Threshold Singers

Hospice SLO County Threshold Singers sing for those at the thresholds of life and dying. They offer a calm and focused presence with gentle voices, simple songs, and sincere kindness. Their songs can be soothing and reassuring to clients, family, and caregivers alike.

In pairs and trios, Threshold Singers visit homes, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities throughout San Luis Obispo County. They sing for individuals experiencing life limiting or end-of life conditions, offering peace, tranquility and what has often been described as a spiritual experience for those for whom they sing.

Using soft, lullaby voices, our singers blend in harmony or sometimes in unison. They offer their singing as gentle blessings, not as entertainment. Most of the songs are very short, so their repetition is conducive to rest and comfort.

Families that have had the experience of receiving this gift have said that the singers’ presence helped them to “be” with their loved one after the “doing” was done. "Your voices were those of the angels my father had by his side as he left this life and went to the next. You helped him experience complete peace in his last moments . . ."

Our Threshold Singers have recorded songs for sharing. Here are some examples:

Calming, restful songs

  1. Quietly by I’lana Cotton
  2. Weight of the world by Peggy Nes
  3. All through the night, Traditional Welsh song

For family and friends

  1. Arms of grace by Peggy Nes
  2. Rest easy by Marilyn Power Scott
  3. Here we stand by Laura Fannon

Love

  1. Moonlight by John Krumm
 

 How to Become a Threshold Singer

Hospice SLO County Threshold Singers need to do the following:

  • Be able to carry a tune
  • Be able to hold your own part (or sincerely want to learn to) while others sing harmony
  • Be able to sing softly and blend your voice with others (or sincerely want to learn)
  • Be able to communicate kindness with your voice
  • Be willing to use and accept peer feedback as we work together to bring the sweetest, most blended, and graceful sound to our precious clients

Hospice SLO County Threshold Singers is a chapter of the international Threshold Choir network. Our group is open to anyone and we are willing to adapt the songs to work for different vocal ranges.

The Hospice SLO County Threshold Singers rehearse twice a month.

All services are provided free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted.