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Community Corner

New Choir Brings Comfort to the Terminally Ill

The Voices of Hope choir sings at the bedside of those in the last stages of life.

 in Dublin has formed a choir to sing at the bedside of terminally ill patients.

Voices of Hope, launched in May, aims to soothe and comfort patients in the final stages of life.

“We want to help support people spiritually and give them the lift they need,” said Wendy Celeste, the hospice's volunteer coordinator.

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The choir, which serves the Tri-Valley, San Ramon and surrounding communities, has seven members. Most have previous experience singing in a choir.

Songs are sung a cappella. The repertoire is varied, with music from different religions and cultures.

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“We want to be sensitive to the needs of the household,” said Sherry White, a choir member.

Voices of Hope has had one bedside performance for a woman who is ill and her husband.

“It was very rewarding,” said White. “They smiled the whole time, and she sang along with many of the songs.”

Choir member Viola Gilliam said the experience was “moving, emotional and overwhelming.”

A retired voice teacher, Gilliam said she joined the choir to explore the use of music to calm those dying of cancer and other illnesses.

“I had been interested in music therapy even before it had evolved into a career choice,” she said. “I felt sure that music could be a form of therapy.”

White agreed, adding that the choir provides an important service.

“I can personally speak that music is very therapeutic, even for those of us in the choir,” said White, who has been in singing groups since high school. “Music has a way of calming the soul and speaking to our inmost parts.”

This is valuable for the terminally ill, she said.

“It brings introspection and memories of good times,” said White. “It helps the faith and hope to surface.”

The choir meets the first and third Monday of every month. Those interested in joining can call the hospice at 925-829-8770 to schedule an audition. 

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