Bedside Singers

We welcome new singers!

What are the requirements for becoming a Threshold Singer?

You must be able to sing softly and carry a tune. It’s also important that our voices blend, which is something we work on in rehearsals.

Are there auditions?

No. Simply come to a rehearsal and experience singing with us.

Do I have to be able to read music?

No, but it helps in learning the songs. There are song sheets and recorded songs on the Threshold Choir International website that are helpful in learning the words, melody and harmonies for the songs in our repertoire.

Do I have to know how to harmonize?

No. We sing some of our songs with harmonies, but we always need sure voices to carry the melody. We often practice harmonies at rehearsals.

Do I have to sing at the bedside?

No. Not all who come to rehearsals sing at the bedside. Some of our singers come to rehearsals for the sheer joy of sharing song with other women. Their presence enhances the BTS community.

Do I have to memorize songs?

It depends. If you are interested in becoming a singer at the bedside you will need to memorize the songs in our official core repertoire. However, our songs are quite simple and repetitive, so they’re not difficult to learn and remember. We practice core songs frequently at our rehearsals. You can always use our songbooks during rehearsals.

Do I have to be a member to sing at the bedside?

Yes. You must be a member in order to sing at the bedside. To become a member, you must attend three rehearsals and experience being sung to at a bedside practice. You must also become a member of Threshold Choir International. To become a bedside singer you must: 1) attend a training workshop (scheduled annually); 2) commit to learning, and eventually memorizing, the core repertoire of songs; 3) practice bedside singing skills at several rehearsals; 4) attend rehearsals as regularly as possible; 5) maintain active status as a trained volunteer through PeaceHealth hospice services.

How long will it be before I’m ready to sing at the bedside?

Before you can sing for our clients, you must know at least 20 songs from our core repertoire and the hand signals we use to direct the songs. In addition to rehearsals, we provide training to prepare our singers. Each singer learns at her own pace, so there is no standard for how long this takes.

What is a shipwright?

A Shipwright is the person who plans and leads our rehearsals. There are often two experienced members who agree to assume this role for a specific period of time.

What is an anchor?

The person who leads the singing is called an Anchor. At the bedside, she decides what songs to sing, begins each song, and signals the other singers when to hum or sing words, when to sing more slowly or more softly, and when to harmonize. She takes the lead in interacting with the client, family members and staff.

What is a sail?

Sails are the bedside singers who accompany and support an Anchor. They are expected to know our core repertoire and to follow the direction of the Anchor.

What is a boat?

The Anchor and 2-3 sails form the Boat which sings at the bedside.

Isn’t it depressing to visit dying people?

It depends. We are honored to share this meaningful time in people’s lives, and we are gladdened when we are able to bring comfort to a person in their final days or weeks. Of course, there are sad moments, and bedside singing is not for everyone. Overall, most bedside singers find it richly rewarding.

What if I have other questions?

Please click the button below to send us an email or call us at 360-927-4384. We’ll be glad to answer all your questions. Or come to a rehearsal and experience for yourself what it is like to be a Threshold Singer.