How are you?
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Good, good, good. Good to meet you.
0:12:15 > 0:12:33How you doing, mate? You OK? All right? How's things?
0:12:33 > 0:12:35In under two months,
0:12:35 > 0:12:40the choir must perform before the world-class contest judges.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Just a handful have sung before.
0:12:42 > 0:12:43How you doing, mate?
0:12:43 > 0:12:44Come on, Gareth, where are you?
0:12:44 > 0:12:46Yeah, we want to get singing.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Shaking. Shaking.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Hello, Birmingham City Council!
0:12:56 > 0:12:58WHOOPING AND CHEERING
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Come on up! Let's get on with this. How are you doing? Let's do it!
0:13:01 > 0:13:04I think every choir is different, it has its own unique footprint,
0:13:04 > 0:13:07and I don't really know what that is here yet.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09I will after this rehearsal.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11That's what today is all about, it's just getting to know you.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14OK, good afternoon!
0:13:14 > 0:13:16ALL: Afternoon!
0:13:16 > 0:13:20I've got some news which is that I have a new job title.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23I am now the director of harmonic integration
0:13:23 > 0:13:46and strategic vocal performance officer.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49I love it. Do we all like that? Do we all know it?
0:13:49 > 0:13:52The director of children's services would not forgive me
0:13:52 > 0:13:55if I didn't say What Have You Done Today To Make Yourself Feel Proud?
0:13:55 > 0:13:57by Heather Small... Yeah, that's a good one.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59..cos it's his favourite song.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00I'm coming out in a rash.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05I wouldn't want to prejudice you against a song, but...
0:14:05 > 0:14:07(I hate it.)
0:14:07 > 0:14:12Rachel's a soprano and the choir's most senior manager.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Gareth being in charge, it's quite traumatic.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19There's always a little bit of me that,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21you know, will have to sort of catch myself and go,
0:14:21 > 0:14:24"You can't boss everyone around all the time."
0:14:24 > 0:14:27But I do a little bit because it's just...
0:14:28 > 0:14:29Just who I am.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Just a little bit bossy.
0:14:31 > 0:14:54Is it really? Is it like your children's services anthem? It is.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57So, all those in favour of Let's Work Together
0:14:57 > 0:14:58put your hands up.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01That feels like a unanimous decision, more or less.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02OK, it's Let's Work Together.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04I'm going to go and print the music off and the words
0:15:04 > 0:15:06and then we'll have a sing-through.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08OK, one, two, three and...
0:15:09 > 0:15:12So round about now. Two, three and...
0:15:12 > 0:15:17# Together we stand Divided we fall
0:15:17 > 0:15:20# Come on now, people Let's get on the ball
0:15:20 > 0:15:22# And work together
0:15:22 > 0:15:27# Come on, come on Let's work together... #
0:15:27 > 0:15:29And that's it.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31It's a new choir, basically, of new people,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33all from different sections of the council,
0:15:33 > 0:15:35so there's a lot of lessons going on.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37We're all on a very steep learning curve.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40It's probably one of the best things I've done in a long time,
0:15:40 > 0:15:41it really is.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45I've got a lot of work backing up and this is a real release.
0:15:45 > 0:16:03You didn't turn up for the last one
0:16:03 > 0:16:06My job, in a way, is standing between
0:16:06 > 0:16:10the perpetrators of abuse and the child.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11So you're going to...
0:16:12 > 0:16:15..absorb all the bullets, I suppose, aren't you?
0:16:15 > 0:16:18It's essential work, but even Siobhan's department
0:16:18 > 0:16:21has felt the impact of austerity.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24She has more work to do and fewer colleagues to support her.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26I mean, we work with the police a lot and they said,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29"We wouldn't go there without a bulletproof vest,
0:16:29 > 0:16:31"and you go there with a notepad and pen."
0:16:31 > 0:16:33And it's true. That's a reality.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35We're meant to go out on visits in pairs.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37That's what we're meant to do.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39But have we got the money to employ that many people?
0:16:39 > 0:16:40No, definitely not.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Do I go out on visits on my own?
0:16:42 > 0:16:44All the time. All the time.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Today, Siobhan's got an appointment
0:16:46 > 0:16:49with a young mum who needs her support,
0:16:49 > 0:16:51but she's been left waiting on the doorstep.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53No answer. I did text her as well, so...
0:16:53 > 0:17:13So the fact the pram's not there, curtains open,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15from six o'clock in the morning one day
0:17:15 > 0:17:17till midnight, where I had to stop myself,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20I had to stop and think, "Right, I've got to stop now."
