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Who we are
"Young Men of Honor,
Pursuing Excellence &
Leading by Example
The Fort Pierce, Florida neighborhood of Avenue D has long been known for poverty, gangs, violence, and drugs, but in the midst of this despair are the growing and glowing sights and sounds of hope.
The Avenue D Boys’ Choir is a group of extraordinary at-risk youths who are determined to overcome the entrapments of their environment. From uncertain and diminutive beginnings in 2004, they are now a force for excellence growing in the heart of Fort Pierce and reaching out to the Treasure Coast of Florida and beyond. The Choir is purposely named after the neighborhood to show support for the families, friends and neighbors who live there, and who are also striving to move beyond the negative influences.
Maya Angelou wrote in her 1997 memoir, “Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.”
Using music as the “hook” and the literal space between the notes to create a safe place and comfort zone apart from the destructive influences, the Avenue D Boys’ Choir was born under the spiritual guidance Dr. Earl Hendricks and the musical direction of Mrs. Mary Hendricks.
Hoping for a few boys that first day in March 2004, they started with 8 boys and within a couple of days had 18 boys solidly ready to commit to the Choir. A bit overwhelmed, yet mostly energized and movivated, the Hendricks were determined to cultivate this group and let the community know about the hope from within.
It was evident the boys craved the attention they found here and they were more than willing to do their best in all areas of their lives to keep this attention. Given the opportunity to respond to a disciplined environment, these youths displayed deep desires to lead successful and purposeful lives.
The Hendricks and the volunteers make sure every rehearsal session, at least three times a week, is meaningful. This includes time for mentoring, homework, positive dialogue, and lots of practice, along with a good meal afterwards. The Hendricks answer their phones day and night to offer guidance to the boys and their families. They do all this with great heart, immeasurable love, profound spirit, and lots of very sincere discipline.
Education
Since that day in March 2004, the Hendricks and the community have found it significant that more than 150 boys have participated in the Avenue D Boys’ Choir and all have graduated from high school. Most are now pursuing further education. A majority of the current Choir members maintain honors grades and are actively participating in the scholarship program with Indian River College. These numbers include the boys from the Courts’ diversionary programs who most likely would have dropped out of school without the fellowship of the Choir.
Where we are today
In four short years the selfless volunteer directors have taken the Choir from a few insecure boys and anonymity to a dynamic group of 40 (and growing) young men and boys who have performed from south Florida, to performing on the same stage as the visiting Vienna Boys’ Choir, and to a professional recording session with Grammy winner and renowned gospel artist Bishop Joe Simon in Chicago. They have performed for community groups, civic clubs, churches and schools. They have been welcomed into exclusive gated neighborhoods and private clubs along the Treasure Coast of Florida. They have twice performed the National Anthem for the New York Mets spring training opening games.
The Choir is growing into its own special sound and unique style. At each and every performance they touch the hearts and souls of their audiences. This is leading to an increasing number of requests for performances throughout the Treasure Coast, other areas in Florida, and beyond to other states, not to mention the trip to Italy this summer.
The developing notoriety and following is proving to be a positive influence in our community. More young men and boys are expressing an interest in joining the Choir. Once involved, their grades, behavior and attitudes improve. These changes often lead to improved family dynamics as well.
Any investment in Avenue D Boys' Choir is an investment in the future of our community..
Juneteenth in Fort Lauderdale
This year, instead of a nationally known dramatic troupe, Avenue D Boys’ Choir was invited to perform at the auspicious Juneteenth Celebration at the New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on June 20, 2008.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth recognizes that it was months after the issuance of the emancipation prolcamation before most southern slaves learned of their freedom. Empahsizing achievement and education today, it is well that these young men and boys performed for this important observance.
This was a wonderful night of reflection about history, humanity, and the effects on human relations. We were very proud to have been a part of this commemoration, and we plan to be back at New Mount Olive.
Bishop Joe Simon June 21,'08
Bishop Simon was our special guest on June 21 for a Bon
Voyage Celebration in honor of the Avenue D Boys' Choir's upcoming trip to Italy where Bishop Simon is headlining the 21st
annual festival. Bishop Simon is a Grammy award winner and renowned gospel artist.
This was truly a wonderful event with performances by Sandy Mack, Perfect Harmony, Willie Russ and the KWA Ministries, others, and, of course, Avenue D Boys' Choir with Mrs. Mary Hendricks. Larry Lee, Jr. was the Master of Ceremonies.
The Avenue D Boys' Choir members felt so honored by the tremendous, full-house audience; and they were they were happy to be able to offer their heart-felt appreciation to this wonderful community who is making this trip to Italy possible.
Porretta Terme, Italy*
21st Annual Festival
Impressed by the total dynamics of Avenue D Boys’ Choir, Bishop Joe Simon has invited the Choir to be his back-up singers when he headlines the 21st annual Porretta Soul Festival in Italy, July 2008 ( porrettasoul.it ). If our fundraising is successufl, they will be appearing live before thousands of people in performances simulcast on the internet and live on radio stations all over the world. They also will perform during a stopover in Paris on the return trip for youth and adults from a vast number of countries who flock to the area near Notre Dame every summer.
Why we should make this happen
It is experiences like these that will forever change the lives of these young men and, as a result, have positive, long-term effects for the future. As they grow in stature, the possibility of having Avenue D Boys' Choir replicated from community to community will benefit us all.
The heart and soul these fellows share through their music has immeasurable impact. The love and pride they have is apparent. Whenever and wherever they perform, audiences of all cultural backgrounds are moved literally up and out of their seats. It’s impossible not to feel their joyful energy and unifying spirit. Their dedication to succeed in life is apparent and each one of these young men displays a positive attitude and superior level of conduct at all times. It is with great pride that they shoulder the responsibility of being ambassadors for Fort Pierce, Saint Lucie County, and the Treasure Coast of Florida.
Fundraising
The Avenue D Boys' Choir has big dreams and even bigger plans. It is up to all of us to see these dreams and plans happen.
The Choir and the directors, Dr. Earl and Mary Hendricks, are supported by a small, core group of volunteers for day to day operations, and by the community at large in general. Because the number of members and the performance demands are growing at a rate greater than the support, funding is falling short of the current needs to support all our activities.
The trip to Italy is among our priorities at this time. The community is coming together to raise the funds for Choir activites including sending the Choir and their chaperones to Italy because we know this will be a life-changing event for these young men and boys.
DVD now available
In March 2008, the Avenue D Boys’ Choir had their first theatre concert where the audience purchased tickets solely for their performance. This took place at the beautifully restored, historic Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce, Florida to an almost sold-out house. From this performance they have their first DVD, and a CD is now in production.
Donate & Receive DVD
We are asking for your help to support all our activities. Please donate what you can. Any amount will be appreciated. For a donation of $25 or more you will receive our premier DVD from the performance at the Sunrise Theatre, March 2008.
Avenue D Boys' Choir music CD is now in production. Check back for the release date.
DONATE NOW: Avenue D Boys' Choir via PayPal PayPal features secure processing. A PayPal account is NOT required.
Checks or money orders can be mailed to the address shown below.
Avenue D Boys' Choir is a 501c(3) Designated Organization
Avenue D Boys' Choir
P O Box 2406
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
(772) 342-6317 phone
(772) 461-5159 fax
email: avenuedboyschoir@yahoo.com
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