I wasn’t blessed with the gift of a fantastic singing voice (unless having a voice like a teenage boy going through puberty is a gift). My talents lay elsewhere. The great thing about singing though, is that you don’t necessarily have to be good at it to reap its benefits.
As I think back to the last time I belted out “You’re The Voice” in the safe and relatively soundproof sanctum of our shower, I remember feeling like a rock star at least. It’s probably a good thing I’m not a rock star, I’m sure I’d be a complete diva and insist on being supplied only blue M&M’s and triple filtered, organic mung bean vodka from Uzbekistan.
Anyway, I digress. There are few things on this planet that have the ability to make you feel like a rock star when clearly you aren’t, uplift you, connect you with others, help heal, create bonds and inspire. Music can (clever little thing that it is). This was recently brought home to me when I was given a DVD about the Choir of Hard Knocks.
I have previously posted about the Young@Heart Choir where elderly guys and gals travel the world singing punk and rock ‘n’ roll songs. Well, the Choir of Hard Knocks is similar in a lot of ways but the choir members come from a somewhat different background.
Top Australian singing teacher and choir master, Jonathon Welch was inspired to form the choir after seeing an article in a Reader’s Digest about a choir for homeless people that had been formed in Montreal. He was so moved by the article he decided to start the Choir of Hard Knocks in Australia with the help of RecLink, a charity that supports homeless and disadvantaged people by organising sporting and recreational programs and events.
Their story is an inspirational and moving one. The choir members had different stories of hardship, different mental and physical challenges, different abilities of relating to others and different ways of coping with their situations, but the one thing they all had in common was their love of singing.
From their humble beginnings in September 2006, the 50 strong choir has gone on to busk on the streets to raise money, performed with Australian rocker and choir patron, Jimmy Barnes, recorded and released 2 CDs, put on a concert to a crowd of 1600 at Melbourne Town Hall and performed at the Sydney Opera House. Check this out;
For some, the choir became their lifeline. For others it was the only time they’d ever experienced feeling worthy, been part of something or told they were talented. Some members even used their new found acceptance and self worth to get themselves into jobs, off the streets or into rehab.
Whilst Jonathon and RecLink have since parted company, the choir still continues to meet and rehearse on Wednesday afternoons.
We’ve made a donation to the Choir of Hard Knocks. If you’d like to do the same you can here: Choir of Hard Knocks.
Or you can buy their DVD Choir of Hard Knocks or their CD: Songs of Hope and Inspiration
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Sami,
What a completely wonderful story – and how wonderful for these people to find something to connect with, give them hope, and add to their life!
I think this is such an awesome thing that’s been done – thanks for sharing this very uplifting story today!
Thank you for sharing this story, Sami! It’s so easy to get down and lose focus (I’ve been doing a lot of it the past few days, I sheepishly admit). This focus on something positive and affirming was a lovely way for me to wake up today. I’m going to check them out. Thank you!
Wow, this is really interesting! I’ve never heard of this before and it sounds so inspiring. I’m going to check out their album. Thanks for sharing this!
What a gorgeous post–I’ve never heard about this. Seeing them in person would probably give me the shivers.
Hi Lance,
You’re welcome. It is a great story and was very moving to watch them gradually gain a sense of worth as the movie went on. Very powerful.
Hi Chania Girl,
So glad you found this uplifting. When you see what some people are coping with, it does make you realise how good you’ve got it. Some of their stories were really sad but the choir gave them a sense of self worth and a chance to be part of something. It was very cool to see.
Hi PP,
You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!
Hey Kirwin,
Just watching them on DVD gave me the shivers. I can’t imagine what it would be like seeing them in person!
Hi Sami –
I’m new to your blog and am so glad I came across this post. One of my passions is to encourage people to sing – even those who think they can’t! We all have musical ability, and it doesn’t have to be a voice like an angel to be powerful and transformational. Sing in the shower, in the car, with your friends, to your kids – just sing and sing proudly. Your soul will soar and a smile will break through, guaranteed!
