Choirmaster Gareth Malone is a man on a mission. He believes Britain's schools are bursting with untapped singing talent and he's determined to prove it by starting a competitive choir from scratch in a school that's never had one before. But there's a twist. He wants to get them good enough to compete in the World Choir Games in China by the end of the school year.
Gareth's choice of school is Northolt High an everyday comp and the auditions are an exhausting affair. From wannabe R&B divas to timid 11-year-olds singing nursery rhymes, Gareth sees 160 kids from which he needs 30. There are some real gems, including 15-year-old Chelsea Campbell. But it soon becomes apparent behind the slick voice is a dubious school record. She's being transferred to another school because of 'behaviour issues'.
For the lucky few there are ecstatic scenes when they are given the news they've made it through auditions. But then the real work begins. The group have just four weeks to produce singing good enough to qualify for the World Choir Games. Gareth battles poor attendance, lack of commitment and some terrible singing by the boys in his bid to realise his dream. Has he bitten off more then he can chew? [AD,S]