Music common denominator for homeless people recruited for choir

Published: 2006-01-16

CHICAGO (CNS) -- On a recent Sunday, the choir at Old St. Patrick's Church in Chicago underwent a transformation. Mixed in with its predominantly white, more affluent regulars were the "unmonied" members of Harmony, Hope and Healing. The church's transformed choir sported an Irish tenor and an African-American mezzo-soprano; songs in high, medium and low register; blues and music of a more European flavor. Overall, the singers sounded comfortable together. After Mass, the choir members -- the regulars and the visitors -- sat down to eat and talk. Harmony, Hope and Healing is a creative music program for people served by various Catholic-run shelters and community outreach programs in the Chicago area. "If we are willing to learn, listen and not be afraid to join into song, we can learn more about one another," said the program's executive director and music director, Marge Nykasa.

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