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Obviously, days like that, I think I need to think about leaving.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27But then the next day something will happen and you think,
0:17:27 > 0:17:29"Ah, I love my job," so it's like that all the time.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Yeah, ups and downs. Oh, yeah. Yeah.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37I mean, if I have a bad day at work, the choir sounds out of tune.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40It's very different for you, very serious consequences.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41Yeah. Yeah.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44You know, I really admire Siobhan's strength.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47I don't think she realises quite how strong she is,
0:17:47 > 0:17:51because she's doing it every day and she has to be that strong.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55I don't know if I could be that strong.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25# Come on, come on Let's work together
0:18:27 > 0:18:30# Because together we will stand
0:18:30 > 0:18:34# Every boy, every woman and man... #
0:18:34 > 0:18:35Ready, and...
0:18:35 > 0:18:37ALL: # Together we will stand... #
0:18:37 > 0:18:40And in between his visits, Gareth's recruited a local choirmaster
0:18:40 > 0:18:42to run rehearsals. THEY SING
0:18:42 > 0:18:46In less than two months, the choir needs to be ready to sing publicly
0:18:46 > 0:18:48in front of the contest judges.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51They've got their work cut out.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59A week after his first visit,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Gareth's back in Birmingham to check on progress.
0:19:02 > 0:19:03Well, today is really critical for me
0:19:03 > 0:19:09because it's the first time I get to see what the work ethic is here.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13That first rehearsal, I didn't hear them sing an arrangement.
0:19:13 > 0:19:31I don't know what it's going to sound like!
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Hello! ALL: Hello! Good afternoon.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38OK, on your feet, please, let's get ready to sing.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Good. From memory, please, here we go.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44One, two, three and...
0:19:44 > 0:19:47THEY MUMBLE THE WORDS
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Not totally together!
0:19:49 > 0:19:52And the point of the song is, "Together we will stand."
0:19:52 > 0:19:55# Together we will stand... # Two, three...
0:19:55 > 0:19:58ALL: # Together we will stand Every woman, every man... #
0:19:58 > 0:19:59Altos.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03# ..Together we will stand Every woman, every man
0:20:03 > 0:20:07# Together we will stand Every woman, every man
0:20:07 > 0:20:11# When things go wrong as they sometimes will
0:20:11 > 0:20:15# And the road you travel it stays all uphill
0:20:15 > 0:20:17# Together we will stand
0:20:17 > 0:20:21# Every boy, every woman and man
0:20:23 > 0:20:41# Together we will stand Every woman, every man... #
0:20:41 > 0:20:43I mean, it really is...
0:20:43 > 0:20:46It's foul at the moment. It's really terrible.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50What I'd really like to do is to get everyone lying on the floor
0:20:50 > 0:20:54so that your heads are in the middle, like this, OK?
0:20:54 > 0:20:56To create a better blend of sound,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Gareth sets the choir a vocal exercise.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02They're over-singing a lot of the time. It's far too loud.
0:21:02 > 0:21:03They're just shouting.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Ooh. Two, three and...
0:21:07 > 0:21:11ALL: # Ooh... #
0:21:11 > 0:21:16Can you hear? Just the difference when you're close like this,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19and you're singing at a good dynamic where every voice can be heard,
0:21:19 > 0:21:21the difference is like chalk and cheese.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24OK, on your feet, please. Let's get ready to sing.
0:21:25 > 0:21:32# Together we will stand Every boy, every woman and man
0:21:32 > 0:21:50# Ooh, ooh
0:21:50 > 0:21:55so I want these songs to be performance-ready.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59The best way to do that, I think, is to get in front of an audience.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03So it just so happens that Birmingham City Council
0:22:03 > 0:22:06has a dementia care place just next door.
0:22:06 > 0:22:12It'd be a lovely, generous thing for our choir to go and perform to them.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13Why don't we go and do it right now?
0:22:13 > 0:22:16WHOOPS AND CHEERS
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Come on. Follow me!
0:22:23 > 0:22:25It's perfect timing, actually,
0:22:25 > 0:22:29cos they need to shape up and get serious about it.
0:22:29 > 0:22:30I think they've done some rehearsing
0:22:30 > 0:22:33but they weren't really rehearsing with any great focus.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35What I need them to do now
0:22:35 > 0:22:37is to try and retain everything we've done in rehearsal.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39I don't think they will.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41I think they're going to screw it up royally.
