The Choir BBC2: Interview With Gareth Malone
One man and his “choir challenge” have changed the lives of 30 youngsters from a Middlesex comprehensive school.
New to BBC Two is The Choir, a three-part documentary following the highs and lows of London Symphony Orchestra Choir Master Gareth Malone, as he attempts to take 30 R&B-obsessed comprehensive school kids – who have never sung before – to compete in the World Choir Games in China.
What’s more, he first has to get them good enough to enter the competition, then, if successful, lift them to world-class standard in just nine months – surely a mission impossible… or is it?
We love the series, but why on Earth did you say yes?
“I love the excitement of aiming for something impossible. Well, almost impossible. I’ve spent most of my working life in youth centres, schools, theatres and concert halls making music from nothing. So I jumped at the chance when the BBC asked me to create a choir in an ordinary secondary school, where music wasn’t a priority. I knew it was possible but I had some reservations. Would they want a choir? Would they respond to classical music? What would they make of me, coming from a privileged classical background? I knew that it could do wonders for those involved – not just improve their singing and open their eyes to other musical possibilities, but also improve their confidence. I was nervous that I would fall flat on my face, though – who wouldn’t be!”
Why did you choose Northolt High School?
“Mainly because Northolt is typical of hundreds of secondary schools across the UK. It’s an ordinary comprehensive, with kids from all sorts of backgrounds. When I arrived I was shocked by the standard of singing. This was yet another secondary school that had forgotten how to sing. When I was at school I sang every day but here there was no assembly singing, no choir, no orchestra, no folksongs and certainly no classical music.”
How many rehearsals did you have (once you had formed The Phoenix Choir) before you had to record your CD entry to The World Choir Games?
“We had just seven rehearsals to prepare before the CD recording.
“At first the Choir were terrified to make a sound. They would happily talk… but sing? No! Not above the sound made by a small kitten. To get the lions’ roar I needed took drastic measures. A trip to London’s Barbican Centre was our first turning point because, when I put them on that vast stage to perform solos, what I’d previously seen as a bad attitude revealed itself as blind terror. One 15-year-old, Chloe Sullivan, had been so afraid of failing that she had almost stopped trying but, gradually, she and others began to open up.”
This must have been very stressful for you, with so much on the line. What were the real low points?
“The cold winter months of early 2006 were awful! It felt as though I was cruel and was torturing the kids with classical music. They were resistant to everything. I tried all my tricks and then invented more. I struggled to keep the momentum as we waited for the result of our application for China. I despaired of their commitment as the novelty wore off; misery infected everyone and that was pretty hard to take.”
What was the highlight of making the series?
“It was all a really great experience but, of course, it was wonderful when their singing started to sound like real music. And, above all, it was their increase in confidence as the months sped by that was the real highlight for me. All those involved in The Phoenix Choir learnt how to aim high, some how to lead. Some of them really began to love the music. All of them learnt a lot about singing. And they learnt how to be a team, how to support each other and how to be patient when others are struggling.
“That, to me, was worth all the effort and I would do it all again without any hesitation at all!”
THE CHOIR AIRS TONIGHT (4TH DECEMBER) ON BBC2 AT 9PM
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December 4th, 2006 at 9:26 pm
[...] As reality bites the kids become less enthusiastic. Some, especially Chloe, miss rehearsals, and Gareth feels he is torturing them with classical music. As the winter drags on and deadlines approach, Gareth has to increase their confidence. Can he get the fledgling choir to the standard required to record that all important entry to The World Choir Games? Read Gareths Interview here. [...]
December 5th, 2006 at 4:06 pm
I can’t pretend that a comprehensive education is a good thing, as it does not create circumstances for talented children to develop. However, it can create conditions where the playing field is that bit more open or level. In my day, my school was an ordinary comp, and as such it had problem pupils, who were only a problem because they came from families and areas that could be classed as deprived or poverty stricken.
To succeed in this environment it is very difficult as so many other social circumstances will affect your long term future. For example working or non working parents. Educationally you can be fraught by indecision due to a lack of good quality career guidance, the second is that education does not in any way prepare you for the real world. Teachers can also get it wrong, some children are not academic and because they aren’t academic they will be given less attention than those who are. Pupils who are practically orientated are then pushed into the study of NVQ’s which at the end have less available worthwhile jobs. These are the ones who instead of going on to College or University will end up on YTS schemes and unemployed. In the world of work, there is another divide, the divide which offers opportunities to some based upon educational achievement and none to others.
