The choir - Gareth Malone

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 10:47 AM

Please all visit
http://southoxheychoirs.org/

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Cats
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:25 PM

Great news that it is still going. I watched the series intently. I bet working with Gareth is a real experience.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: brashley46
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 11:24 AM

Thanks for the update, Mark, as a 4th year veteran of the bass section in a community chorus in Toronto (Common Thread) I can appreciate how much effort goes into this. Isabel, our paid conductor, works 3 other "part-time jobs" (conducting and teaching) and has a wonderfully supportive spouse or she'd be hard-pressed to make ends meet. But any professional choral conductor is used to that sort of thing. I'm sure Gareth is managing somehow to juggle some obligations and employments!

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: GUEST,SoxChoirSinger
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 10:33 AM

Thanks bradfordian.
I didn't realise the broken link.
Thanks for that...

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Trevor
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 07:43 AM

Thanks for the update Mark - excellent news, and from the horse's mouth, so to speak. More power.....

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: bradfordian
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:55 AM

but this link might be better!

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: GUEST,SoxChoirSinger
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:01 AM

Thanks Marje. We are all enjoying it and are very Greatful to still have Gareth at the helm. He built this choir and I think he is so proud of what we have achieved and he know how much every single member respects his expertise, opinion and passion, which is something we all share with him.

At the end of the day without an audience, there would be no choir. So we all understand how important our audience is to us.

Thanks again for the support and we shall see you all again soon in the re-visited show.

Best wishes for 2010
Mark Brunette - Tenor Section Leader
South Oxhey Choir
www.southoxheychoirs.org

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Marje
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 09:59 AM

Thanks so much for that news, Mark. Those of us who watched the TV series felt quite involved with it all. It's great to know you're all still singing and that the choir is in such good health.

Wishing you all many more years of happy singing,

Marje

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: GUEST,SoxChoirSinger
Date: 07 Jan 10 - 09:27 AM

I know this is late to update this thread but I thought I would give you all an update straight from the horses mouth.
I am a member of the south oxhey choir and have been since day one. Gareth is still with us and we are going strong. We have had a new intake of around 40 new members since the tv show was broadcast, and have just recentley held our very own concert on the 18th December. this was completley sold out to 1700 people too.

The Choir has a comittee that is working very well and hard to secure funding and keep the choir running.
If you would like to keep up to date with the goings on of the South Oxhey Choir you can visit www.southoxheychoirs.org

We also have available our version of the Beatles track "in My Life" for sale on CD. This is the song that we recorded at Abbey Road Studios as seen in the TV Show. see contact details on the website if you are interested in getting hold of a copy

Kind Regards all
Mark Brunette - Tenor Section Leader
South Oxhey Choir

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 08:33 AM

If we could only harness his passion, inventiveness, tirelessness and energy in the interests of raising the image of folk music, what could be achieved....

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Marje
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 08:15 AM

Yes, it was great and inspiring viewing; but there was nothing much said about the financial aspects of a project like this. Most choirs have a conductor who is either a volunteer with a paid day-job (in which case he can probably only spare one evneing a week, or a semi-professional who is paid some sort of allowance, probably raised from choir members by means of weekly or termly fees. The hiring of premises for rehearsals and concerts, the services of an accompanist or an orchestra for concerts - they all cost money, and it usually comes from choir members. This works fine in a reasonably wealthy area, but would be less likely to work in a deprived area. South Oxhey was given the full-time commitment of one person just to promote and develop choirs and singing - that's a great luxury, which simply isn't available in most communities. Even if we could clone Gareth, someone would have to find a way to provide an income for all the new choir leaders.

I'm not saying this couldn't or shouldn't happen, but we need to be aware that it's not just a matter of finding dedicated and capable people. We need political/educational committment to music and singing, and a recognition that this cost money. It's recognised far more in sport, and I'd like to see music given the same sort of status in our communities.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: SylviaN
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 02:32 AM

Great series. Sing, sing, sing.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Soldier boy
Date: 29 Sep 09 - 06:51 PM

I enjoyed watching Gareth's return to 'The Lancaster' all-boys Comprehensive school, Leicester, shown on TV tonight and seeing how he had developed their choir and taken them to The Royal Albert Hall.
This was brilliant TV and, again, I found it very moving and heart-warming.

His ability to influence and inspire is amazing; as is his ability to change lives for the better.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 29 Sep 09 - 05:29 PM

Just watched "Return to Lancaster School" - it was really lovely. People are amazing, when they trust themselves and open up. Coaxing and tricking them into doing that is an amazing skill.

