What's happening?


  • Purdue University- Global recognizes Portland ME Music Medics
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Thu, Aug 8 2024





    Purdue University Global 
    School of Business and Information Technology 
    Faculty Newsletter
    Issue: August 2024


    Community




    PG Professor Glenn Walton in Portland, Maine!


    Since 2023 Glenn Walton, a Professor in the Business and IT Department, has been involved in a very special community service as he has served as the coordinator and participant for the Portland, Maine Music Medics.    The Portland, Maine Downeasters Barbershop Chorus is a nonprofit acapella group that sings throughout the state at a multitude of different functions.  They just recently created a new smaller group of singers that are called the Portland Music Medics, as a part of a new community outreach program.

    Singers in the Music Medics program split into teams of 4 to 8 singers, dressed in medical scrubs, that go into the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. They sing and entertain those children with serious illnesses so that they can bring a positive experience to the young patients and their families during their medical journeys.

    The singers work closely with the facilities children's program coordinator as they have a planned visit once a month. The Portland Music Medics sing in a common area for family and patient entertainment, room to room for anyone who needs more personalized attention and even in the pediatric and general waiting rooms of the hospital. Music Medic also have special songs they sing to just the Nurses stations to show their appreciation for the tireless work the medical staff do!

    The musical repertoire is comprised of specially selected children’s songs that they would recognize or enjoy. Uplifting, fun songs, such as Disney songs like “You Got a Friend in Me” or When You Wish Upon a Star,” are some of their favorites. Goofy songs like “Bubble Gum” or “My Wild Chubby Cat” have become very popular with the kids also. Glenn is the emcee for the group, and you can usually find extra equipment in his pockets that he uses from time to time like a small mini rubber chicken, a pitch pipe to start the songs, and a few kazoos! The group tries to create audience participation and generally foster an environment where the patients can forget about where they are for just a little while.

    This program is growing throughout the country with the encouragement of the     Barbershop Harmony Society.  Glenn continually agrees that this particular community service sends a powerful positive message to all who listen and also to those who sing!
     
  • Portland ME Music Medics staying busy in August
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Thu, Aug 8 2024





    Portland Music Medics Staying Busy in August

    Alice was the child life escort for the Portland Music Medics at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital this month. This visit was filled with many patient and family smiles as we sang to newborns and teens alike. Alice created positive vibes wherever we sang and made sure our message of meaningful music was heard by all that needed that extra boost of cheer. It was a sunny day both in and outside the hospital this afternoon. Thanks Alice, for your efforts and enthusiasm in serving others.


                                                      


    Glenn Walton, for Portland Music Medics
     
  • Portland Music Medics - July 2024 Report
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sat, Jul 13 2024

             



          Portland Music Medics Bringing Comfort and Joy to All That Listen! - July Report

    The Portland Music Medics had many heartfelt moments this month when they sang at MMC Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. Upon arrival we were asked to do a quick visit with a 17 year old patient surrounded by family as he was nearing end of life. Our guide asked for just a duet so with Walt on lead he and I harmonized to "When you wish upon a Star." What a rollercoaster of emotions for all in the room!

    We were then joined by the rest of the group as we continued to go room-to-room singing for a variety of children who stopped crying when they heard our songs and turned many frowns to joyful smiles.  This community service sends a powerful positive message to all who listen and to those who sing!
     
  • Coastmen Chorus Medics Reporting In
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sun, Jun 23 2024



                     Coastmen Chorus Music Medics Reporting In - Publishes Newsletter!


    What a way to start your day with this wonderful email from our Music Medic brothers in Palm Beach, Florida. OK! Let’s not have every one move at once……Seriously though, Mike Rogin brought me up to date with his latest edition of Medics happenings with his monthly newsletter. HINT! HINT! Don’t everyone jump at once.

    Medic central here in Nashville would love it if every group of Medics would publish more often.  The more you write and the more I publish, the better our coverage across the country and more importantly with the Society becomes. We have some really good friends who will publish our articles in the Harmonizer any time I want.  Don’t forget our website and our BHS FB page, too. Anyway, here’s what Mike and the Music Medics have going in Palm Beach, FL.

    Thanks Mike for all you do to support the Music Medic Program in not just one, but two chapters!

    Warm Regards,
    Wayne
    BHS Vol. Music Medics Coordinator

    ****************************************************************************

    Wayne,

    It's been too long since we last communicated, and I wanted to give you an update on our Medics group. Below is what I’ve recently published in our monthly Music Medics newsletter.  It will attract more of our guys into participating.

    Monday, June 10th was another memorable evening for the Coastmen Music Medics.  Actually, it was truly a quartet experience. Woody, Dave Sardo, Mike Tarlton and I met at our usual spot at the Wawa on 45th Street and warmed up.  (Wayne’s COMMENT: What a great place to warm-up. Coffee  and a doughnut to go, please!) As long as all four voices were represented, we were ready to go.

    At the JFK Behavioral and Quantum House we were greeted and told that they were looking forward to our showing, and at both locations, we were well received and appreciated by patients and staff. The Medics perform at JFK Behavioral Center every 2nd Wednesday in two of their wards. I’ve attached a picture from one of our recent performances.