Many years after leaving school the language of qualification is prohibitive, of allowing entry to better opportunities to people from an economically depressed social order.
The vast numbers of people who are socially deprived of a decent income, a decent way of life, a decent home and a decent future is frightening and on the rise everyday.
I am one of those who believes that if circumstances could be changed for vast groups of people than the lives of ordinary folk would immediately improve. The urban neighbourhood would change and the working classes would feel inspired.Unfortunately, these changes need to take place in education.
I hope thar Gareth succeeds and proves once and for all, that music education is not only worthwhile but it can be one of many areas, which can socially alter the status and prospects of people living in an environment which is not governed by middle class values and incomes.
MAUREEN
NEWCASTLE
December 11th, 2006 at 11:36 pm
The Choir is gripping and quite emotional.I just wish I had such an opportunity at their age when I was at school. Today I sing in a church choir and love every minute of it even though I don’t have a great voice as a baritone. I do however value singing workshops which I have attended held by conductors like John Rutter,Madeleine Lovell and Brian Rose. I have enjoyed them immensely as well as learning so much. Gareth, if you ever hold a singing workshop please include me on your list.You obviously have a tremendous talent and can only say well done with your efforts at Northolt High School.
December 11th, 2006 at 11:38 pm
I’m really enjoying this prog. I wasnt sure when I saw the trailer but I was intrigued. It’s almost like Jamie Oliver did with school dinners. I hope, they get really far in the Choir Olympics because they definitely have great potential.
Every child needs to be stretched more at school in their abilities. Music is definitely missed out a lot in secondary education. It’s so good for confidence, and abilities in other areas. Good on Gareth!
December 12th, 2006 at 4:12 am
David Odell, did you see the Melvyn Bragg Special that gave a portrayal of John Rutters compositions? It was an excellent programme.
I do think music needs to be re-established in all schools right from primary school age to 14 years. At this point it should be available for those who are likely to get a GCSE at 16 in music. I see no reason though why instrumental training voice included should not be engaged in as a legitimate subject of study whether or not the pupil intends to do the GCSE.
What I have noticed over the years is that music is available in some schools but not all.
You are right Lucy in advocating that through music confidence can receive a booster and increase the likelihood of improving upon individual abilities.
I was lucky some music was available in my comprehensive, I was part of the choir, I had guitar lessons even though I played before that, I opted to do what was then the O level in music and having this minimal amount of music education went on to further my musical studies through college. Theatre course plus classical course. The later course would be very similar to Gareth Malone’s.
As a child of 7 my parents were advised to place me in private education as that is what the headmaster felt would give me the best of opportunities to develop musically. My parents sadly were working class and could never have afforded it. So as a child I was painfully aware of having to make every possible effort to do well. As a teenager and even in the year in which I knew my mother was dying, I tried my best to do well. But whatever I did was tainted by the time consuming task of being a carer to my dying mother. My best in all but two areas was average, so my year head advised that I should leave and go for a job. Father would not hear of it and insisted I stayed on, if it had not been for this I would not have come away with the ever valued bits of paper known as O levels and A levels.
In fact parental guidance, and parental interest is vital to any child’s success. It is not just down to schooling. I think an important lesson here is that you only stand an equal chance of doing well if you take advantage of the education when it is offered to you free of charge.
Northolt school and every other school should stress that point whenever possible.
MAUREEN
NEWCASTLE
December 12th, 2006 at 4:17 am
Oh bless, looks like Chloe Sullivan has an admirer!
December 12th, 2006 at 12:58 pm
Dear gareth,
I am a 17 year old Man.
I. Love. You.
Gareth.. please marry me!
p.s. yerahhhhh
December 12th, 2006 at 12:59 pm
p.s. ^^^ that was me.. Stu! (its true)
p.s.s. i can sing. (like Heather Small)
December 12th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
I love the programme
Stu i mayb b nu to this but leave he’s mine!!! (jokin)i love his dress sense he issoo caring to!!!