0:22:41 > 0:23:03Hello.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05HE MOUTHS COUNT
0:23:06 > 0:23:14# Together we will stand Every woman, every man
0:23:14 > 0:23:18# Together we'll stand Divided we'll fall
0:23:18 > 0:23:22# Come on now, people Let's get on the ball
0:23:22 > 0:23:24# And work together
0:23:24 > 0:23:27# Come on, come on Let's work together
0:23:27 > 0:23:29# Together, together
0:23:29 > 0:23:31# Together
0:23:31 > 0:23:32# Because together we will stand
0:23:32 > 0:23:37# Every boy, every woman and man
0:23:37 > 0:23:44# Ooh, ooh, ooh... #
0:23:46 > 0:23:49RIPPLE OF APPLAUSE
0:23:49 > 0:24:10Thank you for that warm reception. Thank you very much.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14I don't think they'd really thought, "Oh, we MUST learn this music,"
0:24:14 > 0:24:16to the degree that I was expecting.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19I want them to be performance-ready when I return, and they weren't.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Yeah, I mean, you've got to have your first performance, haven't you?
0:24:23 > 0:24:26And, you know, it wasn't perfect.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28There are lots of things we need to work on.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Gareth said earlier, "How hard did you work?"
0:24:30 > 0:24:32and I was like, "I worked hard!"
0:24:32 > 0:24:36And then I realised, really, doing that performance
0:24:36 > 0:24:38that, actually, that isn't working hard.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Very honoured to be able to come and sing for you guys...
0:24:41 > 0:24:44To make amends, the choir goes back inside
0:24:44 > 0:24:46and takes some requests from the floor.
0:24:46 > 0:24:47You like Singin'...?
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Singin' In The Rain.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Oh, Singin' In The Rain! I love Singin' In The Rain!
0:24:52 > 0:24:54# Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
0:24:54 > 0:24:56# Let the stormy clouds chase
0:24:56 > 0:25:01# Everyone from their place... #
0:25:01 > 0:25:19And they were a very forgiving audience. They were very kind.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22They did that naturally because they're caring
0:25:22 > 0:25:25and I think that's a real asset for them as a choir.
0:25:27 > 0:25:28They do have bags of heart.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33But the choir's strength of character
0:25:33 > 0:25:35is about to be severely tested.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37RADIO: 'Good morning.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40'Birmingham City Council's facing another 10% cut
0:25:40 > 0:25:42'in funding from central government.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44'The move comes despite the government promising to spend
0:25:44 > 0:25:47'another ?3 billion on social care.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50'Ministers have backed an IVF technique...'
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Another government spending review
0:25:52 > 0:25:56means the council must reduce its costs even further.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00More services will be scaled back and some discontinued altogether.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04I mean, it's so miserable reading this.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06I mean, now that I know people who...
0:26:06 > 0:26:09I've seen articles like this for the last couple of years
0:26:09 > 0:26:10and not batted an eyelid,
0:26:10 > 0:26:30but now I actually know people that work in leisure centres
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Gareth goes to visit some of the members.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Lee's a tenor and he's worked for the council's parks department
0:26:41 > 0:26:43for more than 20 years.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47He's worried the city's green spaces will start to disappear.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Where did most of us learn to ride a bike?
0:26:49 > 0:26:50Yeah, in the park.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Where did you first run after a duck by the lake?
0:26:53 > 0:26:54It was your local park!
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Where did you hang out with your friends when you were little?
0:26:57 > 0:27:00In the park. Yeah. Is this the toughest time you've seen?
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Definitely, yeah. Is it? Definitely.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05And there's no sign of the tough times going to go away.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06How are you?
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Gareth's next visit is to Rachel,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11a senior manager in family and children's services.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14If there are redundancies in her department,
0:27:14 > 0:27:16she'll have to break the news to the staff.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19I think, until I came to Birmingham, I didn't really understand
0:27:19 > 0:27:39the human cost of the cuts, you know?
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Could be their swan song. Could be their swan song, yep.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46People feel so passionately about it because, you know,
0:27:46 > 0:27:50we want to do the best for Birmingham and show how great
0:27:50 > 0:27:55the staff here are, even faced with everything that they are.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57It's sobering, isn't it?
0:27:57 > 0:28:00It's sobering to think that some of the choir might not
0:28:00 > 0:28:03be around in six months, but that is the reality of this place.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Nobody is safe.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10?650 million worth of cuts is so serious that anything could go.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Rachel could go!
0:28:12 > 0:28:14It makes the performance that they're going to do
0:28:14 > 0:28:15feel rather poignant.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25HE PLAYS HARMONICA
0:28:27 > 0:28:29The next time Gareth calls his choir together
0:28:29 > 0:28:49there's just two weeks to go till they appear before the judges
0:28:49 > 0:28:52from the performance that they did at the care centre.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54This is serious now.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56Enter!
0:28:56 > 0:28:58Hello, Stephen. Come and join us. Morning.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Hi! The song I've had arranged for Birmingham City Council,
0:29:01 > 0:29:03it's got the spirit written through it, I think.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Just a positive outlook despite hard times.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Good morning, everyone! ALL: Good morning!
