Weaving A Tapestry of Sound: Reflecting on the First Fall Rehearsal

The first rehearsal of the season had me a bit nervous. Though I had sung in some of the 9/11 events, I hadn't actually been in the Choir the previous season and a half.  My first season had been one of transition; the last season with our previous choir director. My second season had been with the new director, until a series of unfortunate events had sidelined me and I had to take a leave from the Choir.

On our first rehearsal this season, when we went into the practice room, we were greeted with art supplies and the Choir's new business cards, or stickers, to put our names on.  I love art supplies.  A large box of Crayola crayons can still get me to grin with glee and start dreaming away.  So I jumped right in and drew a little kitty face next to my name.  Yes, I love cats, too.  I've been owned by a little dark tabby named Calypso for 16 years now.  >^.^<

It was all very friendly.  A good deal of time was spent on introductions (new members got lollipops!) and I realized that we actually had lots of new members, and even more amazingly, many were men!  For those that complain they can't find men to date, let me assure you, it's a lot harder to find men to sing with.  :D

After some warmups we started in on two songs, Amani and 7 Principles.  I was happy to see that at least some of the Amani song was in French.  I knew those classes would come in handy someday!  ;)  

With some practice I started to just enjoy that feeling of singing with a group.  Together--though we all have different voices--we weave a united tapestry of sound.  It can make me joyous, and I hope it makes others joyous as well.

-Doris, POHC Soprano

Doris can be reached at kalypso_one@hotmail.com

POHC Starts the Fall 2011 Rehearsal Season on Thursday 9/15

After completing a meaningful and heartfelt pre-season concert series for the 9/11 tenth anniversary events, POHC is gearing up to start the regular Fall 2011 rehearsal season. The first rehearsal will begin promptly at 7pm, Thursday, September 15 (members who have not received details should email peaceofheartchoir@yahoo.com). 

Returning members will welcome almost a dozen "newbies" to the Choir as they prepare for more than ten free community concerts for NYC shelters, hospitals and non-profit groups to take place during late October through December. They will begin rehearsing songs in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Ladino, Haitian Creole, and Swahili--including songs that will celebrate the winter holidays of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. The general public can support the Choir's efforts, and enjoy their musical offerings at the Winter 2011 Fundraising Concert on December 18.

POHC featured on WPIX11 Ten O'clock News on 9/11

The WPIX11 camera that was in the audience at our Castle Clinton concert captured footage that was later used during the ten o'clock broadcast. Visit the WPIX website to see and hear POHC singing Bright Morning Star as featured in a segment about 9/11 Remembrances. 

If hope speaks through music, then hope abounds in New York City and around the country. The Peace of Heart Choir formed in response to the September 11th attacks and promotes mutual understanding. They performed in Battery Park.

- Lolita Lopez, WPIX

 The above clip is edited to include just the feature about POHC from the WPIX11 segment about 9/11 remembrances.

POHC Sings at Castle Clinton and Federal Hall for 9/11 Commemoration and Community Healing

Peace of Heart Choir, directed by Robert René Galván, sings at Castle Clinton in Battery Park on September 11, 2011, in cooperation with September Concert. A camera from WPIX 11 news stands in the foreground. POHC was featured on the 10 o'clock news later that evening.

As part of our 9/11 commemorative concert series, POHC was scheduled to perform at Castle Clinton in Battery Park, in cooperation with September Concert and the U.S. Parks Department. The Castle Clinton concert was attended by passers-by and various members of the public including 9/11 first responders, tourists, POHC members, and a camera operator from WPIX 11 news. After the Castle Clinton concert, the choir performed two more impromptu concerts at the Federal Hall Building for the 9-11 Healing and Remembrance Program (part of the Mental Health Association of New York). A summary of the day is below. Readers of our blog may remember that our post-concert write-ups are usually done by a singing member who participated in the concert that day. Well, this time, the singing members were in for a pleasant surprise when we found that two of our audience members shared their concert write-ups, seen below. Thank you to both Wilfred, a singing POHC member and Tenor Section Leader and John, a POHC Board of Trustee member and father of Tenor, Alex, for your support, encouragement and caring words.

