A group of devoted individuals, known as the Threshold Choir, are shattering the silence for those on their final journey. This unconventional choir has been using their voices to comfort and uplift terminally ill patients, often in hospitals and hospices.
The term "threshold" refers to the point at which life and death intersect. For these singers, it's not just about creating beautiful music, but also about providing emotional solace to those struggling with mortality. The group's leader, Mary McKay, explains that their mission is to bring hope and peace to those on the brink of dying.
Using a technique called "throat singing," where multiple singers create a single sound, the Threshold Choir creates an otherworldly atmosphere in the hospital rooms and hospices they visit. Their music has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and even slow down the patient's heart rate.
The choir's performances are often accompanied by personal stories of the patients they're visiting, which adds a poignant layer to their gatherings. For some, it's a last opportunity to connect with loved ones, or to find solace in a world that seems to be moving on without them.
As one patient poignantly puts it, "It's like my heart is being lifted, even if just for a minute." The Threshold Choir's work challenges traditional notions of music therapy and the role of the dying in our society. It highlights the importance of human connection and compassion in the face of mortality.
Their dedication to this unique mission has also raised questions about the limits of art and its potential impact on the human experience. Can music really bring comfort to those on their final journey? The Threshold Choir's answer is a resounding yes, and it's one that resonates deeply with those who've experienced the power of their sound.
The term "threshold" refers to the point at which life and death intersect. For these singers, it's not just about creating beautiful music, but also about providing emotional solace to those struggling with mortality. The group's leader, Mary McKay, explains that their mission is to bring hope and peace to those on the brink of dying.
Using a technique called "throat singing," where multiple singers create a single sound, the Threshold Choir creates an otherworldly atmosphere in the hospital rooms and hospices they visit. Their music has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and even slow down the patient's heart rate.
The choir's performances are often accompanied by personal stories of the patients they're visiting, which adds a poignant layer to their gatherings. For some, it's a last opportunity to connect with loved ones, or to find solace in a world that seems to be moving on without them.
As one patient poignantly puts it, "It's like my heart is being lifted, even if just for a minute." The Threshold Choir's work challenges traditional notions of music therapy and the role of the dying in our society. It highlights the importance of human connection and compassion in the face of mortality.
Their dedication to this unique mission has also raised questions about the limits of art and its potential impact on the human experience. Can music really bring comfort to those on their final journey? The Threshold Choir's answer is a resounding yes, and it's one that resonates deeply with those who've experienced the power of their sound.