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.
Musician
Rick Steele
Highly accomplished blues musician who has been performing in WA for many years. A well known Perth musician, Rick is a member of the WAM Hall of Fame. He enjoys his annual trip to his country of birth, New Zealand. Rick supports the choir. particularly when Bernard takes his annual holiday.
Gig Organiser
Eleanor Carney
A former teacher from a musical family, Eleanor grew up in Birmingham. With formal musical training, Eleanor brings a wealth of musical and organisational skills to the choir as well as a passionate interest in people. She organises the booking of gigs and concerts and assists 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. He has been the bass guitar player for the choir for more than 10 years.
Musician
John Howard
John is an accomplished guitarist and song writer who has been performing in WA for many years. Apart from supporting the choir in Bernard's absence, John brings extensive technical knowledge, including that of sound systems and recording equipment, to the choir.
Operations Committee
The committee is responsible for the ongoing management of the choir and its activities.
Dot Hoareau
John Howard
Sue Scott
Diana Johnson
Trish Todd
Glennis Paine
Chris Choo
Eleanor Carney
Bernard
The Board
The Choir also has a Board to ensure appropriate policies and practices and to provide legal and financial guidance
Dave Scott
Joshua Haque
Jennifer Binns
Conor Breheny
Trish Todd
Robert Maley
Dot Hoareau
Tuesday Rehearsals
We meet every Tuesday afternoon from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, currently at St Albans Church Hall, 423 Beaufort Street, Highgate. From Tuesday 7 June onward rehearsals will be held at the Mounty Church (Mt Hawthorn Baptist Church), 98 Hobart Street, Mt Hawthorn. 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 or coffee. Before commencing singing, information is provided on 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 forthcoming concerts.