Im in a Cathedral choir and to have this oppurtunity is fantastic it has changed mi life. i think Gareth has guts to take on this bunch but i believe classical and choral music is quickly vaporating inot thin air within schools. there are some v decent singers in this choir and i totally agree that they have no self confidence. LET GO that is my advice!! Have Fun that is what it is all about
He is gorgeous which also helps too!
December 13th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
Gareth is beautiful.
December 13th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
Getting off your patch folks. Good luck and keep singing.
Enjoy the programme.
MAUREEN
NEWCASTLE.
December 14th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
thanx im sure i will for a long time!!
December 18th, 2006 at 11:18 pm
I have just watched the last episode of The Choir and was really touched.
Gareth you are an inspiration to those school kids.
What you have done is amazing - they really respect you.
Listening to them singing was great - to go from nothing to how they sang you must be so proud !
I suggest that your next “mission” is to visit a local business and audition them and let them be the next Choir. What do you think ? Gareth, I happen to know the perfect place - where I work !!!! People are singing everyday !!!! Let me know what you think !
Mark
December 18th, 2006 at 11:32 pm
I have just watched the last episode of the Choir. It was inspirational,very moving and required viewing for every school without a choir. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Richard
December 18th, 2006 at 11:41 pm
YesYes Anyone Has Chloe’s Addy Holla At Me Wid It Yh … Bless
tom4aysh@hotmail.com xx
December 18th, 2006 at 11:48 pm
Gareth, if you read these things… I am a trained, classical dancer but have spent the last few years working as a dance animateur and now a primary school teacher. I was really inspired by your project with Northolt and also your emotional honesty as a man. If more young men had more positive male role models like you, the world would be a better place. I am also passionate about classical music and believe more children should be exposed to it, more often! Congratulations! Would you consider a project in a large primary school in Stockport?
December 18th, 2006 at 11:52 pm
Inspirational Mr Malone.
I hope that my Daughter (Age 5) is fortunate enough to have a music teacher as dedicated and with the abilities you have with kids.
You have touched lives and opened eyes. Thankyou.
December 19th, 2006 at 12:02 am
I wished that there were more programmes like ‘the choir’.gareth, you did a wonderful job, chapeau!!!!! you really did inspire those boys and girls. you opened your heart to them and gave them a warm and special gift. I thank you for that.
marjolijn - the netherlands.
December 19th, 2006 at 12:08 am
this choir thing was pritty gd i only watches it to see chloe she is megga pritty and got gawjus browny eyes did u get her mobile number or msn addy or bebo well can u try n get me them cya x
December 19th, 2006 at 2:08 am
Thoroughly enjoyed watching The Choir and seeing the kids progress under Gareth’s inspirational and tremendously fair tutelage.
Well done Gareth and The Phoenix Choir you should all be proud of yourselves.
December 19th, 2006 at 12:20 pm
And there I was thinking only our American (rather USA) cousins were the tear shedding sorts! To see growing men crying… the shame!! I jest.
It was definitely a moving series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, as a young(ish) Gospel Choir master also working with young people, I did find the elitist undertones a bit jarring - as classical music is certainly not superior to other music forms. Good music is good music whether it be classical, jazz, soul, folk or pop. If it has the capability to move, and has a significant degree of musical creativity (not necessarily complexity) that stimulates the brain and heart, then that is good music. Frankly, I’d find it very hard to distinguish a clear favourite between Handel’s Hallelujah chorus, and a spine chilling rendition by a decent gospel choir. Essentially it’s all about variety and that goes just as much for the RnB die hards as it does for the classical enthusiasts!
December 19th, 2006 at 12:50 pm
I can only repeat what has already been said about Mr Gareth Malone, he was an inspiration not only those lucky children but to the people watching. His own background, I imagine, wasn’t a comprehensive in Northolt,but never once did he patronise or talk down to those children,and you could feel and see the respect from them. Those children gained so much,not least a believe in themselves, confidence, a team spirit, responsibility the list is endless.
The music teacher from the school put his chances of having any success at zero, how preconcieved was she to the idea of failure.
We have such a wealth of untapped talent,how sad,if only we could clone a million Gareths.
