The reigning BBC Youth Choir of the Year, The Holles Singers competed in the Area Selection Stage of the 2012 Choir of the Year Competition at Milton Keynes Theatre in February and came away victorious in the Youth Choir Category. They were named as Choir of the Day, and secured their place as one of the top Youth Choirs in the country. But it nearly didn't happen, as heavy snow was forecast overnight and the trip was in doubt. The Holles Singers were due to sing in the afternoon session and took the decision to set out – hearing on the coach journey that only 3 choirs out of 10 had managed to get the morning auditions.

The judges' comments in the Milton Keynes auditions were very positive, describing the choir as ‘just stunning; very vibrant sound; full of character and a great joy'. The Choir performed Psalm 148, composed for them by Brendan Ashe, a Bosnian piece called Ederlezi and an intense arrangement of Cry Me a River arranged for them by their accompanist.

The recordings from the audition days from around the country will be used for the National Selection Stage in June. If the Holles Singers are selected at that point, the choir goes forward to the Category Finals in October in Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, weather permitting!