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Mark De-Lisser celebrates how hymns sung in childhood can inspire us throughout our lives, and he launches a very special vote to find the nation’s favourite school assembly song.

In this special celebration of the power of music in childhood, Mark meets music teacher James B Partridge, who has been catapulted to unlikely fame by playing school assembly hymns. Mark hears James’s remarkable story, from going viral on social media to taking his School Assembly Bangers show on tour and even to Glastonbury Festival. James explains how the joy of singing when we’re young can shape us in later life.

Mark then introduces the Rev Kate Bottley to launch a new and exciting Songs of Praise event... the Big School Assembly Singalong, which begins with a nationwide online vote to find the ultimate school assembly hymn.

The vote opens on Sunday 31 August and closes at 6pm on Saturday 20 September. Visit bbc.co.uk/songsofpraise to find all the terms, privacy notice and the all-important list of 50 school day favourites from which to choose.

Also in the programme, celebrated composer Adrian Snell shares how he gave up a life touring the world to become a music therapist. For Adrian, music can help students create, communicate and connect with others, and he tells us how it has had a profoundly positive impact on his own life.

Mark then meets gospel singer Seth Pinnock, founder of Symphony Co - a faith-based social impact charity empowering young people through music. Seth describes how sacred music has shaped his faith and life, and how he now uses it to inspire the next generation. Drawing on the melody, structure and chords of the beloved hymn, Be Thou My Vision, Seth leads a songwriting workshop.

The programme is filled with music that captures the joy of singing together.

1. God Is Love, His the Care – The Albert Hall, Nottingham
2. Every time I Feel the Spirit – Perfect Pitch
3. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind – Hereford Cathedral
4. Blessed Assurance – Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh
5. Total Praise – The Kingdom Choir
6. How Shall I Sing That Majesty? – St Martin-in-the-Fields, London