Rhonda shone out for me, her speech on the coach was wonderful. I wish her every success in whatever she chooses in life-
December 19th, 2006 at 9:35 pm
Brilliant series, I was a bit irritated by the silence of the school as there weren’t any congratulations for the children, or thanks to Gareth for that matter….
December 19th, 2006 at 11:50 pm
I understand that the programme wanted to show the heights we can reach when we make to effort, and I enjoyed it. However, I was a bit disappointed that there was no mention of the UK choir who won 2 gold medals and title of Olympic Champion. Why was this? It would have finished the programme off nicely.
December 20th, 2006 at 1:04 pm
The Choir was utterly inspirational. As a pianist and teacher, I know how hard it can be to motivate pupils and Gareth certainly had his work cut out. I found the whole series very moving - most people don’t realise the level of dedication needed to become a professional musician and to elicit the sort of result that Gareth achieved. This programme hopefully enlightened some of them.
Also, Gareth is very cute - is he single?
December 20th, 2006 at 5:12 pm
the whole experience was great an although i wasnt to enthusiastic in the begining. i feel privalliged i was able to take part in something like this it realy helped my confidence an i learnt skills that help me in my every day life an i dont hold a screawface to often any more i hope the program truely did inspire alot of people an also encourage more schools to show more enthusiasm and seek talent in young people for them to progress.
Chloe Sullivan
December 20th, 2006 at 8:45 pm
I am Chloe’s mum , Fiona and I would like to say that most of these comments are very positive but I pressume you all realise there was 9 months of filming edited into 3 hours! There were plenty of other comments from the Head, Mr Chris Modi . He had to give complete editorial control to the film company Twenty Twenty Television, who made the programme for BBC2. He went to China withthe choir and gave a very long congratulatory speach when they all came back in the hall but all that was shown was Gareth giving out the bronze diplomas - not that the commentary said that’s what was going on. Also, to Maureen in Newcastle, Chloe had most of the show to herself even though there was tons of filming with the other kids. It’s sort of implied that she comes from a deprived background when in fact, apart from her dad (who I divorced over 10 years ago) being an alcoholic - who died in 2002. She comes from a 2 parent family (yes married), We live in a 3 storey 4 bedroom town house that we own and I work as a customer service manager for a very prestigious company called The White Company that only people in a certain demograph will be familiar with. She is the 3rd of 4 daughters. My bit looks like I’m not supportive or proud of her, but as I said, there was a lot of editing and you don’t know what it’s like to live with her!!! Yes she is completely flakey and has no perception of other people or time or urgency, but these arty musical types are a bit air heady. She is intelligent but cannot focus or prioritise things. She’s has a huge following of fans at The White Company and is now at college doing music production. We have spoken to Gareth several times since the choir ended and he hopes to have a reunion soon. The TV company did want one just before the last programme was shown so they could stick it on the end (filming actually finished in July) but the school said no.
December 20th, 2006 at 8:48 pm
I just wanted to say that this program was very inspiring. I think Gareth did a great job with everyone and managed to create a great team spirit within the choir.
To see everyone being so emotional at the end of the series was also very touching as it showed just how much the choir meant to them.
And Jerry if you’re out there I think you’re cute!
Anyway just wanted to congratulate the choir on their great achievement.
December 20th, 2006 at 9:43 pm
I sing in a small church choir so have some experience of choral singing - I thought the programme marvellous and that Gareth worked a miracle in a small space of time. Congratulations! But where will he go from there?
At the end I was as emotional as he was and all the choir.
December 20th, 2006 at 11:38 pm
ma cuzn woz on d programme
December 21st, 2006 at 5:03 pm
Whilst most of these comments seem valid, some of them seem a little too ignorant for my liking.
Firstly, I would like to emphasise what Fiona has already mentioned. We were filmed for nine months, and the show had to be cut down to three, one hour, programs. Alot of things seem to have been left out of the show, the thanks given to Gareth being one of them.
Secondly, our school was shown to have no background of performance. I personally, in my 5 years at Northolt, have taken part in all 5 school productions and have made good use of the free peripatetic lessons offered to pupils. What I find quite amusing, is the way in which the show failed to mention that many of the times that attendance was poor, a good fraction of the choir were actually in rehersals for ‘Wonka’…Wonka of course being a PERFORMANCE put on by our performing arts department.
