|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Links | Contact Us |
Elvis
rocks the streets of Sydney
|
|
|
You
would expect a cast of colourful characters in the Sydney Street Choir
and long-time Elvis fan Geoffrey Hooper doesn’t disappoint. The King lives on thanks to Geoffrey, nicknamed “Elvis” by his choir colleagues, who often gives the final solo performance at gigs – a gospel song made famous by Elvis. “Every time we get a standing ovation and they want us to do more songs,” said Geoffrey. “Someone once called out ‘Look at Elvis go’ and my face went red and I got goose bumps. It is overwhelming for me.” |
The
adrenalin rush of performing for the Sydney Street Choir would be incentive
enough for many to keep coming back. And yet for Geoffrey, aged 47, it is the
sense of family and support that ensures his total commitment to the group.
“I’ve
got that support there, they’re right behind me 100 per cent,” he said. “I’ve never had that in my life before.”
Geoffrey’s story of homelessness began at the age of four, when he was placed in a boy’s home due to his parent’s marriage breakdown. He was in and out of boy’s homes until he turned sixteen, when he faced the tough reality of making a life without any friends or family and with few literacy skills - he learnt to write in his 40s.
|
In
late 2000, Geoffrey was reunited with his father, whom he hadn’t
seen since he was a small boy, but tragically his Dad died in
Geoffrey’s arms just a year later. “I went down hill after
that,” recalls Geoffrey. “I hit alcohol bad and gambling
and I spent four years in jail through aggravated assault.”
Since his release from prison, he has been able to begin his life
afresh and with renewed hope through the collective help of Charles
O’Neill House, HopeStreet and the Sydney Street Choir, which
Geoffrey joined last year after meeting Peter Lehner. Geoffrey is one of the core members of the Sydney Street Choir and attends meetings on both Tuesday and Friday. As a karaoke enthusiast, singing in front of others doesn’t daunt him. In fact he revels in the opportunity to bring joy to others through singing. The choir regularly rehearses for disabled people at a Sydney health centre and Geoffrey says: “They enjoy the rehearsal and I enjoy seeing the smiles on their faces. It’s amazing.” |
|
For
perhaps the first time in his life, Geoffrey holds hope for his future and
even has goals in mind. “My main goal is to go travelling with the
Sydney Street Choir more often, so that I can help other homeless people get
back on their feet and put smiles on their faces. I want to make something of
my life.”
“I
now feel like I’ve got 100 per cent ability to go forward and not go back
anymore.”
By
Sarah Johnson fom Intrinsic
Pictured
right: Geoffrey 'Elvis'
Hooper; Pictured left: Geoffrey (second from right, back row)
and his fellow choir members
|
|
Hi, I’m Paul and I once was Homeless. I would be honoured to introduce you to the greatest bunch of people that I have ever had the pleasure to have sung with; The Sydney Street Choir. The Sydney Street Choir changed my life! It helps people express themselves and find themselves through music and singing. Not only that but we also touch the hearts, minds and souls of the people who come to watch our performances. We know what it is like going through challenging times.
Each of us has had our fair share of ups and downs. Through the Choir we
find mutual support and a platform for self expression that helps us feel
true love. |
|
|
|
"I have been in the choir since 2001. I am a
kiss fan as well as a Grand Prix fan. I love being a star"
"Getting myself up out of a rut and also having somewhere to sing and
write songs without the problems of singing in public spaces. Somewhere to go
for teamwork." |
 |
 |
"I am in recovery from mental & spiritual health problems. The choir
has really helped as my only creative outlet. I can now say I can sing well, and
my self image and esteem has been lifted. It brings me friendship and joy, and I
love spreading that joy."
"I've enjoyed singing since I was a young girl. It's been great to be in
the choir. Music & singing have been special in my life" |
 to watch a short video of abc reporter jennifer macey |
 to watch a short video of cardinal pell on youtube |
|
"Gives me a chance to participate in something. I am not working and
have no talent for anything else"
|
 |
 |
" In 2002 I found out about the Sydney Street Choir in the Big Issue
Australia magazine. I wanted to learn more about singing and developing as a
singer. I feel really great singing with the other choir members. I have lived
on the streets for twelve years. I am stolen generation and was taken at 3 yrs
old. When I was growing up I felt there was something different about me. In
2003 I met my birth mother and her name was Betty Leon. I found out that I had
nine sisters but I never knew an of them until April 2003 when I went to a
religious rally at Redfern Block. On the 2nd night I sat next to an Aboriginal
woman who offered me something to eat. I told her I was looking for my birth
family. IT WAS A MIRACLE !! She knew 2 of my sisters and a coupla days later
brought one of my sisters to meet me. So far I have met 6 sisters, and yet my
journey has just begun as I recover my lost history and culture." |
|
“I'm meeting some nice new people,
and enjoying their company, and it's really good. It's helping me to cope with
some issues I've had to deal with in my life. I'm very grateful that I have some
opportunities coming my way.”
"The choir explained to me that I
actually do have a singing voice! In fact a double bass voice!! Taking on
responsibilities in the choir has given me more confidence, clarity in speech
and a focus on community rather than self at the age of 64!"
|
"I like music & love to perform. I'm here because my addiction is
Abuse Attracts Abuse, and in this life thats all I attract, Use and Abuse.
Because I am poor there is no where else to go. I can blow my brains out like
Van Gogh, as in this world there is no place for the poor.
Coming to choir is somewhere I can escape my addiction, so for the poor this is
the best available for me to enjoy music" "The choir has made me a feel a
lot more confident and greatly lifted my self esteem. It’s great to know I
have a family that’s given me more encouragement and inspiration to sing, and
has helped me in the lord’s work too!" |
