The first time I saw Gareth Malone on television I was completely blown away. He has inspired so many people to come together and sing. And for several years he has done it in front of television cameras.
When I saw that he had also published a book on the experience, I knew I had to read it.
Choir: Tears, Triumphs and Transformations by Gareth Malone
Here is a passage that sums up one of the reasons I have been so impressed with what he has been able to accomplish.
“In all my TV shows I’ve been sent into new and unfamiliar settings to create something from nothing. This requires me to pick up on the mood of the situation and run with it.”
He just has a way of energizing any group and creating a great community of singers.
I don’t know much about vocal music. But what he says in this next passage can apply to all music conductors, band leaders, and choirmasters.
“I went to seek advice from David Hill . . . He offered sage advice: if at the end of the evening he had not made eye contact with every single member of the choir, then he felt he had not done a good job.
I have always tried, whenever possible, to conduct from memory.”
I wholeheartedly agree. I have been trying this style of conducting this year as well. I do my best to look at my students as they play their instruments. It’s so much better than looking at a score. There is more to be said about engaging the room as opposed to the printed music.
I haven’t seen all of the series he has done but I really want to. I even learned about a few through the course of reading this book that I was completely unaware of. I really want to see his documentary How a Choir Works.
With what I have seen, he always made it look so easy. This book shows that it wasn’t simply a cakewalk. But it was worth it. He has energized a nation and brought choirs to whole new heights.
My List of 2013 Reads
2 responses to “Gareth Malone and The Power of Choir”
Hi Chase .. the series was a huge success and he opened the door to many who love to sing, and gave them that opportunity to explore their talents ..
I saw some of it – but love reading your post and your take on it .. cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary,
I am thankful that we get British programs like this on Canadian television. It was so inspiring to me on several different levels.
Hope you have a great weekend!