The Choir -anyone watching?

Subject: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Saro
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 12:37 PM

Did anyone watch The Choir on BBC 2 yesterday? Interesting to see someone trying to encourage teenage boys to sing, and also interesting to see that the song Gareth sang to the whole assembly was "She's Like the Swallow". Looking forward to nest week...
Saro

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 02:21 PM

Yeah I watched it, I admire his determination although I m not a Fan of folk songs sung by trained voices(personal opinion),and you just know he's going to get a choir in the end,good luck to him if he can get these boys singing(whatever the genre)

Gerry

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 03:33 PM

Oh, wish I'd seen him sing that song, I've just discovered it...is it due to repeat?

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 04:25 AM

Check out the BBC website, you may be able to catch it again if you have digital TV, they're doing lots of 'on demand' stuff.

LTS

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Saro
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 05:42 AM

I'm sure you can watch it again (via your computer) until next Friday, if you go to the BBC website, as it is on BBC 2. I didn't altogether like the way he sang the song, but he did at least sing it with feeling, and audience (apart from one or two sniggers) did seem to pay attention.
Saro

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Cats
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 06:29 AM

I wonder if boys singing is a regional thing? Do schools in places where there is a tradition of male voice choirs have difficulty getting boys to sing or is it something that is taken for granted because it is part of a 'normal' way of life. I have no idea. So, if you are a student and are looking for a good topic for your dissertation.... I saw the programme and thought he was quite brave. He also showed great determination when faced with a class of Y9 who didn't want to know. Looking forward to seeing the rest.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Marje
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 10:12 AM

Yes, I watched it with growing admiration - the sight of those bolshie Y9 boys had me almost hiding behind the sofa as memories of my early teaching days (long since abandoned) flooded back.

I agree, Gareth's rendering of She's Like the Swallow was a bit too "drawing-room" in style for my taste, but I was impressed that he chose to do an unaccompanied folk song - I think some of the boys simply couldn't imagine how anyone could get up and just sing with no instrumental backing.

I suppose having the TV cameras present is an added inducement to these particular boys, but good luck to the whole project, particularly if it leads other boys and adults to realise that singing is not girlie or "gay" (I'm quoting here, so don't take me up on that!).

Marje

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Saro
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 05:28 PM

It gets better and better! Fantastic to see all those male teachers starting to sing, isn't it.
Saro

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Willa
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 05:41 PM

Yes, Saro, I enjoyed it tonight. Thought the staff choir did very well, too, given the relatively short time they've had together. I liked the fact that he picked a 'novice' solo singer rather than going for the safe option.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: peregrina
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 05:42 PM

I've only seen two others; tonight's was terrific.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Saro
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 05:45 PM

There must be loads of male mudcatters who teach - I wonder what they do to encourage boys to sing???
Saro

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 06:21 PM

Excellent programme and sterling work by the choirmaster. But my heart really went out to the two soloists. And a bit to the head of years 9 & 10 who discovered that singing can be fun at the age of - what - 35?

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Saro
Date: 09 Feb 08 - 06:15 AM

Yes, it was interesting to see how scared he was, and how really happy he looked that he'd done it!!

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Willa
Date: 09 Feb 08 - 08:34 AM

Great interaction between the boys and head of year as they 'persuaded' him to sing, and particularly good to hear him say that he hoped the work could continue after the series is over.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: GUEST,JP2
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 05:03 AM

I must admit to finding bits of it slightly contrived but I suppose that's to create dramatic effect.
I am enjoying it immensely,because,although I never went to Lancaster Boys I was a Governor there from 1981 to 1985.
My son was a pupil there from 1981 to 1986 and although he isn't a singer he does dance Northwest with Wrigley Head Morris Men----I'll say no more.
JP2

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 05:29 AM

Power to your boy, JP2!
Something else that struck me as I was watching the programme, and in particular observing pupil behaviours off-focus as it were: What a nice bunch of kids! Normal, with their little devilments and teases and pranks and ordinary anxieties and prides and ... well, just like me and my mates when we were young. In a world where we are constantly bombarded by the media about the rise of criminality amongst the young, where we cross the street to avoid a small gang, documentaries showing groups of youngsters congregating in derelict buildings to sniff glue or dring or whatever, the pupils of Lancaster Boys as a whole acquitted themselves excellently and gave some hope to this jaded Victor-Meldrew-follower.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Mooh
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 09:34 AM

Sounds like I'd like it. I always enjoyed the Giles cartoons representation of choirs, much like my own experience.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: GUEST,JP2
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 12:35 PM

Thank you George.
How nice to see that Lancy Boys comes over so well.
The catchment is extremely varied ranging from Stoneygate(big detached houses),Knighton(smaller semi-detached houses)Clarendon Park(a mixture of big and small terraces and detached houses)and the Saffron Lane(mostly 1930s council houses and where I was County Councillor from 19801 to 1985) and I am convinced that this splendid mixture contributed in no small way to the super atmosphere in the school.
JP2,exCC!

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 01:17 PM

I'm really enjoying the series about the Leicester Lancaster boys - I missed most of the first series about the Northolt choir, but am planning to stick with this second one (though the final programme clashes with the Middle Bar reunion, so I hope my VCR works ok).



Kitty

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Scurra
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 01:22 PM

'Tis indeed very good: though he's got about 6 months left to get through in 2 hrs now!

I'm waiting for the backing group to appear: Leicestershire Schools Chamber Orchestra....
OK, I admit - I WAS in it. But it was great fun to work with them all (especially the beatboxers improvising in my ear when we were trying to play...)
Gareth seemed like a bag of nerves when we got to talk to him - although that may have had something to do with it being the day of the concert.

So far, though, I've really enjoyed just watching the development: yes, it is a bit dramatised, but still fun!

