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VIDEO 

 click on the picture above
to watch a short video introducing you to the choir 

Members of The Sydney Street Choir are homeless or disadvantaged men and women. An initiative of Founding Director Jonathon Welch, who obtained funding through South Sydney Council in October 2001, the choir has performed on various TV shows, Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Conference Centre, and regularly visit hospitals and charity organisations. Recently they visited the Choir of Hard Knocks to join them on stage at Melbourne Town Hall.

MORE VIDEOS

 The choir  has an important voice lyrically, and a unique, transformational effect on those participating in their engaging performances or open, friendly rehearsals.



Since  November 2003, the choir has been led by Peter Lehner. With no regular ongoing funds source, the choir now relies on money raised from performances, donations and in kind support from small community organisations. 

Choir Director Peter Lehner says music can be a form of therapy by lifting people out of depression and breaking isolation. He says the turnover rate of members is high with many participants being rehabilitated into mainstream society. More than 75% of members leave because they’ve gotten back into the work force, or they’ve gone to study full-time, and can no longer attend daytime rehearsals.

Musical Therapy is an established health care profession that uses musical techniques to assist and motivate people towards non-musical goals, addressing physical, psychological, cognitive and social behavioural patterns.

 


photo by Annette Willis

ALAN: "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."

Having a talent for singing, or an ear for music, is not a prerequisite for joining.

PETER LEHNER: ”We're totally inclusive. We don't tell people to go away because they can't sing. The choir's a place where they can come and learn how to sing, but more importantly it’s a place for community, fun, self-expression and fraternity.”

 The choir recruits new members by rehearsing publically, at day centres and hostels for the homeless in the inner city.


There's a story behind all the voices, many dealing with years of living on the streets with short periods in shelters or community housing.

Choir members like Sandra are usually too proud of their performances to talk about the more difficult periods in their lives, except to say how much the choir is helping them.

SANDRA: “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.”



PETER: "Because of the abuse in my life I have a social block and don't mix and make friends very easily. Without things like this I'd have to go back to my old habits, like going to the bars to make friends"

Recently the choir recorded their most inspirational and thought provoking songs on CD. The choir toured from Darwin to Uluru in August 2008, performing along the way for disadvantaged communities in NT. The choir is fundraising for more tours at present.

 

Transcript from PM by Jennifer Macey for ABC Radio National

 

 


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I introduced Joanne to the choir 5 years ago. She liked coming to the choir. She loved singing. She's up there with Slim Dusty, Michael Jackson, Don Lane, Peter Brock, and Brian Stoney from the Cana Community. She loved the Northern Territory trip. She'll be sadly missed.
 - Kelvin Coe

Thank you Jo for being a friend and for asking me to come back
- Jane Barwell

You've been a long-time friend since 79. You were always there. Still in my heart I love you forever
- Peter Sokolowskji

I knew Jo for 10 years. When I first met her, her daughter Niki was a new born. From that time on, Jo's whole life revolved around Niki one way or another. We shared a lot of special times together at David's Place, Kellyville and Bundeena. She brought life and enthusiasm to our outings and to the prayer group. Joanne became a friend of many people at Kellyville and was dearly loved by them. I know that I'll miss Jo very much. For many of us at David's Place life will never be the same. Thank you Jo for sharing your life with us all.
- Sue Buckingham

Jo was like the choir's own Kylie Minogue. She was funny and warm, she spoke beautifully and sang her soprano part with gusto and great memory. She was a beautiful soul and her light will still be felt amongst us. I'm very sad. The angels are lucky to have her singing with them for now.
- Peter Lehner

I'm glad we did the journey together
- Graham Jacups

My heart will always go out to you. You'll always be in my prayers. Ever since I've been in the choir you've given me inspiration to go on.
- Geoff Hooper

You're a lovely person with a beautiful voice and will be missed greatly
- Jeanette

Thanks for being a lovely friend. We'll miss your voice
- Robert Fox

You will always be looking over your little girl now
- Fabiola

Sadly missed. You've always been supportive.
- Charles Leon

Rest well beautiful lady. Live in love.
- Jodie Catherine

I know your golden wings are flying and you're singing is with us in harmony and love
- Elizabeth Rooney

I loved her dearly. I miss her immensely. She was my partner in harmony.
- Sandra Logar

 

Elvis rocks the streets of Sydney
Tuesday, 17 Jul 2007

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.

You see, I know first hand the effectiveness of this unique community based organisation and how it helps to self empower and transform the lives of its members

We love to hear you clap and sing,  help the Sydney Street Choir do their thing,  join our love train and peace you'll share,  when you sing it's everlasting.  Song Lyrics by Paul Moschides

"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"
   
- Kelvin has been in the choir on & off for 6 yrs

 

"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."
- Pee Wee Geoff was in the choir 5 yrs

"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."
   - Alan was in the choir 3 yrs

 

"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"
   - Jo was in the choir 1 yr


to watch a short video of abc reporter jennifer macey

to watch a short video of cardinal pell on youtube




"A wonderful place to learn to be with people and have a laugh and a totally sick singalong!"
- Ezekiel Kennedy was in the choir for 1 yr

 

"Gives me a chance to participate in something. I am not working and have no talent for anything else"
- Jackie Brooks has been in the choir 4 yrs

 

There's only one heart can be your home,  look above the stars to Heavens atone. The living glory  in eternal light,  needing your love to shine the heart bright.  Song Lyrics by Sandra


" 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."
- Charles Larry Leon has been in the choir 6 yrs


“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.”
- Sandra has been in the choir for 3 years

"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!"
- Robert was in the choir for 1 year

 

"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"
- Peter Sokolowskyj was in the choir 4 yrs

"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!"
- Jeff has been in the choir for 2 yrs

The Sydney Street Choir turned 
7
 
on Thursday, October 16!

Librans born on October 16 are peace-loving individuals who can meet tough challenges. These engaging men and women have an almost childlike love of the spontaneous gesture. Further, they have the ability to judge others in a wise yet kindly way. They have a strong humanitarian streak.

 

Friends and Lovers

October 16 natives have no trouble making friends. Their sincerity and lack of pretense draw others to them. October 16 people are very romantic, yet they are practical and will not allow themselves to be so addicted to a relationship that they can't see reality.

 

Libra Information
for October 16

You should embrace: People of substance, information, wise choices

You should avoid: Shyness, unrealized dreams, lack of fulfillment

Health

While keeping active enough to remain healthy is rarely a challenge, eating right can be difficult. They can be junk-food junkies. They care more about how they feel than how they look. When they use this attitude to change their ideas about food, they'll gain new perspectives.

Dreams and Goals

People born on this date need to have fun. October 16 men and women can set specific goals for themselves without becoming obsessive. They have great organizational ability and know how to take a project one step at a time.

 

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