Homeless choir sings from the heart

TANTALLON - St. Luke's United Church in Upper Tantallon may feel a bit brighter this weekend.

The Shining Lights Choir will return for a second year in a row on Dec. 10 to lend their voices to the congregation. What makes the choir unique is the fact that it is composed of singers who are homeless, or who have experienced homelessness, and are still living below the poverty line.

"I have always thought they sang from the heart," explained St. Luke's Rev. Kevin Little. "I particularly like how they mix new socially relevant lyrics to old spirituals. These 30 women and men belt it out with passion and have a powerful effect on those they sing for. They have sung in many United Church congregations over these last ten years and they always leave people wanting more."

Little recalled the choir's debut at his ministry. His regular congregation of 175 members was increased by an additional 100 guests from the community. Whether this year's appearance will match or surpass that number remains to be seen.

"They were an unknown quantity last year out here in the 'burbs," Little said. "But, on the other hand, it was the most talked-about service here in years, so more might come to see for themselves."

The choir was founded 10 years ago, giving its first performance in November 1997. At the time, there were a total of seven singers, of which three were staff members of Metro Non-Profit Housing Association. Since then the ranks have swelled to between 20 and 30 members.

Bryon Anderson, a coordinator with MNPHA, was one of the three staff members who sang with the budding group.

"Someone had heard about a homeless choir in Montreal," he recalled. "And I noticed that there were quite a few musical people coming to the shelter. We got a grant from Community Health and started our own choir."

Money earned from concerts and CD sales is used to support the choir. Members also receive a small honorarium for their services. This is in keeping with the original purpose of the choir.

"These are people who have always been forced to go here and there to food banks," said Anderson. "Always asking for something is bad for self-esteem. This helps them to feel that they are giving back."

The choir has also provided members with a sense of stability. Anderson noted that many members had been barred from other agencies due to disruptive behaviour like fighting. Yet, no member of the choir has ever been fired.

"We're self-policing," he said. "Throwing up a bunch of rules just won't work. We're non-judgmental. There's a great feeling of camaraderie."

Ten years and over 150 performances later, the group is stronger than ever. Two CDs have already been released with a third, live album due out Dec. 15. The music ranges from Christmas tunes and gospels to Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues. Input from the choir and musical director, Earl Cosman, decides what songs are recorded. As to live performances, churches set the general theme and leave the choice of song to the Shining Lights.

"In this case, Christmas carols have been requested," Little explained. "But it depends on what they know and want to sing. We are more than thrilled with whatever they choose for us."

atoal@ns.sympatico.ca