It Takes a Choir
Inspiring reality show has meaningful messages for families.
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It Takes a Choir
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that It Takes a Choir is a heartwarming reality series about communities bonding through a unique choir program led by a renowned British music director. Each episode is set in a different community, such as on an army base or among the members of a hockey team, and features people from far-reaching walks of life. Diversity and inclusiveness are among the themes of this series, as the host sets out to bring people together through music. Many emotions are at play in the participants' individual journeys as singers and community members, and it's hard not to be affected by tears of joy and sadness. Need another reason to like it? The singers' experiences are great examples for people of all ages of how rewarding it can be to try something new.
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What's the Story?
IT TAKES A CHOIR is a reality series that shadows renowned British music director Gareth Malone as he travels across the United States creating choirs in communities he believes would benefit from the unifying power of music. From army bases to retirement communities, Malone arrives at each new location to recruit and train singers in preparation for a concert to be held in only a week's time. In so doing, he gets to know many of the participants, who share their struggles and hopes with him and with the audience. Every episode culminates in the choir's performance for the singers' neighbors, families, and friends.
Is It Any Good?
This heartwarming reality series has a lot going for it, from its charismatic choir director/host to the exceptional lessons the stories share about the meaning of community. Malone's not just forming musical groups within different societies; he's actually creating new communities in each new place and facilitating relationships between people who otherwise may not have found each other. These choirs are places of inclusion and appreciation on every level, where each voice is welcome and everyone can contribute something unique.
Embedded within the larger group stories are more personal tales that reflect the diverse human experience and chronicle struggles and triumphs of all kinds. In this way, It Takes a Choir raises awareness of and respect for other people's situations, a great message for viewers of any age. You don't have to love music to appreciate this touching series, but you're sure to be inspired by what you see the participants accomplish, both on a musical level and on a personal one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the singers gain from this experience. How are their lives changed in It Takes a Choir? Do they gain confidence? New friends? A new hobby? What can we learn about ourselves from trying new things?
What defines a community? What kinds of communities are you a part of? What is your role in them? What benefits do you get from them?
Malone believes that singing is a tool for bringing people together. Do you agree? Why does music enjoy such a universal popularity? Can you think of other hobbies that unify diverse groups? How do your interests inspire you?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 24, 2014
- Cast: Gareth Malone
- Network: USA
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: October 23, 2022
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