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Excited? Yes.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13You should be because now the contest really begins.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15You've done your first preliminary performance,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18but everything you do from here on in is going to be judged.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21At your next performance, there will be judges in the audience
0:29:21 > 0:29:23and they will be watching you.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27Let's talk about your song for the next stage.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28The song is...
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Da-da-da-dah!
0:29:31 > 0:29:34..the Only Way Is Up by Yazz And The Plastic Population.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Yes! Ah! That was the first single I bought!
0:29:37 > 0:29:39So I think it's worth just looking at the lyrics first.
0:29:39 > 0:29:40I think these are perfect for you, actually.
0:29:40 > 0:30:01simple song, but a good song, I think, a good song for you.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05Gareth's also looking for someone to put themselves in the spotlight
0:30:05 > 0:30:07at the start of the performance.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10I would like the beginning of this to be a solo.
0:30:10 > 0:30:15I'm going to put up a notice in the council building
0:30:15 > 0:30:17and you can come and sign up
0:30:17 > 0:30:21and next time I will hear everyone who wants to go for the solo.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23So shall we have a little bash through? Two, three...
0:30:27 > 0:30:30# The only way is up
0:30:30 > 0:30:32# Baby
0:30:32 > 0:30:36# For you and me now
0:30:36 > 0:30:41# Hold on
0:30:41 > 0:30:44# Ah
0:30:44 > 0:30:47# The only way is up
0:30:47 > 0:30:49# Baby
0:30:49 > 0:31:08# For you and me now
0:31:08 > 0:31:09So blinking obvious.
0:31:09 > 0:31:10You've only got one note to sing.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14It must be the same note all the way through, it cannot move.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19It's going to take them a long time. I worry that they're not going to be ready for the contest,
0:31:19 > 0:31:25cos they took quite a long time to settle on things.
0:31:25 > 0:31:26The discipline in rehearsal
0:31:26 > 0:31:30is what really needs to get sorted out for next time.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32I did set you homework.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34Sopranos, how many times have you got together?
0:31:34 > 0:31:36About six. About six? At least six.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Six? Oh, my gosh. About, yeah.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40Six, OK. I would say.
0:31:40 > 0:31:41Tenors, have you managed to get together?
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Four. Four or five. Four?
0:31:44 > 0:31:45It's just like...
0:31:45 > 0:31:48I don't believe you! I don't.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52You do not have the face of a liar. Brilliant.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55No. Sorry, mate. We spoke on the phone a few times.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59Oh, that's good. Touching.
0:31:59 > 0:32:17So, no, tenors, you haven't managed to get together? No.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19Just to organise it, or my secretary will organise them for you.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Can you be our secretary? OK, Dawn, will organise them.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31The sopranos and altos all stick to Rachel's timetable...
0:32:33 > 0:32:36# The only way is up... #
0:32:36 > 0:32:39..but she's worried about the tenors' work ethic.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42# California...
0:32:42 > 0:32:44# Check it out, check it out, yeah
0:32:44 > 0:32:47# In the city... #
0:32:47 > 0:32:51Did you manage to get anything to the tenors about choir practices?
0:32:51 > 0:32:53I did, I sent them an e-mail,
0:32:53 > 0:32:55and I've set them all up with practice sessions
0:32:55 > 0:32:58all the way up till the end.
0:32:58 > 0:32:59We've got a new manager.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02Rachel has, um...
0:33:04 > 0:33:07We didn't rehearse, basically.
0:33:07 > 0:33:28We was just listening to the discs at home,
0:33:29 > 0:33:33Gareth still needs to decide who he wants to sing the solo.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36Today, he's auditioning the 13 members of the choir
0:33:36 > 0:33:38who have put their names forward.
0:33:38 > 0:33:39Hi! Hi.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41Everyone I've spoken to at the council says
0:33:41 > 0:33:44that they've been through very, very difficult times, so I want this solo
0:33:44 > 0:33:47to have a sense of that, whilst yet being resilient and positive.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51# We've been broken down... #
0:33:51 > 0:33:52Hello!
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Hello! Judy, you're next. Come on in.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Go for it!
0:33:56 > 0:34:00# We've been broken down... #
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Hi, Jamila. # To the lowest turn... #
0:34:02 > 0:34:05Come on in. You're next. How you doing? Yeah.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10# And being on the bottom line
0:34:10 > 0:34:14# Sure ain't no fun
0:34:14 > 0:34:19# But if we should be evicted
0:34:19 > 0:34:36# From our home
0:34:36 > 0:34:37HE STRAINS
0:34:37 > 0:34:39HE SIGHS
0:34:39 > 0:34:43# Life on the bottom line
0:34:43 > 0:34:47# Sure ain't no fun... #
0:34:47 > 0:34:49How do you feel about the song?
