In the past weeks we have witnessed some tragic and heartbreaking stories. What I would like to share with you, however, is an inspiring story of two choirs, thousands of miles apart that are both doing wonderful things and represent the best of humanity. These choirs are uplifting, not just in the pleasure their audiences derive from their singing, but more importantly, because they raise the spirits and indeed the very lives of their singers. One is the Bohemian Choir located in Leipzig, Germany. The other is the “New Directions” Choir located in the United States. Here are their stories. The Bohemian Choir was co-founded two years ago by Sarie Teichfischer. The choir is for those who are unemployed (Ms. Teichfischer lost her job in the publishing field). Besides making beautiful music, the choir offers an opportunity for members to meet and network and perhaps find a job through these contacts. The choir offers a sense of community and a pathway to self-confidence which is needed by many who have been unemployed for a long time (one member was considering suicide before regaining his self-worth as a member of the choir). Is musical talent needed to join? The all-volunteer group doesn't turn anyone away. The choir is very welcoming. Their performances are authentic and beautiful and you can hear the group and their story as it was originally presented on National Public radio. The “New Directions” Choir came to my attention just a couple of evenings ago as I sat at home watching the television program “America's Got Talent.” While the show provides a forum for a variety of acts, this group was special. The “New Directions” Choir is comprised of former U.S. servicemen and women who were homeless. The group's leader, George Hill, was himself a homeless veteran who lived on the streets for 12 years. “Music kept me alive,” says Carlton Griffin, the choir's soulful bass, who himself was homeless for over 25 years. The group's performance on the show was stunning and received a standing ovation. You can see it for yourself. As I sit here and relate this story of two choirs, I am thankfully neither jobless or homeless. But I can relate to the people in these choirs insofar as I understand the joy and self-satisfaction that is gained through music-making. Performing music is powerful medicine. And, as demonstrated here, you don't need to be a professional to do it. So, no matter your situation, perhaps the Bohemian and the New Directions choirs will inspire you to seek out opportunities to make music with others. BM