I'd like to see a follow up programme around a project of awakening that skill of getting others singing and performing and expressing themslves, in people who don't know they have it.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 29 Sep 09 - 05:18 PM

The boys choir is still going at 50 strong!

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 29 Sep 09 - 03:52 PM

Return to Lancaster School, Leicester, coming up, in a few minutes on BBC 2.

I understand that Gareth has given up his LSO choir commitments to continue with South Oxhey....

Kitty

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 05:06 PM

Now that would be an interesting combination.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 03:54 PM

ooops, sorry its 9pm. 10pm is Jools Holland

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 03:30 PM

Don't forget Gareth's "Boys Don't Sing" revisted BBC1 tv 10pm Tuesday

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Soldier boy
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 10:09 PM

Yes, I agree 'Guest'. Gareth needs to appoint someone as a second in command to be both the conductor and inspirational influence in his absence. Why didn't he incorporate a search for such a successor as part of his project in the TV series? It would have made a lot of sense to do this so that everyone in the South Oxhey community could not feel abandoned and left in the lurch. Obviously Gareth can't do this job forever and can't commit too much time to it.
There were a few candidates who could be strong community leaders that were revealed in the programme. Could they also have been picked out as potential conductors and received extra tuition and guidance to do a half decent job in that role?
I hope that programme makers will bear this in mind in the future and besides seeking lead/solo singers they will also seek out a key figurehead that can act as conductor and a 'clone' of Gareth who has the charisma and ability to take the project forward. Here's hoping!

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 26 Sep 09 - 04:15 AM

wow! The Olympics -wouldn't that be fantastic-tell the BBC now! I want to take little Sibel home with me but they were all amazing!

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Sep 09 - 01:49 AM

Thank you Gareth for one of the most absorbing reality programmes yet! I belong to a choir with an inspiring, hard-working conductor and know what it is like to look forward to every rehearsal and concert. With Gareth's charisma he was bound to 'win' and I was really surprised and delighted that he has accepted to continue with the South Oxhey choir. However, he clearly cannot be with them all the time with his other commitments about which I have read online. I would love to know who will take over when he is unable to be with them. Their hard work and commitment will be the essential ingredients for on-going success. Please keep at it you wonderful people. Trudy Q.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 01:25 PM

But he's married.

I hope he gets given the chance to do something in the cultural side of the Olympics. We need someone to getb the whole world singing in times like these.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Trevor
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 09:16 AM

The only thing is, my girlfriend says she's in love with him! Mind you, I think I am as well!

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Soldier boy
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 11:15 AM

The footnote at the very end of the series did say that Gareth had agreed to stay on. I was so pleased to hear it, it brought a big beaming smile to my face and a lump in my throat.

When I switched on to the first programme I thought that I would not like it and that Gareth's project would not work in that community.
How wrong I was...I am delighted to say!

Rarely have I watched a series with so much raw human interest and emotion. I rooted for every individual to do well and I am not ashamed to say that I often had tears in my eyes and my heart would swell with pride, fit to burst, when they performed in those magnificent settings and occasions in front of, sometimes, hundreds and hundreds of people. It was brilliant and I have seldom been so moved by the telly. It was a pure and unadulterated story of naked human interest and it brought a warm glow to the hearts of millions.

This programme did suceed in changing peoples' lives for the better and brought together a disparate, derperate and disillusioned community. Powerful stuff.

The man himself, Gareth Malone, was so focused in his project and he, in turn, became the focus of inspiration to everyone he met.
It is very good that he is staying on to continue his brilliant work.
I guess that most of his hard work is done. Now that he has switched the community on and dispelled the doubters, I doubt that his choirs would just melt away back into concrete seclusion and despair; but he is still needed to act as a guide and mentor to act as their beacon of inspiration to keep the flame of hope,desire and self- belief alive in all those wonderful people.

Bless you, Gareth Malone; I wish there were thousands more just like you!

Chris

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 08:14 AM

Gareth is a phenomenon. His musical skills are top rank, as are his people skills. He can make anything happen. Gareth for Prime Minister! Put him in charge of everything! Bravo Gareth!

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 23 Sep 09 - 02:47 PM

Re, "what happens when he goes?" - in last night's programme, a representative of the main choir asked him to stay on as Director, and a footnote at the end said he'd agreed to stay. Not clear what will happen to the combined South Oxhey Children's Choir (and of course there'll be a new school intake now).

There's a programme next Tuesday in which Gareth revisits the Lancaster School in Leicester that featured in the previous series.

