For a few years I sang I. north America’s only men’s Threshhold Choir. We were part of a grassroots movement of mostly women’s choirs who practice singing at the bedside of dying people or those in that liminal space. It is profoundly moving singing for a dying person. I could easily see how it could become a life calling.
Thanks for the cry, Ted. An exceptionally moving essay. I always write that ‘music is a healing force’.... I’d like to know more about her. Please do a part 2!!
Beautiful. As a fellow Substacker, I have to say, I sometimes just want to tell my audience to "go read Ted's blog," and hang up my skates. You're doing great work, Ted.
Therese founded the Chalice of Repose project. I don't know its current status but my former wife was a student in the program in '97 when she died. It was miraculous.
Thank you. A Wayne's World reference in a story about a musician who transforms the human experience of end of life is pure genius. You and Schroeder-Sheker inspire me.
It's highly unusual for a woman to speak entirely in head register in this day and age. Before the 60s and women's lib, women in Western cultures tended more toward a heady sound. Think Julia Child. But now, even professional female singers who utilize a predominantly head-dominant technique, as in opera, will speak in chest register. In the short documentary clip, Ms. Schroeder-Sheker's speaking completely in this upper, lighter register. For me, it only heightens (forgive the pun) of her status as an angel.
My tears flow. I know I want music to accompany me at the time of my death. Ted, you've made your curiosity about the power of music into a devotional practice. I'm the better for it. Thank you.
So moving and close to home. My wife and her siblings are in the throws of dealing with their mother in a PCH. She is 85 and is in the clutches of dementia. Her son is an accomplished musician. Some things bring her back if only momentarily; like seeing a crib board, singing Christmas carols, talking to her grand daughter ( her little dancer who happens to work in PCH herself ) and listening to her only son play guitar. Unfortunately he can't visit her because he is not "up to date" with his covid-19 mRNA injections; needless to say he is devastated. I'm not going to expound on the necessity or efficacy of the mRNA injections here because anyone with the wherewithal and inclination will know that for themselves. Her husband of 62 years, fully up to date with his covid-19 injections has to test every second day and wear a mask during his visit. I would be condescending if I explained the importance of facial recognition to someone with dementia. Given the true facts surrounding the mainstream narrative, I don't think it is hyperbole to say this is pure evil! These are the best of times but certain entities are hell bent on making them the worst of times!
I can find hope difficult to come by, but this profile has sure inspired me. Everything is right about this work. It feels like she has gone directly to the heart of the matter, like she's somehow concentrated the forces of art on a part of life that probably needs it the most. Beautiful. Thank you for this. Wow.
For a few years I sang I. north America’s only men’s Threshhold Choir. We were part of a grassroots movement of mostly women’s choirs who practice singing at the bedside of dying people or those in that liminal space. It is profoundly moving singing for a dying person. I could easily see how it could become a life calling.
Thanks for the cry, Ted. An exceptionally moving essay. I always write that ‘music is a healing force’.... I’d like to know more about her. Please do a part 2!!
Beautiful. As a fellow Substacker, I have to say, I sometimes just want to tell my audience to "go read Ted's blog," and hang up my skates. You're doing great work, Ted.
Thank you for writing about this beautiful soul.
Thank you for this inspiring story—and your deep comments about the purpose of making and sharing music.
Therese founded the Chalice of Repose project. I don't know its current status but my former wife was a student in the program in '97 when she died. It was miraculous.
Thank you. A Wayne's World reference in a story about a musician who transforms the human experience of end of life is pure genius. You and Schroeder-Sheker inspire me.
It's highly unusual for a woman to speak entirely in head register in this day and age. Before the 60s and women's lib, women in Western cultures tended more toward a heady sound. Think Julia Child. But now, even professional female singers who utilize a predominantly head-dominant technique, as in opera, will speak in chest register. In the short documentary clip, Ms. Schroeder-Sheker's speaking completely in this upper, lighter register. For me, it only heightens (forgive the pun) of her status as an angel.
My tears flow. I know I want music to accompany me at the time of my death. Ted, you've made your curiosity about the power of music into a devotional practice. I'm the better for it. Thank you.
This collection would make a great book.
What an Amazing woman !
So btfl and inspiring!Thank you!
So moving and close to home. My wife and her siblings are in the throws of dealing with their mother in a PCH. She is 85 and is in the clutches of dementia. Her son is an accomplished musician. Some things bring her back if only momentarily; like seeing a crib board, singing Christmas carols, talking to her grand daughter ( her little dancer who happens to work in PCH herself ) and listening to her only son play guitar. Unfortunately he can't visit her because he is not "up to date" with his covid-19 mRNA injections; needless to say he is devastated. I'm not going to expound on the necessity or efficacy of the mRNA injections here because anyone with the wherewithal and inclination will know that for themselves. Her husband of 62 years, fully up to date with his covid-19 injections has to test every second day and wear a mask during his visit. I would be condescending if I explained the importance of facial recognition to someone with dementia. Given the true facts surrounding the mainstream narrative, I don't think it is hyperbole to say this is pure evil! These are the best of times but certain entities are hell bent on making them the worst of times!
What a beautiful and moving piece today. Thank you.
I can find hope difficult to come by, but this profile has sure inspired me. Everything is right about this work. It feels like she has gone directly to the heart of the matter, like she's somehow concentrated the forces of art on a part of life that probably needs it the most. Beautiful. Thank you for this. Wow.
Wow, humbling. I will be thinking about this piece for a while. Well done as always...