The Celebration of Life Singers believe music has the power to heal.
The singers, who have each had cancer or cared for someone who did, have experienced that power themselves.
ADVERTISEMENT
If you go
What: "A Celebration of Life" concert, featuring The Yuukari Chorus, cello player Ray Irwin, and pianist and vocalist Kathy Harris.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 9.
Where: St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 12432 Ninth St., Garden Grove.
Cost: Free.
Information:cols-oc.org
T.J. England of Huntington Beach joined in 2000, eight years after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, she's the Celebration of Life Singers vice president.
"Music touched me in a way the spoken word didn't," England said.
The Celebration of Life Singers have performed at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the Relay for Life, the Crystal Cathedral, City of Hope, UCI Medical Center, Hope University Auditorium in Fullerton, and the Ronald McDonald House Children's Christmas Party.
The group, along with Japanese choir The Yuukari Chorus, cello player Ray Irwin, and pianist and vocalist Kathy Harris, will give a free concert, "A Celebration of Life,'' at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 9 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 12432 Ninth St., in Garden Grove.
England, a nurse, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. Two years later, after treatments, she joined the Christ First Presbyterian Church choir in Huntington Beach. She was introduced to the Celebration of Life Singers through a neighbor and fellow singer, Vy Rieck, who died in August 2002.
England has been on both sides of the cancer battle, as a survivor and as a supporter when her husband, Jerry, fought prostate cancer in 2006.
"For me, it was tougher being his support than having cancer," she said. "Cancer touches everyone in the person's environment. It's like a pebble in a stream."
Donna Killingbeck of Santa Ana joined the choir a few years after her mother, multiple myeloma survivor Mary Jane Martinez of Garden Grove.
Killingbeck said the other singers are the reason she stays with the group. She's hoping more caregivers and survivors will join.
"They love to sing and it shows," she said.
The 18 singers support each other, share their hopes and sorrows, look out for each other, and are always looking for new members.
They come from multicultural backgrounds and from cities around Orange County, including Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Cypress, Santa Ana, Buena Park and Long Beach.
Some couldn't read music before they joined. That diversity is one factor that appeals to choir president and two-time cancer survivor Helga Hoffmann of Mission Viejo.
"We are not professionals... We're singing to have a good time together," Hoffmann said.
Hoffmann was diagnosed with cancer for the second time last year, 18 years after her first fight with cancer. She's since been given a clean bill of health.
The choir's Tuesday night rehearsals at St. Olaf's Lutheran Church are light-hearted and fun. Singers arrive around 7 p.m. and spend a few minutes visiting before England or Hoffmann make announcements about choir business. Singers will later call to check on anyone who misses a rehearsal.
"These people have dealt with mortality and are living each day with as much gusto as they can," England said.
The choir was formed in 1997 by director Joann Quak and oncology nurse Marianne Minor. Steve Han took over as director in the early 2000s.
After a few minutes of scales and other warm-up exercises they delve into the music. During the rehearsals, they let their emotions out. It's common for a singer or two to tear up during particularly touching songs.
For Hoffmann, patriotic pieces pull her heartstrings. The performers keep it together during the concerts, Hoffmann said.
"You'll see the joy we feel in some of these songs, and the emotion," England said.
The choir anthem is, "Keep the Flame Alive." During some concerts, audience members are given candles as the choir sings, "There will always be hope for all who walk this way, dreams to dream and memories."
Each lit candle shows a person whose life has been affected by cancer.
"It's amazing," England said. "It really touches your soul when you look out there. That song brings a lot of us to tears, especially when you remember the members we've said goodbye to."
It's tough, sometimes, to be faced with reminders of those who have died over the years. But choir members are hopeful.
"It helps you overcome your own sense of mortality," England said. "For the moment, you're free of pain, fear, and worries. You're just in the moment with the music and the people around you."
Information: cols-oc.org
Contact the writer: 714-796-7949 or ejames@ocregister.com
"Like" Huntington Beach Wave on Facebook to see more news, photos and conversation.??
mississippi state chris carpenter chris carpenter dick cheney hcg drops reason rally mad hatter
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.