Webchat with The Choir's Gareth Malone on Wednesday 5 February from 1-2pm

[RachelCMumsnet]

We're very pleased to announce that choirmaster Gareth Malone will be coming into MNHQ for a webchat on Wednesday 5 February. Gareth is best known for BAFTA-winning BBC2 show The Choir, the most recent series of which finished just before Christmas. He also made a programme for BBC4 called Why do we Sing?, has written two books, and is preparing to embark on a live tour of the UK in May and June with his new choir, Gareth Malone's Voices.

You can post a question to Gareth in advance below, or join us on Wednesday between 1pm and 2pm.

[Sparklingbrook]

Oh my word.

[AtYourCervix]

Hurrah!!!

I even have a question!

I have joined our brand new workplace choir! When I sing people usually ask me not to but so far it is great. 2 rehearsals and next week we are unleashing ourselves on the unsuspecting public. And I cannot wait!

Any suggestions what songs we can sing?

[BadgersRetreat]

oh! I luff him a litle bit....not sure i have a question though!

[member]

My husband needs to update his glasses & wants the same as you - can you tell me what style yours are please?

[Sparklingbrook]

I am trying to think of a question.

[DearPrudence]

Being in a choir is the best!

I have assembled a Mumsnet choir. We've all sucked a fisherman's friend are we're raring to go. What are you going to teach us?

[DrankSangriaInThePark]

I have nothing constructive to ask or say other than I think you're lovely, and so does my Mum and you are also doing very well with the Italian schoolgate Mums who are currently watching the series in the sporty secondary school on Italian TV. One of my schoolgate mum chums has even joined an Italian choir because of you!

You are a worldwide phenomenom!

Prudence- can I be the one right at the very back, pretending to sing? Because not even Lovely Gareth could get anything nice to come out of my mouth.

Actually, there's a proper question, in case HQ delete me for pure sycophancy. Could you even get someone like me to sing in tune? Is it really true that we all can?

[Sparklingbrook]

Dear is that a picture of the Mumsnet choir? Where's the soloist?

[DearPrudence]

Gareth has to choose the soloist Sparkling.

Sangria yes, you can sit near the naughty ones messing about on the back row if you like. They will divert attention from the fact you're only pretending.

[Sparklingbrook]

Oh yes. Dear. Auditions.

[MissMarplesBloomers]

Why did I know Sparkers would at the front of the excited throng??!

[Sparklingbrook]

YY MissMarple, but absolutely not doing the solo.

[InkleWinkle]

Hi Gareth, do you believe that everyone can be taught / coached / helped to sing in tune or do you think there are definite lost causes?

[LottieJenkins]

Hi Gareth............... My son is part of a deaf signing choir. I love watching them when they perform as they really get into it!! Have you worked with one? Would you consider doing it for a programme in the future???

[trockodile]

Hi Gareth, My Mum is a big fan of yours and for Christmas my Dad bought VIP tickets for them to see the tour in Edinburgh. She is very excited-and a bit nervous about getting to meet you! Can you tell us a bit about the concert to give her an idea what it will be like?

[ShatnersBassoon]

I've recently joined a decent local choir after a disappointing term with the horribly expensive and unchallenging Rock Choir.

I enjoy it immensely, so much so that I often feel choked with emotion when we're singing. Is this something that is fairly common, and have you any tips for dislodging a lump from the throat? We sing at lots of funerals...

[ShatnersBassoon]

Oops, I forgot to also say how lovely and wonderful you are, although I think the others have hammered that home already

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Hi Gareth!

I'm a trained singer - well, I was a trained singer, way back in prehistoric times, before I got married, had children, gained weight and got old. I was a mezzo soprano, with a pretty good range (up to B-flat nearly 2 octaves above middle C), though the 'break' in my voice was around D an octave above middle C.

I now sing second alto in a small chamber choir, and my range has shrunk dramatically at the top end (I can still sing a pretty respectable tenor), and I struggle to sing anything over D an octave over middle C.

Can you give me any advice on how to increase my range again, or do I just have to accept that the loss of all those lovely high notes is due to advancing old age (I am 50 this year), and nothing can be done?

Are there any exercises I could do at home without scaring the dogs too much?

Thank you!

[sanschocolat]

Hello Gareth,

I love watching your programmes and the enthusiasm you bring to all of your projects. I also love the way you manage to slip a bit of surreptitious Latin in to the proceedings! (Were you raised as a Catholic by any chance?) [nosy emoticon]

My question is: will your live tour be coming across the Channel at some point by any chance? (To Brussels perhaps?) [Certainly hope so.]

[Sparklingbrook]

When are we going to get to see the series you made in the US?

and (cheeky second question)

Was doing Mr Blue Sky with Jeff Lynne on CIN rocks as brilliant as it looked?

Thanks.

[Bassetfeet]

Hi Gareth
I have read several articles that say singing in a choral group helps with mental illness such as depression and anxiety. Some studies done I think. What are you feelings re this as therapy ?
And how do I find a choir to join? The ones I have googled have been serious choral stuff that need interviews . Thank you.

[Bassetfeet]

Sorry forgot one question (blush). What is the piece of music that relaxes you the most after a busy day ? Thanks .

[Handsfullandlovingit]

Hi Gareth! I conduct my DD's primary school choir, in a very beginnery way. I am a trained singer but waving is whole different ball game! They are between 5 and 11, and so keen, it's sweet. I like getting them doing silly warm ups, and am avidly collecting new stuff to keep them on their toes. Have you got any gems it is possible to communicate without singing them to me? And I'm pondering this one a lot, have you any ideas what can I get them to sing in church at easter? We have an amazing pianist. Cheers.

[TalkToFrank]

Hi Gareth,

What do you think about the role of area music services in providing music education to children, particularly in the light of the large cuts in funding from central government?

Do you feel that music is being given less importance than it ought in the national curriculum? Or is it fair that music will remain the preserve of those whose parents' can afford to pay?

Thank you

[JuneMayhew]

G,

Have you been able to determine if Esther actually recognizes the music you played/sang to her in the womb?

If so, did you try the experiment again with Gilbert? The same piece(s)? With what result?