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Yeah, the words are good.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54It fits with the scenario that we're in.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56That you're in at the moment.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59Really is the lowest turn, whatever that actually is.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04What, for you, has been the lowest point of all these cuts?
0:35:04 > 0:35:06We've had to re-apply for our own job.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Go for psychometric testing.
0:35:10 > 0:35:11What's that?
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Testing to see how you tick.
0:35:15 > 0:35:16Jeez.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20So difficult.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22And how do you bounce back from that and stay positive
0:35:22 > 0:35:23and keep coming to work
0:35:23 > 0:35:27and being cheery with all the people you work with
0:35:27 > 0:35:47when you know some of them might go, and you might go yourself?
0:35:47 > 0:35:50and some local leisure centres will be closing down.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52Really? So more cuts to come?
0:35:52 > 0:35:53More cuts to come, I'm afraid.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Not out of the woods? No. No. Mmm.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Well, I think, you know, if somebody can come in here,
0:36:00 > 0:36:03having thought about what the song means, really understanding
0:36:03 > 0:36:07what the council's been through, they're going to ace it.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Hi! Mandy, how are you doing? Good, thanks.
0:36:12 > 0:36:17Mandy has two young children and a part-time job in business support.
0:36:17 > 0:36:22I've been singing since I was seven years old, probably younger.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Over the last ten years,
0:36:24 > 0:36:27since I've had children, it's sort of taken a bit of a back seat.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31This could be the last opportunity, at 43 years old,
0:36:31 > 0:36:33that I'm going to have.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35OK, Mandy, are you ready? Yes.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37You're a confident singer. I am.
0:36:37 > 0:36:56This will be fine. It will.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00# Sure ain't no fun... #
0:37:02 > 0:37:04Thank you. OK.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Well done, Mandy. That's very good. See you later.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13She was the first person I thought, "OK, now we're talking."
0:37:13 > 0:37:15Siobhan. Yes.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Hello. Come in. You are the last one.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19I am indeed. How are you doing?
0:37:19 > 0:37:22I'm OK, thanks. You? Yeah. Thanks for waiting. Come on in.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24Thank you.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26You ready for this?
0:37:26 > 0:37:27Yes. Yes. Yeah.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34# We've been broken down
0:37:35 > 0:37:38# To the lowest turn
0:37:40 > 0:37:44# And being on the bottom line
0:37:44 > 0:37:47# Sure ain't no fun
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Later that day, the choir meets at the city hall,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21all waiting to find out who Gareth's picked to sing the solo.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27Righty-ho, then, I'd like to talk about the auditions
0:38:27 > 0:38:29and to say thank you very much.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32A really good turnout. Some great voices, actually.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36Really, really good voices. Some good solo potential there.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41The person who I thought did a fantastic job
0:38:41 > 0:38:43and I would like to do the solo is...
0:38:45 > 0:38:47..Siobhan.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49WHOOPING
0:38:52 > 0:38:55SHE MOUTHS
0:38:56 > 0:38:57Well done, Siobhan.
0:38:57 > 0:39:15SHE MOUTHS
0:39:15 > 0:39:19# We've been broken down
0:39:19 > 0:39:23# To the lowest turn
0:39:23 > 0:39:26# And being on the bottom line... #
0:39:26 > 0:39:29There's something about Siobhan that is so right for this company
0:39:29 > 0:39:31because she's just got this inner calm.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34I mean, she's great and I thought
0:39:34 > 0:39:37that choice went down really well with the rest of the choir.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41# The only way is up
0:39:41 > 0:39:43# Baby
0:39:43 > 0:39:46# For you and me now
0:39:46 > 0:39:48# The only way is up... #
0:39:56 > 0:39:59You probably want to hear what I think, right?
0:39:59 > 0:40:02I genuinely think you sound like a different choir,
0:40:02 > 0:40:04and I mean that as a compliment.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07Sounding really much better, much more considered.
0:40:07 > 0:40:25There's potential to really get some spine tingles going with this.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28is that the judges will be there grading your performance
0:40:28 > 0:40:30so this has got to be really, really good.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33It's got to be your best performance ever.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45With their soloist in place and extra rehearsals under their belt,
0:40:45 > 0:40:48the council choir is growing in confidence
0:40:48 > 0:40:51as the final performance draws near.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53# The only way is up... #
0:40:53 > 0:40:56Gareth's focusing on the start of the performance.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59He wants to make sure it's pitch-perfect.
