The Choir of High Hopes
December 19, 2007 by Christine Milne
Every now and then an idea comes around which is so perfectly judged that it seems it cannot fail to take off. Jonathon Welch’s Choir of Hard Knocks is such an idea, and I am one of millions, doubtless, around Australia to have been moved and inspired by what has been achieved.
A few weeks ago, I saw a feature article in the Hobart Mercury about a Hobart music teacher, Jenny Chapman, who was so inspired that she aimed to set up a parallel project in Hobart. I immediately offered whatever help I could give, and my wonderful staff - particularly Sandy Bowden and Cassy O’Connor - have put in heaps of time and effort in organising and publicity over the last few weeks.
The Choir of High Hopes was born, and held their first performance in Hobart’s Elizabeth St Mall yesterday.
I see this choir, and my small role in helping it, as a fundamentally important way of supporting those people in our society in the greatest need. We clearly have a crisis in housing, a systemic failure for people living with mental illness, and few programs to help those transitioning from a life in prison, to name just a few examples.
As its name implies, this choir gives hope to those who most need it and who have least. And, as the smiles on the faces show, it works!
Well done to Jenny Chapman, Helen Todd and all those who took part or helped with this fabulous project. Onward and upward to the next performance!
Christine, I absolutely rejoice over this uplifting story. I only wish this disabled woman wasn’t so far from Hobart so I could take part. Only good can come from this. Fantastic. If there is anything I could do to help, I would love to
love and light
susan xxxx
Its interesting to see the major energy companies getting into this space. While they are probably trying to promote themselves, AGL for instance appears to be doing well at providing information http://aglenergy.wordpress.com/
I do hope that no one will mind if I use this place, to just say that I wish Bob Brown a very wonderful birthday for the 27th (I think I have my dates right) :-) Hope you have a fantastic day Bob and many more!
love and light
susan in Tasmania xxxx
I have just recently found out about this choir and would also let to volunteer my help. I have been a singer in choirs for most of my life (just a normal singer who enjoys music), but am sure I would have something to offer in assisting the other singers. I would love to hear from someone who would like to take up this offer of my help. I am doing it as much for myself as for the others as I love to sing.
Ann
Um… anyone still home on this blog? Or is the election over, and with it the blog?
Hello gandhi and other bloggers
Happy New Year!
After a short summer break, yes, we are ‘at home’ here in the Milne office. The election may be over, but the battles are far from won, of course.
It’s great to see the Choir of High Hopes has evoked a warm response and offers of help. Susan and Ann, I am sure the local choir’s founder would love to hear from you. Her name is Jenny Chapman and she can be contacted via email:
jennychapman@aapt.net.au
If you live locally, you are also very welcome to come along to rehearsals which resume at Scots Memorial Church in Bathurst St, Hobart, next Tuesday 15/1.
It would be great to see new faces there to help and to sing … you will definitely be glad you came!
Warm wishes
Cassy O’Connor
Office of Senator Milne
Hi Cassy, I hope all of the Senators and staff have had a good holiday break. I would like to say how much I appreciate all of the hard work that you do in Canberra and around the country. 2008 should be an interesting year !
Gandhi et al,
apologies for the long long absence. I had expected to keep up at least a little bit of blogging over the holidays, but I found I just completely crashed out for a while and really only had the brain space for visits to moderate comments. I really really needed that holiday!!!
Anyway, back on board as of today, as is Tim N, I believe, and we will get the blog moving again!
Thanks all for your support.
Singers Of United Lands is seeking just ONE singer from Australia to tour in the USA for 6 months beginning in January 2009! Please tell any singers you know to visit http://www.singersofunitedlands.org for more details on how to apply by email!
-Marcus