The Fortune Society’s Creative Arts community encourages participants to explore creative expression as a tool for healing and transformation. Through workshops focused on writing and poetry, visual artmaking, songwriting, and more, participants access a variety of artistic mediums.   

The Fortune Singers, a choir comprising members of the Fortune community, is one such opportunity to explore as a therapeutic tool. Formed just last year, the choir has delved into an exciting array of musical genres and styles. Members are encouraged to immerse themselves in the rhythms and emotions of each song, creating a joyful and uplifting experience together. 

We sat down with two members of the Fortune Singers, Norianne and Queen, to talk about their time in the choir so far. Both Norianne, also known as “Nori,” and Queen are active members of the Creative Arts community. They regularly attend events like the annual Creative Arts Festival and can often be found at the weekly Music Cafes at Fortune’s Long Island City service center. 

Nori first discovered the Fortune Singers at the 2024 Creative Arts Festival, and their performance left a lasting impression. Inspired by their passion and energy, she felt an instant connection to the group and knew she wanted to be part of it. 

“I saw them standing up there and singing ‘Lean on Me,’ and I was like, ‘Wait, I know this song. I think I could be a good fit,” Nori shared. “So, this year, I just threw myself into the choir, and ever since, I’ve been singing. I started doing something that shines more light on me and my voice.”   

Nori is a creative person, and music has always played an important role in her life. Before joining the Fortune Singers, she wrote songs and performed on her own. Now, she has enjoyed the opportunity to sing with others and perform in a new way.  

A regular performer at the weekly Music Cafes and a former choir director, Queen is no stranger to being in the spotlight. Upon learning about the Fortune Singers, she knew she would be a great fit.  

“I first started singing here at the open mic on Thursdays,” Queen shared. “John and other people told me I have a good voice, and he told me that he was starting a choir with a bunch of people. I wanted to join that right away.”  

The Fortune Singers is open to individuals of all skill levels, including those with no singing or performing experience. Having come to the choir with a wealth of singing experience, though, Queen enjoys training people and helping them strengthen their voices.

“Everybody has a voice and nobody’s perfect,” Queen said. “It’s very good to learn. And it’s also good to tone your [voice] and make sure your voice is good. The more you sing, the more your voice gets clear, and when your voice is clear, you know you got it.” 

Both Nori and Queen have enjoyed the opportunities presented to them as part of the choir. For example, in August, the Fortune Singers performed at David Rothenberg’s 92nd birthday party.

The Fortune Singers rehearse weekly on Wednesday afternoons and sing songs including “I Believe I Can Fly” and “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Nori, Queen and the rest of the Fortune Singers look forward to their next opportunity to perform.