Experience or other requirements |
“We have never required auditions of new singers, and
yet our work requires a certain level and style of vocal skill. Skills
required for joining may vary from chapter to chapter, but these are our
general guidelines for someone who wants to join with the intent of
singing at bedsides. We ask that you:
(1) be able to carry a tune,
(2) be able to hold your own part (or sincerely want to learn to)
while others sing harmony,
(3) be able to sing softly and blend your voice with others (or
sincerely want to learn),
(4) be able to communicate kindness with your voice, and
(5) be willing to use self-monitoring and accept peer feedback as we
work together to bring the sweetest, most blended, and graceful
sound to our precious clients."
“Please feel free to contact us even if these singing
guidelines seem a little beyond your current abilities or you're not
really sure. Some chapters offer other opportunities to members who do
not intend to sing at bedsides, such as singing in a larger group at
hospitals or memorial services; some even have non-singing members who
find other ways to participate in our work." |
Profile |
"Threshold Choir is a network of a cappella choirs of
primarily women's voices, a community whose mission is to sing for and
with those at the thresholds of life.
"Our goal is to bring ease and comfort to those at the
thresholds of living and dying. A calm and focused presence at the
bedside, with gentle voices, simple songs, and sincere kindness, can be
soothing and reassuring to clients, family, and caregivers alike.
"When we are invited to a bedside,
we visit in groups of two to four singers. We invite families and
caregivers to join us in song or to participate by listening. We choose
songs to respond to the client's musical taste, spiritual direction, and
current receptivity. Many of the songs we offer are composed by
Threshold Choir members specifically to communicate ease, comfort, and
presence. Because our songs are not religiously oriented, our singing is
appropriate for those who are deeply spiritual, whether religious or
not.
"A session typically lasts about 20
minutes; if there appears to be benefit, we might sing longer. Using
soft, lullaby voices, we blend in harmony or sometimes in unison, if
that provides the most comfort. We offer our singing as gentle
blessings, not as entertainment, and we are honored when a client falls
asleep as we are singing. Most of our songs are very short, so their
repetition is conducive to rest and comfort
"Each Threshold Choir chapter is firmly rooted in its
local community while also being an important part of our shared
community as a national organization. We sing from the same repertoire
and share our experiences at regional and national gatherings. Choir
members know they are welcome at chapters and gatherings outside their
area and often make plans to visit when traveling. We also stay in touch
by email, blog, and newsletter and through this website. Most important,
of course, we share a culture of compassion and respect for individuals
at the threshold.
"As of 2017, there are about 150 chapters worldwide,
with people doing this work as volunteers, singing to folks who are
facing death, grief, or suffering." |