They ask a love offering of $200 to help meet expenses of the
choir, such as uniforms, transportation and food. “Our
biggest need is a permanent space of our own, so we don’t
have to move equipment and can practice without interfering
with the usage of someone else’s space,” Mary Hendricks
says. She attributes much of the choir’s success to volunteer
help from mothers and others who serve meals after
practices, launder uniforms, and provide secretarial and
other services.
The Rev. Willie Russ, an associate pastor at Dr. Hendricks’
church, the Family of Faith Worship Center in Port St. Lucie,
plays keyboards and helps with the musical direction of the
choir. “These boys develop positive attitudes that will help
them accomplish things in life,” says Pastor Russ, who
retired early from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office in
order to enter the ministry.
“They have an impact on people when they perform, and
they do it with such enthusiasm. And they happen to be
really good.’’
David Toussaint, 17, of Port St. Lucie, is a frequent soloist
with the choir, but deflects compliments. “I love to sing,
though,” he says. “I’m still a little nervous when I do a solo,
but I trust that God won’t let me embarrass myself too
much.” Toussaint tried participating in chorus at school, but
didn’t like the music or the lack of fellowship.
“The best part is the brotherhood with the other guys,”
Toussaint says. “We look out for each other. We form a bond,
and it’s a bond that’s not going to break.”
MUSIC
65
Dr. Earl Hendricks and his wife, Mary, a Fort Pierce native, founded the
Avenue D Boys Choir. Two of their goals are to instill in members musical
skills and to dispel stereotypes about Avenue D. Their dream is to make the
choir internationally known.
DIAL UP THE SINGERS
To request a performance by
the Avenue D Boys Choir,
contact Mary Hendricks at
772.342.6317