Video by Natalee Hazelwood



A group of Bedford schoolgirls hope to produce the sound of success after progressing in a prestigious music competition.

The Dame Alice Chamber Choir has qualified for the national selection stage of the BBC Radio 3 Choir Of The Year Competition.

But, as the girls tell it, the chance of a trophy is far less important than being part of the team.

Miriam Hanna, a Year 12 student, said: "Working with people from different year groups has been really great. It works to your advantage so much because you get to mix with people you wouldn't otherwise spend time with, as it is easy at school to just socialise with the same friends. We are a good choir, but the mixing has made us into good friends too.

"It's a long-term commitment, but it is definitely not a chore. Before concerts we go out together in the evening too, and go for dinner together and just enjoy spending time with each other."

The pupils still have to get through the national selection stage in June before they can take part in the category finals at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool in November.

And, if they overcome that hurdle, then the grand final awaits them – six choirs performing at London's Royal Festival Hall in December.

But the girls and their teacher Sarah Aylen are quietly optimistic.
Pupil Charlotte Montila said: "We are constantly working on new, little things. When Sarah tells us something needs improving, you often think, 'Oh, that's not significant.'

"But as we work on it you can see the difference it makes."