A comment by ‘Nancy’ angered me slightly. Our music teacher who has a ‘preconcieved idea of failure’, just so happens to be one of the most positive teachers in that school. She commented on the lack of ‘classical’ singers in the school but did mention the rock singers and instrumentalists that we have. I have always listened to a wide range of music, but quite frankly, music is music. So long as it evokes emotion, what does it matter if it is RnB, rock or classical? I for one do not think i would have achieved my B in GCSE music this year had it not been for her constant motivation and belief in her pupils. I don’t think I woud have been so determined to take Performance Studies as an A level had it not been for her and my drama teacher. Hokay, rant over.
The experience was unforgettable and one which I would do all over again tomorrow if I was asked. I made friends with the most amazing bunch of people and some of them I feel I will stay close to for a long time yet. The bond we all made was amazing, and though of course some of the credit for our improvment has to go to Gareth, I genuinely feel that our respect and admiration for one another had a large part to play in our success.
People need to remember that the choir was indeed a reality tv series, and that not everything could be shown. I know I was moved by the last show as it was a reminder of how that period of nine months was all over and how, with a little team spirit and some close bonds, our group had turned into something quite (in the words of Rhonda) beautiful.
December 21st, 2006 at 10:03 pm
dear gareth did u really think u had a chance, im in cantamus the “ooh very glam” choir and we train emencely hard to achieve what we acheive and you no what we were successful we won but the bbc didnt want to here it what do you say about that.
December 21st, 2006 at 10:09 pm
also to point out that cantamus have spoke to megan from northolt she also thinks that the bbc have completely twisted things and that northolt have been completely misrepresented in the fact that gareth yeah u hasnt shown his face since.
December 21st, 2006 at 10:29 pm
Pure inspiration. It proved just what young people can do when given the motivation and the will to work as a team.
December 23rd, 2006 at 6:10 pm
I thought the way Gareth increased these peoples confidence was amazing as well as giving an insight in to classical music.
When I watched the last episode I thought the choir should have got gold.
I watched the ones before the pheonix choir and they didn’t stand out as much.
But perphaps that was because it was in a different language.
I felt so sorry for Gareth when he started crying at the end it must be so hard to have known a group of people for nine mounths and then have to leave them.
Chloe Sullivan was great at singing I think she was the best and she was cool at singing her solo was great
December 24th, 2006 at 12:50 pm
Congratulations to all involved in the programme. After the first episode, I was convinced that Gareth would have no success whatsoever, but he proved that perseverance can win. He needs a medal for encouraging these young people. He will have made a huge impact on their lives. I am still thankful for the impact my music teacher made on my life more than 50 years ago!
Thank you Gareth.
December 24th, 2006 at 4:11 pm
Hello to Mrs Sullivan, it was a pleasure to watch your daughter perform so well in China, and as I am the same age as her, I was just wondering if I could have her email address. This is cheeky of me, I know, but she is a very pretty young woman. Thanks!
December 27th, 2006 at 12:15 am
**i was switchin through the channels i saw the choir for 2 mins but when i saw chloe sulivan it made me watch all 3 of the episodes , thats the onli reason i watched the choir, since then i started to search for chloe , to see if i cud contact her in any way, from my heart she is the most beutiful girls i have ever seen, yes i am the same age as her, but i really just wnna get to know her so please someone, can you any how giv her msn add or somthing to me plz!! i wud b rely thankful, if yes just post it on these comments,ever since i saw chloe i think about her day and night plz somone help me, GIV ME HER MSN ADD OR SOMTHING PLZ
December 27th, 2006 at 12:26 am
DEAR MRS SULLIVAN since i saw your daughter my life has seriously changed, i dont have any other option apart from asking you, but please may i have your daughters hand? i would keep her the happiest women on earth , i wil sacrfise anything and do anything for her, i know this is stupid of me to ask you, but i dont think ile get any other chance, its amasing how i can think that i can be with a girl living 5 hours away from me , but i am trying to make it possible as much as i can
December 27th, 2006 at 12:28 am
DEAR MRS SULLIVAN since i saw your daughter my life has seriously changed, i dont have any other option apart from asking you, but please may i have your daughters hand? i would keep her the happiest women on earth , i wil sacrfise anything and do anything for her, i know this is stupid of me to ask you, but i dont think ile get any other chance, its amasing how i can think that i can be with a girl living 5 hours away from me , but i am trying to make it possible as much as i can
January 4th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
i watched the choir and trust it was real entertainment.dat lil boy etienne was so cute and he was really dedicated to the cause i felt. so where a few others. Som bits gave me joke especially wen in the recording studio gareth had to politely tell one boy not to sing in the next recording. WHAT A PEICE OF CHEEK!! but overall fantastic. Well done to all of you and i hope chloe is more focused now….her screwface attitude is not gona get her anywhere in the real world.