0:40:59 > 0:41:00How's your solo coming on?
0:41:00 > 0:41:03So with less than a week till the big day,
0:41:03 > 0:41:05he visits Siobhan at home.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10# We'll just move somewhere else
0:41:10 > 0:41:13# And still carry on... #
0:41:14 > 0:41:36That's good... It's not making enough impact, is that what you mean?
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Look, what does the song mean to you?
0:41:40 > 0:41:43I think it means, you know, the families that I work with.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46I think the song is about asking them to trust me
0:41:46 > 0:41:48and everyone in the council to...
0:41:48 > 0:41:51You know, there are better times, you've got to come with us.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53It's definitely worth having something to latch onto,
0:41:53 > 0:41:57like a moment that you're going to use in that song.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59I have loads of moments. Do you? Yeah.
0:42:01 > 0:42:02What's your moment? Erm...
0:42:08 > 0:42:11I have lots of moments at work. Yeah.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Sorry.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20No, it's OK, because...
0:42:20 > 0:42:23I suppose if I'm going to sing this song,
0:42:23 > 0:42:24I have to, erm...
0:42:26 > 0:42:44..tap into that part of my mind where...
0:42:44 > 0:42:46so we see some horrible things.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49And it's very, very upsetting but you haven't got time
0:42:49 > 0:42:51to deal with those emotions so, you know,
0:42:51 > 0:42:53you have to stand there in hospitals
0:42:53 > 0:42:55when there's children with broken limbs
0:42:55 > 0:42:57and, you know, you have to fill out forms
0:42:57 > 0:43:00and you have to liaise with all these professionals,
0:43:00 > 0:43:02you have to have meetings and you have to do all this
0:43:02 > 0:43:04and there's that child lying there
0:43:04 > 0:43:06and you haven't got time to have a good cry. No.
0:43:06 > 0:43:07Because you can't.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09I think, for it really to work,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12you've got to wear your heart on your sleeve a bit. Yeah, OK.
0:43:17 > 0:43:22# We've been broken down
0:43:22 > 0:43:27# To the lowest turn
0:43:27 > 0:43:32# And being on the bottom line
0:43:32 > 0:43:34# Sure ain't no fun
0:43:36 > 0:43:55# But if we should be evicted
0:43:55 > 0:43:58Siobhan is one of those rare people who can sing,
0:43:58 > 0:44:00but who can also perform a song.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03She's the perfect person to do the solo.
0:44:03 > 0:44:04I think it's going to be...
0:44:05 > 0:44:07It could be breathtaking.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13The next time we meet, it will be your performance
0:44:13 > 0:44:16so you need to be absolutely ready for show time!
0:44:16 > 0:44:18Are you ready? ALL: Yes.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20I think you almost are, actually.
0:44:20 > 0:44:22With just a few days to go,
0:44:22 > 0:44:23Gareth's come to give the choir
0:44:23 > 0:44:27one last pep talk before they perform for the judges.
0:44:27 > 0:44:31And who'd have thought that such a silly little plastic song
0:44:31 > 0:44:32would actually be so moving?
0:44:32 > 0:44:35It's really good and it's testament to how you've embraced it
0:44:35 > 0:44:37and we've got a good message with it
0:44:37 > 0:44:39and we've got a cracking solo at the beginning as well
0:44:39 > 0:44:41so I think it's going to be great.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45But Siobhan's gearing up to deliver some dreadful news.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09Is there a chance you might not be there on Wednesday?
0:45:09 > 0:45:11Yeah, well, what can I... No, no.
0:45:11 > 0:45:12There's nothing I...
0:45:12 > 0:45:14No, there's nothing you can do. Oh, shoot!
0:45:15 > 0:45:18I'm concerned that Siobhan's not going to make it.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20Obviously, her job comes first.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22She has an incredibly important job.
0:45:22 > 0:45:23She's got a court case coming up.
0:45:23 > 0:45:25She has to prioritise that.
0:45:25 > 0:45:28But if she possibly can be there, it is essential.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37It's the day before they sing for the judges
0:45:37 > 0:45:42and the choir is rehearsing with its choirmaster for the final time
0:45:42 > 0:45:46whilst Siobhan's on her way to give evidence in court.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48I'm really hoping that it will be finished today
0:45:48 > 0:45:50and that I can do the solo tomorrow,
0:45:50 > 0:45:52but I can't think about that at the moment.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55I've got to put myself into this case and these children.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41The day of the final performance has arrived.
0:46:41 > 0:46:45The choir begins to gather at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery,
0:46:45 > 0:46:48which is being used to stage the event.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51Oh, God, it's time!
0:46:51 > 0:46:54Mmm-hmm. It's time!
