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.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Actually, if I am honest, they are dh's chocolate biscuits, not mine, but he's away tonight, and he won't notice that they've all vanished!

[GarethMalone]

ONE MORE JAMMY DODGER.

[DearPrudence]

Here you go.

[MardyBra]

Bugger. I've missed most of it.

[Sparklingbrook]

Will someone get that man some more biscuits already!!

[ShatnersBassoon]

Thank you so much for the advice. I can't wait for choir practice tonight to pass on my tips from Gareth Malone - I'm anticipating lots of fanning and hot flushes

[gleegeek]

Thank you for answering

I'll get her performing then - I'm sure the neighbours would come round for wine to listen.

[GarethMalone]

@MyNameIsInigoMontoya

OK here's mine...

I have sung in choirs for quite a long time now, but am interested in getting better (I have a Secret Goal in mind). Only thing is, I know that it will definitely require a) Lessons and b) Practising!

So far I have cheated managed without ever doing much practising at home, I'm good at sightreading and note learning so got away with it. And although I'm quite happy singing with other people, I've never been keen on singing on my own, unless you count in the car with a CD...

But that won't work any more if I want to improve. So please can you share any practising tips for overcoming lack of time, small children (who are usually either wanting attention, or asleep and must not be woken) and most of all my feelings at the thought of actually singing out properly all on my own where someone might actually hear? Thank you!

I think practice has to be fun. Little amounts are better than slogging away for an hour. Looking over sheet music last thing before bed can help to cement things in your mind. Listening along to CDs is a good cheat way of helping to learn music (one i use all the time). Find a buddy - it's so much easier if you aren't learning on your own. Have a social music learning session at your house.

[SanityClause]

Thanks for answering my question.

Our choir are singing Bach's Mass in B Minor. It's very hard.

Any hints?

[GarethMalone]

@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?

"I'd like to teach the world to sing" "River Deep Mountain High" "All you need is love" What's the workplace?

[GarethMalone]

@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?

Yes - some are indeed more work than others! Ha! But it's true what they say: practice makes perfect and perfect practice makes perfect too. So don't be put off - dust off those tonsils and get singing!

[DearPrudence]

While you've got songs in your head, what might you choose for, say.. a Mumsnet choir?

[GarethMalone]

@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???

I haven't considered it often but I have worked with choirs where people sign as well as sing. I think that's a very neat solution and makes for a really inclusive choir. I think more adult choirs should think about this.

[carriemumsnet]

Thanks so much for coming in - MNHQ is all a quiver. I have a question though! Can you teach someone who currently sounds like they are tone deaf to sing? I love singing and when I was growing up my family were all in choirs but I married a drummer and one of my dcs seems to have inherited his tunelessness but does love to sing. We laugh about her having a few singing lessons just so she can join in singing with friends without feeling embarrassed - would it be worth it?

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

Surely there are some lost causes, singing wise? But you're too nice to say so
But I agree that singing should be for everyone .... like art and sport should be too .... and lots of other things

[GarethMalone]

@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?

I'd wear blue or purple trouser for a Mumsnet choir OBVS! Also vocal 'integration' (of your 'chest' and 'head' voice) is the aim of all singing lessons. WHy not think about seeing a teacher for a couple of sessions? It would really help you!

[Sparklingbrook]

Gareth would need a trouser that didn't clash with the balaclavas.

[GarethMalone]

@Rosie29

Hello,

What is your favourite song? You know, the one that comes on the radio and has you dancing round the kitchen!

Regards Rosie

Happy by Pharrell Williams is my current kitchen favourite. Oh no - it's back in my head again!

[GarethMalone]

@carriemumsnet

Thanks so much for coming in - MNHQ is all a quiver. I have a question though! Can you teach someone who currently sounds like they are tone deaf to sing? I love singing and when I was growing up my family were all in choirs but I married a drummer and one of my dcs seems to have inherited his tunelessness but does love to sing. We laugh about her having a few singing lessons just so she can join in singing with friends without feeling embarrassed - would it be worth it?

I think that's a great idea. I'm busy! Ha!

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

One last quick one - Gareth - could you get the MNHQ staff singing right now, and post a quick video here for us all? Pleeeease!

[DearPrudence]

Ooh, good idea SDTG. Do that.

[GarethMalone]

@tealady

Gareth, I am a big fan and have tickets for your live tour in the summer Could you tell me a little more about what you will be doing on the tour.
Thanks

I'll be doing a lot of dancing.... no seriously... It's going to be great fun. I'll be singing, the audience will sing, the choir will sing, Michael will play the piano brilliantly. It's going to be lots of songs that you know either from the TV series or Voices CD (available in all good record shops oh wait... there aren't many record shops left...) It'll be upbeat but with some really beautiful moments. We've got the brilliant Naomi Banks singing and there'll be some regional treats too. I might even bring my guitar.

[RachelMumsnet]

@SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius

One last quick one - Gareth - could you get the MNHQ staff singing right now, and post a quick video here for us all? Pleeeease!

Well funny you should say that......

[WhatAFeline]

Thank you Gareth!

[GarethMalone]

Thanks Mums (and non-mums too) It's been fun here at Mumsnet. The jammy dodgers have been demolished. The dog has taken to me in a big way. I'm geting back in the Malone Mobile and heading off into the sunset. After I've conducted the Mumsnet choir.... byeeeee! xx