Sunday, September 11, 2011, 3pm, Castle Clinton, Battery Park

Wilfred here and just wanted to take my time to say that all of you are doing a wonderful job singing out there! All of you must've put some good time and effort to exercise your voices, rehearsing every song just right, and let it out. It was my first time ever hearing y'all sing. Also I want to thank all the classic members who I haven't seen for approx. 3 to 5 years for taking time out to be part of us once again, at least for this special concert. Okay, now to those who didn't make it, here's the story.

I came in about four minutes late thinking I was gonna get lost but made it during the Arirang song. I don't remember the song order 'cause I didn't sing but I can tell you more of what songs I do remember, in random order (even though I wasn't part of the performance, I did watch from the audience).

• We Remember You - It sounded great with Bill Pierson, who wrote the song, singing solo.
• Arirang - Came in about four minutes late but did make it in time to tell you that the song went smooth, and I do believe Cheryl sang solo on it and I already know she a great singer.
• Dona Dona - Lovely tone with Judith, Leslie, and Megan as soloists. Very enjoyable.
• Down By The Riverside - A good sing-a-long with the audience's participation. During the lyrics "I'm gonna shake hands around the world..." some members came out shaking audiences hand (I even had one from Leslie), which I love because it makes me feel that the choir is on my side as well as the audience's.
• Blowin' In The Wind - Another sing-a-long. All the audience participated in this song as well, and they sang it loud and clear.
• Od Yavo - Enjoyable and easy. The audience loved it and clapped along.
• Give Us Hope - A great song to sing. It was also a clap-a-long. Maybe in song selection we can have a new category--clap-a-long songs!.
• Let There Be Peace On Earth - The last song done with Leslie and Deb as female soloist.
• Those were all the songs. I thought that was it, but it wasn't. A few members of the Choir had to leave, but the rest stayed and decided to participate in an unplanned concert. We all took a walk down to Federal Hall and performed inside. The acoustic quality there sounds like a beauty. The Choir didn't sing as many songs as at Castle Clinton. They sang the songs Arirang, We Remember You, Give Us Hope, and Let There Be Peace On Earth.

Last, the Choir performed outside the Federal Hall for the final performance. René asked Gary, who also wasn't part of the performance but did show up to watch, and myself if we would perform with them and we agreed, even though we were unprepared. We did know the songs though, so it was no problem. It was worth doing something overall.

During the time I'm writing this, I was just watching WPIX 11 news and all of you were on television! I freaked out in happiness when I saw it . Yes, John (Alex's Dad), and myself were in the shot too, but the camera was behind us since we were in the audience. Congratulations! I had to post it on facebook immediately. LOL.

I enjoyed this whole day because of all of you. Thank you! To those who are not gonna participate this Fall/Winter season, I will miss your sweet and charming voices. Hope you do come back sometime. To the rest, I will see you all Thursday at our first rehearsal!


-Wilfred, POHC Tenor Section Leader

Peace of Heart Choir sings in the Federal Hall building on September 11, 2011.

Sunday, September 11, 2011, 3pm, Federal Hall Building

With the exception of Jeanette, (baritone) Anthony's mom, probably no one has watched more POHC concerts than me. Having watched the scheduled concert at Castle Clinton and both of the ensuing impromptu concerts today, I've got to say that I've never seen the Choir have a finer day. And what a day to do it!

So many memorable moments today:

• At Castle Clinton, a group of Korean tourists approached just as the Choir started Arirang. You should have seen the pleasure and surprise on their faces that an American choir was singing their song;
•  So many past POHC members whom we have missed in more recent seasons showed up to sing with the Choir (or just to support it). 
• Listening to and watching Bill Pierson solo on his own song, We Remember You.  Bill did his solo in all three concerts, and, not only was he superb every time, but his performance became more moving each time he performed it;
• The Choir sounded awesome when it went indoors at Federal Hall. Dona Nobis Pacem, for instance, was eye-opening and the audience was a bit stunned by an example of the Choir's modus operandi: singing in Latin, Hebrew, Hindi, Lakota and Arabic;
• Watching René lead the Choir so smoothly.      

