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.

[planestrainsautomobiles]

Hi Gareth - loved watching your 'Sing while you work' series. Do you think the judges always get it right with who stays in and the eventual winners. I really thought CITI were amazing singing in the final and thought they were robbed.

Do you enjoy the making of the series, sometimes you appear slightly exasperated with some of the attitudes of the choir members.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Please count me in for the MN Balaclava choir, Sparklingbrook - I will even knit my own balaclava!

[RachelMumsnet]

Gareth has found the biscuits...(jammy dodgers in case you're wondering)

[Sparklingbrook]

Ooh. I didn't have Gareth down as a Jammy Dodgers man at all.

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

Why, what did you reckon Sparkling ?

[GarethMalone]

@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?

THe concert is going to be great! (I would say that!) I'm planning it at the moment so I can't confirm everything but we'll be singing lots of songs that you know, some of the songs I've worked on over the last few years of being on TV. I'll be singing a solo... or two. And I'm planning to do a different regional/local song in each area. Still deciding on the Scottish one but Donald where's your troosers is officially off the list! There'll be popular songs and a few choral pieces. There'll be some very unthreatening audience participation... a chance to sing along.

[LIZS]

lol ! Is the recording schedule mad for programmes like the workplace choirs ? Do you get time to see family, change clothes, sleep ...

[AtYourCervix]

Oh yes. Squishy centre.

I too can knit my own balavlava.... if I have a years notice (slowest knitter In The World).

Orange? Or Purple?

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Hmmm - if you were in Glasgow, Gareth, I'd suggest the Song of the Clyde (it has a lovely 'patter' section in the middle).

[Sparklingbrook]

I thought Gareth would like a more exotic biscuit. Maybe a Garibaldi or a Fig Roll?

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

And what's in the little white bowl ? Olives ?
Perhaps he's more of a savoury man ?

[GarethMalone]

@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...

I struggle with the lump/choking feeling when I sing at funerals too. It's very difficult. I think being properly warmed up in advance would help, also rehearsing in the venue so you've got used to it. Try to focus on tuning or rhythm rather than the event or the meaning of the lyrics!

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Garibaldis = Squashed Fly biscuits in this house.

[Firewall]

Hi,

I have a question regarding choirs in school. How concerning is it that many choirs within schools are disappearing. My local primary school had a very successful choir encouraging a large number of youngsters to sing even before learning a musical instrument but now it's gone simply as there's no one to run it.

What can be done in these situations and are there many ways to encourage children to continue singing? I have a little boy who always sings but I worry this will stop as he gets older .

[consumersucker]

Gareth

My daughter is off ill today and I'm sure the news that she was correct and you were indeed coming to her school, would have made her feel much better. Oh well................

[mouldyironingboard]

Hi Gareth

Do your children enjoy you singing to them?

[DearPrudence]

Gareth, please choose a song for the MN choir. I've run out of lozenges to share and the back row are starting to get disruptive.

[Sparklingbrook]

My balaclava's starting to itch DearPrudence.

[PetronellaSterling]

Hi Gareth!

Please could you answer SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius' question about increasing range? I'm a 2nd alto with a big lower range, but would love to increase upwards as well. Any tips? Thank-you :-)

[GarethMalone]

@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.

I'm afraid that the confines of this text box may limit my ability to sing you a whole repertoire of warmups! BUT I'd recommend going on an ABDC (Association of British Choral Directors) course in conducting. It's a great way to improve, whatever your level. And it's a way to network (or steal ideas from other people! With their permission obvs!)

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

[WhatAFeline]

Actually I do have a real question (sorry I have gone all unneccessary).

When singing, I have a real problem going from my civilised 'head' voice which is quite sweet but lacking power, to a 'heart' voice, which sounds like a strangled cat. Are there any exercises to help with this?

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

And talking of alto's I wonder whether you've found that alto's can tend to have less confidence than soprano's after years of trying to but not being able to reach those top notes ? I'm more of an alto if anything, and think it's actually a lovely vocal range to have (not so much with my singing though !)

[GarethMalone]

@PetronellaSterling

Hi Gareth!

Please could you answer SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius' question about increasing range? I'm a 2nd alto with a big lower range, but would love to increase upwards as well. Any tips? Thank-you :-)

For altos singing in the lower part of the range who are struggling to get the voice higher it can mean they are employing a bit too much force in the voice. Try doing siren sounds to help extend the range - it keeps the vocal folds nice and thin and doesn't risk straining. A lighter, well supported sound will go higher without the feeling of effort in the throat. Helpful?

[Theknacktoflying]

Just wanted to come on and say thank you.