Journey Song: Enriching Hospice Care Through Music

Music is one of the most powerful forms of expression. It gives us inspiration, helps us fall in love, brings us together and adds joy to our lives.

It is also an incredibly powerful force for healing and comfort. No one knows this better, perhaps, than a hospice nurse named Karen Parker Feld, who formed an organization called Journey Song in 2007 to bring music to those nearing the end of their lives.

As the Journey Song website states, “Through her work with the elderly and dying, Karen realized that music could be a source of pleasure and comfort for those who would otherwise find it difficult to communicate.”

Originally comprised of just 6 singers, the group now has over three dozen volunteers who bring their love of music to patients in hospice care. Music from many genres forms their repertoire, from traditional hymns and spirituals to folk melodies, popular tunes from the 1930s, 40s and 50s, and contemporary songs.

A blessing to patients – and to singers

“We get as much – or more – than our audience, from sharing our voices,” reports Journey Song member Cynthia Harriman. “Often, patients who seem non-responsive become alert and engaged again when they hear a familiar song. Before long, they’re smiling and mouthing the words or even singing along.” Harriman sang in traditional concert-oriented choruses for decades before switching to Journey Song, attracted by the deep meaning and purpose of the group’s mission.

In addition to singing in small quartets or sextets at bedsides, Journey Song gathers in larger groups to sing at nursing homes and senior centers throughout the Seacoast, from Newburyport, MA to York, ME.

The singers are volunteers; few are professional musicians. Music Director Eve Kornhauser, on the other hand, is an accomplished professional singer.

Ms. Kornhauser has performed at the Kennedy Center and the White House, and in recital programs at many distinguished venues.

She also performed with the Washington National Opera and the Washington Concert Opera for over 20 years. Currently, Ms. Kornhauser teaches voice at Phillips-Andover Academy and in her own studio.

A sextet brings holiday cheer at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

Getting involved

The caliber of Ms. Kornhauser’s musical achievements should not intimidate those wishing to join Journey Song. The organization emphasizes that there are no auditions nor requirements of any kind, aside from “a love of singing and a willingness to give from your heart.”

If you fit that description, you might want to visit the group and decide if serving the community with Journey Song would be meaningful for you. The organization welcomes visitors who wish to sit in on rehearsals, which take place most Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Rehearsals are held at Stratham Community Church at 6 Emery Lane in Stratham.

Journey Song is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and welcomes donations to help them continue their service to the community.

For more information, please see Journey Song – Home or send an email message to info@journeysong.org. If you are interested in joining the group as a singer, please contact them at join@journeysong.org.