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: GUEST,c
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 07:58 AM

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: GUEST,clockwatcher
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 08:00 AM

(Sorry, finger trouble).

It's not just a 'guy' thing of course. I work with a woman who would rather die than sing in public, even one of a crowd.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 05:08 PM

I think they're doing brilliantly - this week, their first classical number, next week, the Albert Hall! But we did get Fields of Gold and Streets of London on the way...

Kitty

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Saro
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 04:55 AM

Missed yesterday's episode (though I did get to see an amazing S. African version of the Magic Flute with an orchestra of maribas, instead) so I hope my VCRhas worked. Mind you Kitty, as it is on BBC, we can use the watch again if all alse fails!
Saro

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Cats
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 05:50 AM

The difference in last weeks performance and this weeks was really significant. I loved the expressions on their faces when they went for the audition and heard other choirs! Well done in getting the 'beat boxers' in to engage the MC crowd. Kitty, I'll tell you how they got on next Saturday.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: bradfordian
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 07:12 PM

Check out the power of song on these hormonal schoolkids!
Second chance to see the last episode via bbc iplayer. It's available for 6 more days ie until 28th Feb.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: bradfordian
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 07:15 PM

Whoops
blue clicky

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 08:59 PM

Not a dry eye in the house. Our house, I mean.

Gareth is one talented musician/arranger and teacher, with personality and charisma to match. A great gob-stopper for the glib "those can't do, teach" brigade.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: 8_Pints
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 09:19 PM

Amazing to hear the formerly recalcitrant Imran admit that he was ashamed about his earlier attitude.

For Gareth to 'turned around' one kid's life it is a major achievement.

To do the same for the entire school is truly awesome.

Bob

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Willa
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 05:01 AM

Hi Bradfordian, nice to see you're still checking in.

Hair raising in the best sense of the wod.Great to see that the choir is to be continued now that Gareth has left. As one who took part in school musicals as a staff member I know how good the interaction between pupils and staff can be. Each sees the other in a new light.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Saro
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 12:26 PM

Wasn't it great! It just re-affirmed all the things I believe about the power of singing together. A medal for Mr. Malone please!
Saro

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 05:10 PM

it was wonderful and Imran was a real talent- Gareth is a real hero -and wasn't Stand by Me at the Royal Albert Hall an amazing performance?

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Willa
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 05:15 PM

Yes on all counts, Linda

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 24 Feb 08 - 10:09 AM

Hats off to Gareth - A Real Teacher.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: bradfordian
Date: 24 Feb 08 - 12:35 PM

So any school teachers out there brave enough to suggest to their head of music that they ought to try getting a BOYS choir together (& maybe a staff choir too!)? Whoever would be involved will need patience and inspiration - qualities I'm sure most teachers have. (Would it help if you had a TV crew following you around?)

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: 8_Pints
Date: 24 Feb 08 - 06:54 PM

Yes Linda, Wei Chee (possibly mis-spelled his name here)was a natural that would probably have slipped through the net.

He was sensational!

Bob

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 25 Feb 08 - 10:21 AM

Another thing that really inspires me both this series and the last-and also in various other programmes featuring school kids - is their eloquence and intelligence! where does this go when they hit 15??????

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: Marje
Date: 25 Feb 08 - 10:46 AM

Yes, it has to be said that Gareth's task (including getting the choir into the Royal Albert Hall concert) must have been made easier by the fact that TV cameras were trailing around after him. This is bound to have aroused a bit of extra interest and raised motivation.
This doesn't, of course, detract from his splendid achievement. I was impressed by the way he stayed true to himself and didn't try to pretend to be "streetwise" or macho   - he just kept doggedly on until they took notice of him.
I'm glad the programme was shown: it would be great if this led to a bit more media coverage of musical events, competitions etc. I often think that if music in all its forms was given something like the coverage given to sport, young people - and, come to that, schools - might be more inclined to take it seriously and get actively involved. Just imagine, if at the end of the TV news, instead of a "sports roundup" of match results, transfers, etc, we had a "music roundup" giving highlights of festivals, concerts, competitions, tours by famous soloists, bands or orchestras,etc. Could make a big difference.

Marje

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: GUEST,Edthefolkie
Date: 25 Feb 08 - 11:14 AM

Must watch this, didn't realise it was a Leicestershire school!

There's been a flourishing choral and instrumental tradition in Leics. schools since at least the Second World War. My own daughter has sung in assorted school and other choirs, first in Leics. then further afield (e.g. Durham Uni)and also played in the Leics Schools Symphony Orchestra.

All through primary, middle and particularly in upper school she found good music teaching. I'd better not mention their names on here but two gents in particular supported and pushed her for years and they both spend LOADS of extra curricular time organising and conducting school and external choirs.

BUT, all the instrumental tuition had to be paid for and the orchestras needed a payment every term. If both my missus and I hadn't been working I don't know what would have happened. And then there are the endless lifts to practice and concerts!

Let's hope all this good work doesn't slip away without people even noticing. It would be all too easy.

Subject: RE: The Choir -anyone watching?
From: folkwaller
Date: 26 Feb 08 - 01:49 PM

From folkwaller's Choir watcher! I thoroughly enjoyed all the above comments, most are quite true, some made me laugh; I think Gareth is wonderful, I watched him put the children at Northolt School through their paces and found the whole programme unmissable. I think the concept of a boy's choir in what appeared to be a very "male" atmosphere was an excellent idea, all power to Gareth's elbow, and I must admit the young lad's solo (Lewis?) was great.

I do hope these boys go from strength to strength, quite difficult I would think especially at their ages as other things take over. Anyway, very good luck to their singing, I do hope they carry on ........   Wonderful (again) and uplifting!!!