No disrespect to you chloe but i’m talkin from experience!!!
Ble$s
January 6th, 2007 at 2:49 am
Well, What can I say, I have read some (not all) of the posts above and some seem a little ‘out of place’? I absolutely LOVED what I heard and saw. I was moved in many many ways, to tears, excitement admiration… What I did see was a group of British Youngsters (Futures!) having an amazing, surely life changing experience. I want a CD and I want it now!. Absolutely Beautiful, Really the sound of these people singing moved me immensily. Wish I was one of them. Maybe I shall go join a choir! But I fear Rhonda put it far far better than many could. And We must not forget Gareth Malone, A man with real passion I would like to shake his hand and then shake the hands of the Entire Choir. Im still Buzzing
Pete
P.S. Shows of emotion are IMPORTANT!, Let the people you love know how you feel !!!!!!!!!!
January 10th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Just thought I’d say how much this programme inspired me. I found it all very moving, and showed how much energy and emotion was invested in the project by both Gareth Malone and the children, as was evidenced when some of them knew, or were worried, that they couldn’t continue with the choir. I’m going to go back to choral singing and am investigating gospel choirs in my region, as one thing I didn’t agree with was the emphasis on classical music being more important. Its more complex - usually - but more contemporary music may be more complex than is generally thought, and can be equally, if not more moving at times. Not all classical “type” music is good, nor does it affect everybody in the same way. I’ve sung rock, folk, classical, contemporary acoustic, play the piano and guitar, and some music affects me, but some doesn’t, but it does affect other people.
I agree that the editing shows the school in a bit of a bad light, but if there are failings, no doubt its to do with funding and not motivation on the part of the teachers. Teenagers will always be interested in going against the grain, but as Jerry says at the end of the programme, with the bottle, motivation and right teacher etc etc etc, you can do anything you want. I think that’s a profound message that many people don’t learn til their forties or beyond, and is one of the most moving things I’ve heard from anyone.
Ha…I’m a Mum in her forties. One of my ten year old’s was encouraged not to join her school choir by her friend last term, which I found really sad and difficult to deal with, because I have found great joy in being able to sing and taking part in various choirs. I got her and her sister (who does sing in the choir) to watch the programme over the holidays, and the friendship has broken up since. I’m encouraging her to go back. They did question why these boys and that man was crying at the end….lol….well they’ve got a bit of learning to do yet.
Chloe, I thought you did fantastically well. It must have so nervewracking to sing solo like that. Keep it up!
January 28th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
chloe’s my chick so man better know with u she cannot go. I dont mind man crediting her singing ability bt dats as far as it goes. blizzard and lady gales aka chloe 2007… HOODSTARS
July 19th, 2007 at 9:24 am
I’m someone from the choir. I read some amazing comments about Gareth Malone. When the series begun, i had done my audition and i started respecting Gareth. However, thing took a turn and i lost my respect for him after i left the choir.
If anyone wants to know why, please write on this webpage and i’ll write on this page, why?
That’s all.
P.S. Congratulation on double Bafta.
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:19 am
It was apparent at the end of the show that this whole experiment came to an end after the China competition. I wondered if the school continued with the choir after Gareth left & what happened to the level of enthusiasm for singing. If it all came to a crashing halt, one wonders what the point was.
January 26th, 2008 at 1:27 am
This programe shows what a dedicated human being and a program like this could do to improve the confidence of youngesters and change their lives for good.
Gareth, Congratulations! for your achievement through selfless dedication, especially in a world where people rush to help the rich and the powerful, neglecting the poor and the helpless.
