Music for the Soul at The Terraces of Los Gatos

In a time of heightened uncertainty, many of us could benefit from some quiet time for reflection and introspection. For residents at The Terraces of Los Gatos (TLG) senior living community, meditation is now as simple as turning on their TVs.

Pre-pandemic, Victor Bejarano, TLG’s lead driver, and Christopher Belluomini, the community chaplain, led “Music for the Soul”—weekly performances in all levels of living that combined soothing piano from Bejarano and poetry or thought-provoking instruction from Chaplain Chris.

“It’s not music therapy; there’s a therapeutic component, but it’s mostly a time for reflection,“ said Chaplain Chris, adding the physical and emotional benefits of meditation are as diverse as the practice itself. “I’ll introduce a thought or idea and Victor plays music in the background. We trust and hope to facilitate a time of introspection for residents.”

“Now more than ever is a time to be creative with the program,” said Bejarano, who used to tour the U.S. and freelance as a professional musician in the Bay Area.

With the pandemic temporarily postponing in-person programs on campus, including spiritual services, “Music for the Soul” has gone digital. With the help of recently purchased equipment, including a camera and lights, the two now record weekly sessions and broadcast them through TLG’s internal TV channel.