On a day that meant so much to so many, the Choir showed why its mission matters and carried out its mission beautifully.


-John, POHC Board Member and "Alex's Dad"

Looking Back: As 9/11 Anniversary Approaches, NY1 Revisits New Yorkers of the Week, POHC

Today, as we remember the events of 9/11/2011, POHC also looks back on the formation and early history of the Choir. The article below was originally published by local news station, NY1, on September 5, 2003. Check out the video on the NY1 website.

As the two-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center nears, NY1 decided to revisit some of our previous New Yorkers of the Week, spotlighting some of those who continue their work to help New York City heal and remember.

As 9/11 Anniversary Approaches, NY1 Revisits New Yorkers Of The Week

Laura Yanes began her journey of honoring firefighters across the city two years ago with a simple photograph of a firefighter sitting on his rig. She planned on delivering it, ironically enough, on September 11.

After the tragedy she felt desperate to know if the fireman in the photo was alright. She visited the house and found that he was okay, but it was the request of the other guys from the house that spurred her full-scale project.

“It seemed like a simple request and a simple way to say thank you, so I started,” says Yanes.
”Two pictures led to eight more, and that led to 20 more, and now I'm at 4,500.”

Yanes found the pictures brought some firefighters comfort - in case something were to happen, they'd have a professional photograph to be remembered by. To others, it brought the joy of laughter.

As the second anniversary approaches, Yanes is still hard at work, taking photographs of any firefighter who wants them. She says it's her special way of saying thank you.

“When I say 'thank you' to these guys, I always say, 'You were there every day before 9/11, and you've been there every day since,'” says Yanes. “I'm just happy to honor that and say thank you, not for just what they did on 9/11, but for all of it.”

Remember the Peace of Heart Choir? Jeff Becker formed the choir in a matter of days after the terror attacks, and they continue to let music be their guide for honoring all of those lost that tragic day.

“There's a need to honor. Two years out, there was still that need to honor, honor what was lost, who was lost, what was lost,” says Becker.

They sang songs of hope, spreading messages of healing and remembrance. They even brought laughter. Two years later, the choir is still together, bonded in their mission to bring peace and unity to a community that still so badly needs it.

“I think we're out there trying to soothe people and give them a little bit of an uplifting experience,” says choir member Charlie Palmer.

They inspire by example, including all ethnicities, races, religions into their choir, and singing in dozens of different languages. They show that being different is what makes us New York.

“When people see us it gives them a different perspective,” says choir member Vanessa Wilson. “Things that have happened in the city that were awful, people were blamed, but when they look at is they know what it's all about. It's about sharing and togetherness.”

In the end, their music, like Laura Yanes's pictures, continue the process of healing and moving forward, all the while never forgetting. That's why they're our New Yorkers of the Week.

If you'd like to help Laura Yanes, you can email her at firefighterphotos@nyc.rr.com. Also if you'd like more information or tickets to the Peace of Heart Choir's upcoming concert, please call 212-781-9821.

If you know someone who would make a good New Yorker of the Week, or if you have an idea for a story you'd like to see, send an email to nytonight@ny1.com, or mail a letter to:

New York 1
75 Ninth Avenue, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10011 

POHC Sings at NYC Fire Museum of the FDNY

It has become a tradition for a member of POHC to do a post-concert write-up. It started when our Sign-up Coordinator began emailing her summaries to the other members in order to entice newer members to sign-up to sing at community concerts held early in the season. It didn't take long for Concert Write-ups to become greatly anticipated amongst our members, so we share them here in hopes that you'll join us at a future concert.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

We entered the first floor of the New York City Fire Museum and glimpsed some of the old fire engines on display and proceeded up to the third floor, to a spacious room with wood floors and brick walls. Rows of folding chairs were filled with audience members and the performers on today's program. Most of us eventually gave up our seats as more audience members arrived. There were perhaps 50 to 60 people, ranging in age from as young as a few months old to people in their seventies. A group of about 10 developmentally disabled young adults came accompanied by staff from their home.