0:46:54 > 0:46:56I think it's a really fascinating moment
0:46:56 > 0:47:00when a choir first performs on stage in a formal setting like this,
0:47:00 > 0:47:03cos you get to see what they're really made of.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05You're looking in the whites of their eyes
0:47:05 > 0:47:24and you can see who's got it and who hasn't.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30In fact, Siobhan's case has been adjourned.
0:47:33 > 0:47:34Hello!
0:47:34 > 0:47:37THEY CHEER
0:47:37 > 0:47:38Why am I being applauded?
0:47:38 > 0:47:41Hello, Gareth. I've got to say, I'm pleased to see you. Yes.
0:47:41 > 0:47:43Are you all right? Yeah, fine!
0:47:43 > 0:47:45Good. Out of breath from running, but, yeah, I'm here.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47Well, you made it. That's good.
0:47:47 > 0:47:48Thanks. Good. How did it go?
0:47:48 > 0:47:51OK, yeah.
0:47:51 > 0:47:52Yeah, come on, let's go.
0:47:58 > 0:48:02The three contest judges are making their way to the venue.
0:48:02 > 0:48:07They're all internationally renowned musical heavyweights.
0:48:07 > 0:48:09Welsh composer Paul Mealor came to prominence
0:48:09 > 0:48:12with his choral composition for the Royal Wedding.
0:48:12 > 0:48:32He's also topped the charts with his hit for the Military Wives.
0:48:32 > 0:48:35whether it's a choir, a soloist, orchestra, whoever.
0:48:35 > 0:48:37People often think you mean smiling by that.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40It's not smiling, it's the energy that they give every word
0:48:40 > 0:48:41and every meaning.
0:48:41 > 0:48:45Award-winning conductor Ken Burton is not only known for gospel
0:48:45 > 0:48:46but classical too,
0:48:46 > 0:48:49including work with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
0:48:49 > 0:48:53It's really important how the choir blends.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56They must all lock in to that central sound.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02The choir's colleagues, friends and families
0:49:02 > 0:49:04have come to see them perform.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09My sister's coming tonight and she's bringing my daughter Roisin.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12I'm always, always saying to Roisin,
0:49:12 > 0:49:14"You've got to do the things that frighten you.
0:49:14 > 0:49:17"You've got to get up there and do them because the only way
0:49:17 > 0:49:20"you'll overcome your fears is if you put yourself out there,"
0:49:20 > 0:49:22and I'm doing that tonight.
0:49:22 > 0:49:43You know, we've got that one shot to do the performance
0:49:43 > 0:49:47making sure all the four parts are secure and balanced.
0:49:47 > 0:49:49And that's the one thing, really the main thing,
0:49:49 > 0:49:50that I'm going to be looking for.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52The main thing is that they just get out,
0:49:52 > 0:49:54enjoy it and they don't have stage fright. Yeah. Yeah.
0:49:54 > 0:49:59# And now the end is near
0:49:59 > 0:50:04ALL: # And so I face the final curtain.... #
0:50:05 > 0:50:07I'm absolutely petrified,
0:50:07 > 0:50:10but I'm not going to show anybody. I can't.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13I've got 22 people that I can't let down tonight,
0:50:13 > 0:50:16and that's 21 members of the choir and Gareth.
0:50:16 > 0:50:22# And more, much more than this
0:50:22 > 0:50:29# I did it my way... #
0:50:31 > 0:50:52I know, as an organisation, you've had a tough time recently,
0:50:52 > 0:50:54I think, really, actually, you need an audience now.
0:50:54 > 0:50:56Yes. Mm-mm. Let's go.
0:51:05 > 0:51:06Ladies and gentleman,
0:51:06 > 0:51:11it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you
0:51:11 > 0:51:14the Birmingham City Council Choir!
0:51:14 > 0:51:18CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:51:37 > 0:51:41Now, a contest wouldn't be a contest without judges,
0:51:41 > 0:52:04and we have three judges today who I'd like to introduce to you.
