Now in their 20th anniversary year, the choir continues to sing together, led by their joint Music Directors, Adam Przewlocki and Danielle Matthews, with their dedicated Founding Artistic Director, Jonathon Welch AM, now in the role of Patron. The Choir of Hard Knocks rehearses weekly at their home at St Michael's Hall in the heart of the City of Melbourne. This ongoing and regular contact has a profound effect on the lives of choir members, leading many of the original 52 back to either part time or full time study or work. The choir has also given members the opportunity to find new purpose in life. Many had become socially excluded due to their socio-economic circumstances, and the choir has enabled them to acquire new skills and rebuild personal confidence and self esteem.
But we cannot keep going without your help! The Choir of Hard Knocks receives no Government funding, and runs on the generosity of people like you, and the in-kind service and support from organisations and businesses.
Statistics
On any given night, 122,494 people in Australia are experiencing homelessness (ABS Census 2021). More than 2.5 million live below the poverty line. Disadvantage creates inequality, deprives opportunity, exacerbates mental health and illness.
Music is a therapy that enables human connection by making people feel part of something and building relationships within a group. Our research with Queensland Health shows it leads to:
- increased self esteem
- increased memory and improved immune system
- improved social and cognitive function
- improved self-expression, both verbally and non-verbally
Key Areas of Expenditure
Your generous donation goes towards keeping the Choir of Hard Knocks singing by assisting in funding the cost of providing our weekly rehearsals and meals to our members. The Choir of Hard Knocks receives no Government funding and is self-funded through public performances, donations, merchandise sales and in-kind services from generous partners and volunteers. We thank you for your support.