The acoustics in the room were wonderful, especially when the a/c turned off. We listened first with rapt attention to several terrific performances by other musicians and a poet. We were the last performance group on the program. The first was an extraordinary harmonica player who played Rhapsody In Blue and two other songs.  I never knew a harmonica could sound so beautiful!  Then an a capella group of eight women, the Accord Treble Choir, filled the space with their beautiful, ethereal sound. They did a song in Hungarian, one in Estonian and one in English. They were followed by a flute quartet, also amazing, a South African singer, and a poet who read his poems about 9/11.  All very moving and beautiful.

Then it was our turn.  I introduced the choir and talked briefly about how we formed directly in response to 9/11 and introduced René. The audience seemed to sit up a little straighter and look even more attentive just from hearing the intro. We began with Bright Morning Star, followed by Arirang with Cheryl's gorgeous solo. Audience members tapped their feet and grooved to Paz y Libertad next, many nodding in time to the music and swaying in their seats. It was great to have Deb accompanying with the egg shaker today. Dona Nobis Pacem was familiar to some there and, with René's introduction, they listened for the five different languages in which we sang (Latin, Hindi, Hebrew, Lakota, and Arabic).

I introduced We Remember You and soloist and composer Bill Pierson.  It was an emotional day and special to be singing at the Fire Museum for this 10th anniversary of 9/11. Bill's song has always moved me to tears and today was no exception.  I choked up a bit toward the end of my introduction and was grateful others could sing at moments when I could not. I noticed a couple of men in the audience with tears in their eyes as we sang. It was especially wonderful to hear Bill's beautiful, soulful voice, singing his solo with us. It was powerful and appreciated by all. We could hear the extra applause for it.

We finished our part of the program with Let There Be Peace--thank you Larry for your intro. We didn't miss a beat and sounded beautiful on all songs. Then all the performers joined us for Give Us Hope, led by René, with a piano accompanist. We truly filled the room with wonderful sound and energy and everyone clapped along. The entire program of performances worked really well together.  

Today's entire program was filmed by NY1 and several POHC members were interviewed individually afterward for NY1 as well. The photographer/reporter, Patrick, then asked if there was a Spanish speaker from our group who he could interview so our director René did his interview entirely in Spanish.  Maybe it will be on the Spanish NY1 station! 

Some of us stayed to visit the rest of the museum, which was lovely and free today. They have a 9/11 room which is extremely powerful to see. Kudos and thank you to all who were able to be there today.  It was an exceptionally lovely performance.

-POHC Soprano and Founding Member

POHC Sings with September Concert at Central Park

POHC Member Bill Pierson sings the solo for his original composition "We Remember You," a song commemorating 9/11 and his experiences of loss and survival as a Port Authority Police Officer at the towers that day.

It has become a tradition for a member of POHC to do a post-concert write-up. It started when our Sign-up Coordinator began emailing her summaries to the other members in order to entice newer members to sign-up to sing at community concerts held early in the season. It didn't take long for Concert Write-ups to become greatly anticipated amongst our members, so we share them here in hopes that you'll join us at a future concert.

Friday, September 9, 2011

We followed the September Concert and their spectacular version of Give Us Hope, which featured a large group of kids dancing in front of the chorus. We sang on the other side of the monument, facing benches and trees, not out toward Columbus Circle. Our audience was smaller than that for the September Concert, but very personal, with many singing and clapping along to Blowin' in the Wind, Down By the Riverside and Od Yavo.  René’s pitch instrument was very soft.  We couldn’t all hear it, so he walked up and down the row giving us our note, and we passed it on--like a game of telephone.  Everyone was in high spirits, and we sounded great.  René even walked into the audience on the sing-alongs, to see how we sounded from the gallery, and he was very pleased.  After we finished, more than a few people came up to us to tell us how much they enjoyed it.  

- POHC Sign-up Coordinator

POHC Sings at Fordham University for the Interfaith Perspectives on Communal Trauma and Healing Event

It has become a tradition for a member of POHC to do a post-concert write-up. It started when Sign-up Coordinator began emailing her summaries to the other members in order to entice newer members to sign-up to sing at community concerts held early in the season. It didn't take long for Concert Write-ups to become greatly anticipated amongst our members, so we share them here in hopes that you'll join us at a future concert.

