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| News & Events |
| September 17, 2007
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| MUSIC: A POWERFUL TOOL |
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Music: A Powerful Tool
By Mallory Zabel
Niagara Hospice Marketing & Public Relations Intern
There is one thing that can soothe every soul, put a smile on your face, bring tears to the eye, lift people up from their seats, make them move their bodies, and spark a memory like no other. This thing is music.
Many would say that the sound of music creates an intense emotional response because of the memories we attach to songs we hold dear. Vern Schille, a volunteer who serenades patients with his musical talent at Niagara Hospice House, certainly agrees.
“I don’t think there is anything more rewarding then the happiness a familiar song can bring,” he says. Vern is a Queenston, Ontario resident who volunteers his time two or three days a week to play his clarinet for Niagara Hospice House residents. He plays old songs and hymns like How Great Thou Art, In the Mood, It had to be you, and Amazing Grace, all which allow patients to stroll down memory lane and reminisce about an old love, great friends or fun times.
When meeting with Vern, he shared stories about how his musical talent has affected hospice patients. Not long after hearing his stories I began to wonder why he wasn’t called a miracle worker.
“I’ve had residents who seemed to have no voice before I started playing to them, but as soon as they see me come in the room they wake up, smile and they truly come alive…even the most non-responsive.” Vern told us about residents who not only started responding but some who even began to narrate detailed memories of what a certain song reminded them of. One patient even told him he was playing the wrong notes! “That took me by surprise…but she was probably right!” exclaimed Vern.
Vern went on to speak of three distinct individuals. One man had not been able to walk or stand up without assistance for a long time. As soon as the man heard Vern on the clarinet, not only did he lift himself out of his chair without any assistance but he also began to dance! “The music just brought him back and you could tell he was just glowing with excitement,” said Vern.
Another incredible gentleman affected by Vern’s playing actually took the clarinet from Vern and started playing it himself. “He was good! And it was truly incredible.”
I was also lucky enough to sit in on one of Vern’s visits at Niagara Hospice House with a third wonderful patient named Dorothy. When I walked in the softly lit room I saw her eyes begin to light up the moment she heard Vern’s gentle voice asking if she would like to hear a tune. It wasn’t long before I witnessed her mood beginning to lift. Not only did the music consume her and bring tears to her eyes, but it also was not long before I noticed her tapping her toes to the beat. She then began to reminisce about the days when she would “dance the night away.”
Niagara Hospice is “dedicated to providing the right care, in the right place at the right time.” Music visits by dedicated volunteers demonstrate how that care is not always in traditional form or clinically related. This very special kind of care can just as easily be found in the people who volunteer their time and talents to help patients’ quality of life. It is very inspiring to see what wonderful things our music volunteers have done for our patients at Niagara Hospice, even in their final days. |
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