Our History

In 2000, Kate Munger founded the first Threshold Choir based on the ancient tradition of women sharing their voices at the final threshold of life. Currently, there are over 100 chapters worldwide. More information, as well as links to other threshold choirs, is on their website.

Our group was founded in 2007. We chose the name Bellingham Threshold Singers because we felt it more accurately portrayed what we do. We are not a choral group. Instead, we sing in groups of three to four women for one person at a time. We are not affiliated with any faith institution or religion, though our repertoire resonates with love and often with a spiritual connection to something beyond our human understanding. We formally became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2012. This status allows us to accept tax-deductible donations and to apply for grants.

Bellingham Threshold Singers is run entirely by volunteers from our board directors to the woman who answers the phone to those who set up our rehearsal space. Our rehearsals are led by volunteers who agree to be rehearsal leaders for a period of time. Experienced volunteers provide training for our members who want to become qualified to sing at the bedside.

We are constantly learning. When possible, we support our members financially when they take specialized workshops in singing technique, death, and dying, dementia, or hospice care.

Singing at the Bedside Workshop 2013

We are more than just a group of singers: we are a sisterhood. We rely on each other for support while singing at the bedside and trust each other to be truly present on these occasions. We nurture our interconnectedness by setting aside social times to deepen our relationships.

Sisterhood Tea Party 2013

Sisterhood Gathering 2022