Singing at the Final Threshold

The Garden State Threshold Choir is now accepting inquiries for membership. GSTC is a unique choral group. They don’t sing to entertain; they don’t give concerts. Rather, they sing in a small group to one person at a time, usually one who is on the final threshold between living and dying. They sing about rest, comfort and letting go, about love and peace.

“It takes a special person who is willing to make the commitment that this work requires,” notes director and Whippany resident Judy Hahn. “But it is so uniquely rewarding.”

Threshold songs, written by Threshold Choir members, are sung softly a cappella, first in unison and then layered with harmonies, repeating the lines almost like a mantra. “When the harmony enters in song the atmosphere in the room shifts and time seems to become deeply emotional, commented member Delia Cashin. “The harmonies can unlock a well-spring of thoughts and feelings that may have gone unacknowledged.”

Threshold Choir singers go in small groups of three or four and only by invitation, usually through a hospice agency, and only after months of training and practice.

“People wonder how we can sing to a dying person,” added Hahn. “But we feel it is an honor to be present in that sacred space. We see the breathing relax; and when the patient is surrounded by family, the songs give voice to their feelings, and often it’s then that tears are shed.”

The sound of their voices floating down a hallway is calming for everyone. “The nurses and aides love it when we come,” said Cashin.

While GSTC does not hold formal auditions, there are requirements. A singer has to be able to carry a tune, to hold her own part in harmony, and to blend with other voices. “And most importantly,” added Hahn, “ to communicate kindness with her voice.” Rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings, alternating between in-person in Whippany and over Zoom, and bedside visits are most often made on weekday afternoons.

GSTC is an affiliated chapter of Threshold Choir, a 501(c)3 nonprofit network of about 200 chapters across the country and abroad. Founded in California more than 20 years ago, it honors all spiritual paths and has no religious affiliation. GSTC was the first chapter to form in New Jersey five years ago, with a second one now in the Cherry Hill area. Its members are volunteers, and thus there is never a fee for its work.

GSTC also provides virtual “bedside” visits over Zoom as well as twice-monthly Zoom “song circles.” To learn more about Garden State Threshold Choir, visit ThresholdChoir.org/Garden_State; to inquire about joining or to request a bedside visit, email Garden_State@thresholdchoir.org.