SOS Choir
SPIRIT OF THE STREETS
About the SOS Choir
The Spirit of the Streets Choir, originally called the Big Issue Choir, was formed in 2007 with the leadership of Bernard and Eleanor Carney. The Choir is a registered incorporated not-for-profit charity.
Our Team
We have many helpers within the choir who assist with setting up for rehearsal and greeting members and visitors as they arrive, checking the safety of venues, organising celebrations, and not forgetting our wonderful Heather Mithen and Anna Ossy-Orley who provide the choir with afternoon tea each week.
Choir Director
Bernard Carney
Born and brought up in Lancashire, UK, he has been a fulltime musician – performing, award winning songwriter, guitar teacher - since arriving in Australia in 1975. Bernard was recently awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his services to music. He and his wife, Eleanor, have strong social consciences as is reflected in their commitment to the choir.
Percussionist
Sally Hegotule
Street musician originally from Niue who has sung and brought joy to people in a variety of places and plays a breathtaking array of instruments including the ukulele, guitar, bongo drums and banjo.
Gig Organiser
Eleanor Carney
A former teacher from a musical family who grew up in Birmingham with lots of formal musical training. Eleanor brings lots of musical and organising skills to the choir as well as a passionate interest in people.Eleanor Carney organises the booking of gigs and concerts as well as assisting the choir every week.
Bass Guitar Player
Devo
Music is Devo’s fulltime passion, whether it be playing it or continuing to learn more about it, and he has been the bass guitar player for the choir for more than 10 years.
Operations Committee
The committee is responsible for the ongoing management of the choir and its activities.
Dot Hoareau
Bernard
Sue Scott
Eleanor Carney
Trish Todd
Chris Choo
Kathy Gale
The Board
The Choir also has a Board to ensure appropriate policies and practices and to provide legal and financial guidance
Dave Scott
Conor Breheny
Trish Todd
Robert Maley
Dot Hoareau
Joshua Haque
Tuesday Rehearsals
We meet every Tuesday afternoon from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at St Albans Church Hall, 423 Beaufort Street, Highgate. St Albans is located on the corner of St. Albans Ave and Beaufort St, Highgate, about 2kms north of the centre of the Perth CBD. No previous singing experience is required, just a desire to sing, make friends and have fun. There is no cost to being involved in the Choir.
What do we do on a Tuesday? We start the session with informal socialising over a cup of tea and coffee. Before commencing singing, information is provided on any upcoming activities and members’ birthdays are celebrated. The choir then warms up and enjoys singing a wide repertoire of songs.
The Spirit of the Streets Choir is a performing choir so we often use our Tuesday rehearsals to prepare for any forthcoming concerts.