I have been watching a documentary over the past few weeks … and every episode amazes, astounds and drives me to tears. The documentary is called (and about) The Choir of Hard Knocks — and follows the process of bringing an eclectic group of disadvantaged and homeless people together to form a choir.
Johnathon Welch is the driving force behind the choir and he shows amazing focus and fantastic leadership skills. Along the way, Johnathon consistently sets new personal and group goals for the choir and each week you can see significant personal development and aspiration in members of the choir. But what drives the story … and it is an amazing story, is the network of human connections that begin to form in and around the choir. Even moreso, there are connections made during the street performances, by the the documentary and through the hearing of the music.
You can purchase the CD of their music here … and if you are in Melbourne you can see the choir perform live at the Melbourne Town Hall on 24 June 2007. You can make bookings here.
We had something similar in Spokane, Gavin. The leader/organizer was a session musician (and producer) in Nashville, decided it wasn’t worth it, turned to being a pastor and moved to the NW US. Gets this bunch of homeless – mostly women and their kids – together and makes music. They write the songs – he puts the music to them. They have a couple cd’s. The Choir of Hard Knocks takes it a step further with the documentary. Very cool –
Leads me to the point – a great story is a great story. And when they can move you to tears…all the better. Thanks for sharing!
I spotted a poster today of an exhibition of photos of the choir. If you’re in Melbourne it might be worth checking the listings to see where it’s showing.
I am still teary after watching the concert on ABC the other night, and the practice session a few weeks ago. I am so inspired by Jonathon and all the choir members, what a magnificent expression of humanity and the unstoppable human spirit.
A few of us in Adelaide are wanting to come over for their next concert. How could we find out about when and where that is?
Hi everyone in the Choir….. i was driving around sydney today clapping and singing with you all. You made me very happy. Music breaks down all social barriers and takes us into the universal “good” in man.
I have already booked my seats at the Opera House.
Keep making music.
deborah
Just to say that your all wonderful and keep on keeping on. Stay together and help each other. Think of all of you quite often. Maureen