0:52:04 > 0:52:08They will be ably led in a solo at the beginning
0:52:08 > 0:52:12by a children's social worker, Siobhan, at the front here.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14So, ladies and gentlemen,
0:52:14 > 0:52:18with pride I give you the Birmingham City Council Choir.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38# We've been broken down
0:52:38 > 0:52:43# To the lowest turn
0:52:43 > 0:52:47# And being on the bottom line
0:52:47 > 0:52:51# Sure ain't no fun
0:52:51 > 0:53:12# But if we should be evicted
0:53:12 > 0:53:15# Ooh
0:53:15 > 0:53:22# Hold on, hold on Hold on, ooh, ahh
0:53:22 > 0:53:25# The only way is up
0:53:25 > 0:53:26# Baby
0:53:26 > 0:53:29# For you and me now
0:53:29 > 0:53:32# The only way is up
0:53:32 > 0:53:34# Baby
0:53:34 > 0:53:38# For you and me now
0:53:38 > 0:53:45# Hold on, hold on, hold on Ooh-ooh-ooh-wah-wah
0:53:45 > 0:53:48# The only way is up
0:53:48 > 0:53:50# Baby
0:53:50 > 0:53:53# For you and me now
0:53:53 > 0:53:56# The only way is up
0:53:56 > 0:53:57# Baby
0:53:57 > 0:54:01# For you and me now
0:54:01 > 0:54:24# The only way is up! #
0:54:29 > 0:54:30Well...
0:54:30 > 0:54:33Well done, everybody.
0:54:33 > 0:54:35It was a stunning performance.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37Siobhan, where are you?
0:54:37 > 0:54:39You are a legend.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55I think I can quite honestly say that that performance
0:54:55 > 0:54:57was really above my expectations.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00However, I'm here to look at the technical side of things,
0:55:00 > 0:55:03and you have to remember that this is a knockout competition.
0:55:03 > 0:55:04This song, it builds.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07It's so beautifully written. It builds and builds and builds
0:55:07 > 0:55:08and I want to feel...
0:55:08 > 0:55:11I want to be standing up and shouting at the end of it,
0:55:11 > 0:55:31so you've got to convince me and you've got to sell it.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34and you are right up there with the rest of them.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36I think it was a really, really good performance.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38Now, what I want you to work on is, think of different ways
0:55:38 > 0:55:41in which you use your voice on a daily basis.
0:55:41 > 0:55:44You know, sometimes you whisper, sometimes you shout,
0:55:44 > 0:55:46and you all have the capability of
0:55:46 > 0:55:50producing those different dynamic levels in your voice
0:55:50 > 0:55:52so that's what I really want you to work on.
0:55:52 > 0:55:55We've given you a lot of praise this afternoon
0:55:55 > 0:55:57and it's well deserved,
0:55:57 > 0:55:59but remember, this is a competition.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02So you've done well tonight, but you've really got
0:56:02 > 0:56:05to up your game next time because judgment day is coming.
0:56:06 > 0:56:08Thank you so much to the judges.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11Thank you very much, Birmingham!
0:56:11 > 0:56:14CHEERING Thank you, everyone.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43this is exactly the timing of it where we needed something
0:56:43 > 0:56:45to lift our spirits.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49When I listened to the harmony of the song, man,
0:56:49 > 0:56:52I mean, it was really moving, you know what I mean?
0:56:52 > 0:56:55Yeah. I love it. High-five. Yeah!
0:56:55 > 0:56:58It felt like everyone in that choir had got behind the idea
0:56:58 > 0:57:01of the song, they understood why we were singing it and they knew
0:57:01 > 0:57:04that that audience needed the lift that that song provided.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07It was moving. Hey, my baby!
0:57:07 > 0:57:08And I tell you, for one,
0:57:08 > 0:57:13I, for one, I'm pretty proud today that I'm part of it. Yeah.
0:57:13 > 0:57:16It was fantastic feedback today, but the one thing that worries me
0:57:16 > 0:57:18is when they get to the knockout stage,
0:57:18 > 0:57:21they've got to produce something even better, and the competition
0:57:21 > 0:57:25is going to be very stiff, and they are on a high at the moment.
0:57:26 > 0:57:28This is just the start.
0:57:28 > 0:57:31Next time you're going to be face to face with another choir.
0:57:31 > 0:57:50It's going to be a very different feel
0:57:53 > 0:57:55It will be very interesting to see
0:57:55 > 0:57:58if the other choirs can match that, because I feel like,
0:57:58 > 0:58:01if they do, the competition is really going to hot up this year.
0:58:07 > 0:58:11Next time, Gareth's got a treat in store.
0:58:11 > 0:58:14He's checking out the talent in a supermarket.
0:58:14 > 0:58:17Would you like to be in it? Yes?
0:58:17 > 0:58:19I'd like you in the choir as well.
0:58:19 > 0:58:20SHE SCREAMS
0:58:20 > 0:58:23Look how much stock there is. It's mind-boggling.
0:58:23 > 0:58:25But can he make them sing with one voice?
0:58:25 > 0:58:27Not together, is it?
0:58:27 > 0:58:29I don't know if I've crushed them.
0:58:29 > 0:58:32WHOOPING AND CHEERING
0:58:32 > 0:58:35Right, are you ready! ALL: Yes!
0:58:35 > 0:58:37Apparently so. Come on, then!