Last night I auditioned for the Sonoma County Threshold Choir and by the end of the meeting I was invited to join. Three of the seven women had just returned from the International gathering of the choirs which was held in Santa Cruz. They had been singing for three days and were stoked! Ideas for songs to sing just tumbled out and they enthusiastically explored to make each song sound better.

The “what we do” page says the Threshold singers seek to bring ease and comfort to those at the threshold 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.

They put a recliner in the center of the room and took turns being the “singee.” The bedside singers would come close and sing gently, usually with two-part harmony and often with three. No Ethel Mermans here, they all sang as if they were mostly listening. I have never before heard singing that was an unspoken dialog.

The feeling of kindness and sharing was open and palpable. The bond of the community was remarkable. They liked that I could blend with the soft and gentle sound and they were very welcoming. I am looking forward to going back.