Kitty

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: GUEST,Houston_Diamond
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 06:20 PM

This programme has made me have the only time in my life where I want to live in South Oxhey!!!

Gareth you are a legend.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 04:13 PM

I wouldn't have thought that being good at boxing would rule out someone with the other requisites.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Cats
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 04:08 PM

Hawkers choir is a new community choir near Bude. I think it came from the harmony workshop that moira Craig and sarah Morgan ran there. PM her for details.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 11:50 AM

I agree, without someone to step into his place, the choir will go. But perhaps he has inspired someone to take over. Who knows? We'll see in a year or so, no doubt.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: autoharpbob
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 09:53 AM

I am not trying to belittle his achievements - I have enormous respect for him. But without an organiser, a leader - who in this case has to have some musical ability, and not be good at boxing - I don't see this choir lasting. In the School that he did last, the school staff were able to fill the gap. Who will do what Gareth did - look how much time he gave up going into peoples houses for individual rehearsals - who will do that?

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 10:56 PM

The memories came flooding back - I too sang Carmina Burana with my school choir, back when... We were blessed with a great music master and choir conductor. But Gareth is in a class of his own, what a bloke, what energy, enthusiasm and understanding of people and what makes them tick! My favourite bit was in fact Massey's Boys; to see such rough hewn pieces of rock shine like diamonds brought tears to my eyes.

And did you notice Malcolm Hobbs front row in the audience at St Albans Cathedral?

What happens when he goes? At the very least he has given hundreds of people a time that will be one of the highlights of their lives. And some will no doubt carry on, and some may achieve greater things. All of them achieved a higher level of self confidence. You can't belittle it - he changed lives.

Can't wait for the next instalment.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 07:34 PM

I live in Cornwall. What is "Hawker's choir?" There's an attempt being made to start a community choir in Poundstock (according to the notice in the window of the village shop) and they're having a practice on Sunday. I'm way too scared to go on my own. I have a mighty powerful voice but I fear it can never be harnessed in the delicate matter of singing. Basically, what I'm saying is, happily married chap though I be, :-) I need another bloke to go with! (She won't go anyway, and even if she did she wouldn't be allowed to hold my hand, would she!)

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 06:48 PM

Lovely programmes. There are a good few clips from them on YouTube.

And they demonstrate how degraded the general run of "reality programmes" are these days.

Very versatile fellow this Doctor Who...

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 04:13 PM

Here's the link to How a choir works on BBC 4, which I've only just caught up with!

Kitty

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 01:28 PM

Having seen these programmes, I wish I lived in Cornwall, I'd love to join Hawker's choir.

Gareth - what a bloke!

Jillie

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Willa
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 01:27 PM

I agree with all the above comments; have found the three episodes so far enthralling. I liked the way, for example, that he took the children to hear an award-winning children's choir as a way of showing them how to behave, rather than scolding them for being inattentive.
Autoharpbob. From what I recall from a previous series, there is somne continuing support after the series ends.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: autoharpbob
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 10:31 AM

But what will happen when he leaves?

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Alan Day
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 09:02 AM

I too have enjoyed these programs and the way he has gently persuade ordinary folk to join the choir. Those people who normally would not even consider joining a choir. Even members of the local pub and the Boxing Club.A town where the inhabitants had a bad name, where few talked to each other now have a Community Choir.They are proud of it ,they are talking to one another and they are singing wonderfully.
The enthusiasm ,their highs and lows are all included in this great programme.
Al

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 08:09 AM

I agree with all the above. A brilliant series of programmes and what a bright talented bloke he is. Last night's prog about how a choir works was superb.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 08:05 AM

both programmes were great last night -he is very unasumming but persuasive and its great to see how empowering ordinary folk can work miracles! They sounded brilliant and the children's choir is an inspiration.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Mooh
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 07:19 AM

Thanks for the heads up, I really enjoyed the previous series. Reality TV about something that matters.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: G-Force
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 07:12 AM

I agree, Kitty, it's an excellent series, both for its musical content and the social benefits arising from it. Also, I caught the re-rerun last night on BBC 4 of his programme about how a choir actually works and what makes it so special. Just wonderful!

Subject: The choir - Gareth Malone
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 Sep 09 - 07:34 PM

There was a previous thread, which I couldn't find, on Gareth's previous successes in getting people to sing together, but I think he's excelling himself in the current series

The latest programme includes a link-up with the Musical Director and choir of Merchant Taylors School - though it doesn't mention the contribution of former pupils to the Herga folk club and the folk revival in the 1960s.

Looking forward to the final programme in the series next Tuesday.

Kitty