Programes like this brings unity, improve confidence, keep vulnerable away from mischief, truency etc and above all give hope - should be part of school curriculum.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Hello! I am Currently Studying at Northolt High, and yes indeed it was a great pleasure to watch students from my school performing in ‘The Choir’. I am proud of my school!
Love, Faiza
PS: Thanks for ur hard work, Gareth!
PPS: Well Done Everyone!! x
January 30th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
hi gareth i like your music and you are a good music teacher and i always watch your tv programme.
February 21st, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I really enjoyed singing in my Bournemouth school choir many years ago. It is such a shame that such community singing is such a minority pursuit.
It has been my belief that the BBC could do a lot to encourage choirs & singing by sponsoring a NATIONAL DAY OF SONG when choirs from all walks of life would perform in shopping centres, schools, village halls, stadia etc. Ideally it would take place on the same day as the last night of the proms which so many enjoy.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:37 pm
A brilliant and inspirational programme. Pity about the strong language in an age where teachers have problems with swearing and abusive pupils.
Joan
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Fantastic.Acolades to everyone, especially Gareth
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Just to say how much I wish someone like Gareth had been at my school in the 1940s and 50s. I am nw 68 and would love to have had the confidence to be able to sing out as the boys did in the Choir. The only time I sing now is in the car or in church where I hide beside the organ. From there I can sing as much as I want and nobody can hear me.
The schoolboys are so lucky.
All the very best Gareth you are brilliant. Chris Perry
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Again we watched “The Choir” Boys don’t sing. What a truly inspirational piece of TV. If only our politicians and civic leaders were as dedicated, honest and enthusiastic as Gareth Malone just imagine how that would transfer into society.Well done to all at Lancaster School a magnificent example of what can be done with a little self belief and seeing everyone as an equal. Good luck to you all in your careers.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I think that Gareth Malone is doing a super job. Anthying that promotes singining is brilliant! To the critics, it is part of life that children may not get the part, in adult life you might not get accepted for a job. Its good for esteem building! Good job Gareth!
February 24th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Sorry i meant that its character building. I would much rather see this kind of thing which has a positive outcome and is educational and encourgages young people especially boys to sing, than other reality tv shows such as Big Brother, I am a Celebrity etc
February 24th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Watching The Choir was the best Television for years, and Gareth Malone is just brilliant.Those boys at Lancaster College were just superb and I cried buckets when they performed at The Albert Hall.
Congratulations to Miss Collins too, and I hope you carry on being successful in the future with The Choir. Well done to all of you!
March 1st, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Many congratulations on your latest series of “The Choir” It was riveting TV,and we did admire your tenacity and perseverance with this difficult group. I was lucky enough to have a music teacher at school who was also a member of the Bach Choir,and she engendered in me a love of music and choral singing which has never left me, you were so right about that.
May 28th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
what happend with the girl mariza she is still singing?.
she sing good high note’s. i am music producer.
May 28th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
what’s happend with the girl mariza?.
she sing good. high note’s. she can make it.
i am music producer. i like her voice
June 7th, 2008 at 6:30 am
If someone knows the email of Chloe Sullivan it will be appreciate
im a great fan of her
June 9th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I am involved in the guide association as Senior Section Adviser for Girlguiding Scotland. I so enjoyed watching the prgrammes and the younstrers develop in confidence. Some of the challenges were quite paiful but I have admiration for the tenacity and skill Gareth showed to encourage the pupils to stck at at it and get serious. Can I give Gareth a challenge. 2010 is the 100th anniversary of girlguiding. We are planning all kinds of events to celebrate this in UK, around the world and here in Scotland. Could you create a choir with a few hundred girls in a day??? I would love to hear your response.
June 9th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I am involved in the guide association as Senior Section Adviser for Girlguiding Scotland. I so enjoyed watching the prgrammes and the youngsters develop in confidence. Some of the challenges were quite painful but I have admiration for the tenacity and skill Gareth showed to encourage the pupils to stick at at it and get serious. Can I give Gareth a challenge? 2010 is the 100th anniversary of girlguiding. We are planning all kinds of events to celebrate this in UK, around the world and here in Scotland. Could you create a choir with a few hundred girls in a day??? I would love to hear your response.
This has the corrections!!
(On Monday, 9 June 2008 at 10:56 pm)