Friday, September 9, 2011

This one is short, because I’m running out to our second concert of the day in Central Park. Our first concert today was an event co-sponsored by the Interfaith Center of New York, the Prepare New York coalition, the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, and others. Suffice it to say that they were a diverse group--not unlike POHC! About fifty people altogether, and they LOVED us. 

We went on after a ten-minute speech by someone of the Sikh faith, who shared some history of his religion. We sang while the audience ate (we had some food after the concert and it was very good!).  They listened intently to all the introductions and all the songs, and they sang along with Blowin' In the Wind and Down By the Riverside. My favorite memory of this concert was the man in the back with the bright white pagri, or turban, clapping along with our Hebrew/Arabic song, Od Yavo. 

Our only regret was that Bill was stuck on the train and couldn’t make it for his solo.  We Remember You was supposed to be first on the program, but René pushed it to last place, hoping Bill would arrive.  When he didn’t, we closed the program with his song--Barry on solo. So...onward to Central Park for some music with September Concert.  Hope to see you there.

-POHC Member and Sign-up Coordinator

POHC Sings for UJA-Federation of New York

It has become a tradition for a member of POHC to do a post-concert write-up. It started when Sign-up Coordinator began emailing her summaries to the other members in order to entice newer members to sign-up to sing at community concerts held early in the season. It didn't take long for Concert Write-ups to become greatly anticipated amongst our members, so we share them here in hopes that you'll join us at a future concert.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

This morning, we sang the first of our 9/11 concerts at the UJA-Federation of New York.  Everyone was in their "Sunday best" and in high spirits. 

We warmed up in a posh board room with a buffet of muffins and urns of coffee and tea, then went into the “overflow room” to hear Larry Silverstein’s address on two huge TV screens.  (The plan had been for us to go into the main room before his speech, sit in the back, then sing as soon as he finished.  But he started his speech earlier than expected, and we weren’t supposed to walk into the main room while he was talking--that’s why we were in the overflow room.) After his speech, the audience was asked to share with their neighbors their memories of 9/11.  We entered the main room while they were talking, and sat in the back until they finished--about five or ten minutes.  

Now it was our turn. We arranged ourselves in front of the room,  folders closed and in our left hand. Then our own Larry ascended the podium that Larry Silverstein had just left, and addressed the audience of elegantly dressed men and women--several hundred, by my eye-ball estimate.  He introduced the choir, told how we formed and what we do, told his own 9/11 story, and spoke of the significance of the month before Rosh Hashanah in the Jewish calendar.  Then he told a bit about the significance of each of the three songs we would be singing: Bright Morning Star, Od Yavo, and Let There Be Peace On Earth.  He said we would be singing them one right after another and asked that applause be held until the end.  Great speech, Larry!  Just the right length and tone for the event – and just the right amount of vintage-Larry humor.

Bright Morning Star was the perfect starter, matching the audience’s reflective mood. They listened raptly, all eyes on the Choir. Od Yavo was second.  We did speed up, but not nearly as much as we usually do.  René turned to the audience and invited them to join in. Many did. We closed with Let There Be Peace, and then the applause came. We had to leave quickly, because the next speaker was already ascending the podium. As we were walking out, some people told us how much they enjoyed our performance. And outside in the hall, one older man in a yarmulke (most of the men there were wearing yarmulkes), came up to me and said, “That was beautiful. Just beautiful.” 

At most of our concerts, we are the main event. Here we were one item on a program of remembrance, and we were perfectly in tune with them.  Kudos to the POHC! 

-POHC Member and Sign-up Coordinator

POHC Commemorates 10 Years Singing in NYC

Peace of  Heart Choir formed in response to the events of September 11, 2001. During this time of year we join with other New Yorkers to remember, connect and heal. 

Please join us for our September 2011 concerts. All events are free and open to the public.

Friday, September 9 

5:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Merchants Gate, Central Park South and West 59th Street
In cooperation with September Concert

Saturday, September 10 

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Fire Museum of FDNY, 278 Spring Street
In cooperation with Musica Thema

Sunday, September 11 

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Castle Clinton, Battery Park
In cooperation with the U.S. Parks Department