Thank you for the information on the Choir of Hard Knocks. I was familiar with the Young@Heart choir, so this is another nice surprise.
Looking forward to more of your posts.
Best,
Veronica
Moment-to-Moment Optimism
http://www.drrussbuss.com
Hi Veronica,
So true. Even those of us without an angelic voice can reap the benefits of singing. There were a few funny parts in the movie addressing just this. Even though a couple of the choir members had less then perfect pitch/tone/etc, Jonathon worked with it, they all had a laugh and everyone felt included. It was great to see.
Thanks very much for visiting. Hope to see you back here amongst the craziness!
Hi Sami,
This is such a coincidence. I’ve just been checking out your site and I found this article. Just a couple of hours ago I had written in my blog post that I am reading Jonathan Welch’s book “Choir Man” !
Thanks so much for sharing this, reading your post and watching the youtube video of the choir’s performance has just brought everything that I’ve been reading about this Choir’s journey in the book alive! I just sat and cried watching the performance of “The Special Two.”
Jonathan Welch is truly an inspiring man,so much love and compassion for people. Being as talented as he is he could’ve had a high flying career in music theatre or opera, but chose to help a group of disadvantaged people find meaning in life through song.
I highly recommend you read this book “Choir Man.” I will write a review on it and post it to my blog soon and I’ll link it to this post.
Please check it out at http://www.lollipopsnspinach.com
By the way, I’m also a singing teacher so let me say that though you may not have been “blessed with a fantastic singing voice” anyone can learn to sing well. As you can testify yourself with the Choir of Hard Knocks story. I know because I’ve taught many a tone-deaf person to sing! =) So, keep singing! It keeps the soul well!
Cheers!
Kerri
Hey Kerri,
I didn’t realise there was a book. I’ll have to check out your review of it. The Special Two really is a moving song eh? It had the same effect on me too. Yeah, Jonathon Welch really is amazing. It’s a very inspiring story that’s for sure.
So you’re telling me there’s hope for me yet? Woohoo!! And you’re so right, singing is great for the soul. Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you back here again.
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Hello to you all –
I have just seen your comments and read your beautiful, kind words (I have an automatic Google search that brings any new postings for the Choir automatically to me).
I thought you might like an update on how the choir is doing….they are no singing under the Hard Knocks name…and are now called the Choir of Hope & Inspiration…..the choice the choir made along with hundreds of suggestions that came from the Australian public a few months ago, as that’s how they see themselves today given all they have been through as a Choir and what they want to represent moving forward.
I am truly humbled by your praise and yes – creating and working with the Choir nearly 3 years on in September…has been my greatest joy and the happiest moments of my life – I am the lucky one indeed to call them my friends and have the honour of leading them!
Can you tell me – where are you emailing from…it sounds like it’s not Australia?
Anyway….if you do want to support the Choir please go to our new website (not the Choir of Hard Knocks or RecLink….the choir no longer exists under that name)…..we really need your support to keep singing…and spread the word!
My love and best wishes to you all…and I hope you all are finding your joy as much as we are when we sing!
Jonathon
Hi Jonathon,
Wow! So awesome to have you visit little old Life, Laughs and Lemmings. I think I can speak for everyone and say we’re honoured!
Thanks very much for the update. It’s great to see the Choir is still going strong. It’s such an amazing story and you are truly an inspiration for not only getting it started but for continuing it as well.
I’m the author of this blog (ie Life, Laughs & Lemmings) and am based in Australia but many of my readers are from elsewhere (predominantly the US). We’re a fairly international lot and I’m lucky to have such a fantastic community here.
Thanks again for stopping by Jonathon. So great to have you visit!
[...] while ago I introduced you guys to the Choir of Hard Knocks, created by world renowned Australian tenor, Jonathon Welch. The choir was formed for the [...]