                                                                          
                                           

    The Quantum House performance was particularly rewarding.  They had a full house of families enjoying their dinners.  Kids were approaching us and singing along. The Mickey Mouse March (Wayne’s COMMENT: I think every MEDIC needs a copy of the MMM) was a fan favorite. Placing mouse ears on the kids is that special touch that caps off the evening. Quantum is a residence for families whose kids are having orthopedic surgeries at St. Mary's Hospital next door. Kids, parents and staff are a great audience.

    We'll be performing as the Music Medics on the second Monday of every month, and every one of the Coastmen is welcome to join us. Our future plans are to expand to more hospitals in Palm Beach.  We now have great references opening doors for us.


    Go Coastmen!
    Respectfully submitted,
    Mike Rogin,
    Coastmen Chorus of the Palm Beaches-Bass and Music Medics Coordinator
    Miamians-Bass and Music Medic

     
  • Putting Smiles on Patients Faces
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sat, Jun 22 2024



                                  Portland Music Medics Putting Smiles on Patients Faces
                                                                                                  
                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                
    Compared to the great volume of visits last month...
    The Portland Music Medics had a very light schedule with only a few visits in June at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. We did have the opportunity to sing to some patients in the new wing and while there, the wife of a patient a few rooms  down from where we were singing, poked her head out of the room and with a bright smile on her face said, " That was Wonderful!!!"...You just never know what kind of difference you can make in others lives when you make  a joyful noise.


    Glenn Walton
    Portland Music Medics, Portland ME.
     
  • Germantown TN and LeBonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Thu, Apr 25 2024



     
    LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and Germantown Music Medics Start a New Singing Partnership!

    On Monday April 22nd, the Germantown Music Medics made our inaugural visit to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, all dressed up in our brand new scrubs! We were greeted by our host Chris Luther and his assistants. They were very excited to see us when we walked into the Seacrest Studio! I’m not sure which of us was the most excited, them or us!

    We started our program seated in front of microphones where Chris introduced us to the patients/families and asked each of us how and when we began our musical journeys, what made barbershop singing so different from other forms of music, why we enjoyed singing barbershop, and why we were so excited when we sang!!

    When it was time to sing we stood behind a mic stand, blew the pitch pipe. and opened with “Swing Down Chariot,” where the crew running the audio started smiling from ear to ear, singing along, thoroughly enjoying the opener.  We continued with our newest song “I’m Sitting On Top Of The World” (I really love my bass part!), followed by our Southern Gospel Medley, made famous by Bluegrass Student Union. We sang a couple of Valentine songs ( “Heart of My Heart)” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”) and we closed the program with “Wonderful World”).  We were pleased to learn the rest of the hospital patients were able to enjoy our performance through the closed circuit broadcast!

    We were glad they had speakers on the outside of the studio, as the music in the hallway drew in some passersby who could see and hear us. They even sang along! I will be interested in hearing feedback from any patients or families who may have heard us sing. Hopefully, they will invite other patients, family members and guests into the studio at future performances.  We hope to be singing in rooms as well.  Needless to say, we definitely exceeded their expectations and they couldn’t thank us enough for sharing our talents with their studio staff, through the Seacrest Studio Hospital closed circuit system.

    I just wanted to say how easy it is to work with Chris and his staff with our music and our schedule. We made sure Chris understood that every song would be kid friendly, while using Seacrest Studio guidelines. More importantly, we would never sing anything that wasn’t approved by Chris and his staff.  Chris was elated that we able to work with him so easily! Hey, we’re very flexible!

    Overall, we were greatly encouraged by this experience and are looking forward to what the future may bring for us. We’re so excited!! I hope this news will encourage other groups to join in this program. I KNEW we would love it! It was just a matter of making this a priority!!!

    All our very best to each of you!!

    Jim Sams, Paul Roberts, Pete Ledbetter, and “Coach” Steve Cochran  (Time And Again & Germantown Music Medics)


            



    collaboration by Wayne Jackson and Sam English for Nashville Music Medics
  • Portland Maine Music Medics Gettin’ Sharkey!
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sun, Apr 14 2024
        



     
    Portland Maine Music Medics Gettin’ Sharkey With It!

     
    On April 12th, the Portland Maine Music Medics had a fantastic day singing at Maine Medical Center and Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. While warming up quietly in the hospital lobby, the supervisor came out from her office and asked if we would sing a song for everyone. We sang “You've got a friend in me,” and a dozen phone cameras came out to film us.

    The children and family members were overjoyed with our visits. One young patient was having a particularly rough day...but when we reached the end of our song he was smiling and applauded. The day was like that with each room visit. We tried out a new song today at the Nurses stations. We have changed the words to the Baby Shark melody and now sing Nurses Rock instead.  EVERYONE recognizes that tune, but appreciates the message. Can't wait to make a difference again next month!!!!





     
  • Portland Music Medics - March 2024
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, Mar 26 2024



    The Portland Maine Music Medics had a wonderful singing experience this month at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital.

    Our group was able to entertain a wide variety of child patients and their families room to room. We personalized our choice of songs based on all kinds of factors to fit the needs of the individuals.

                       We actually got teenage patients to smile and applaud!  (Not an easy feat!)     

    When we sang the name song to a wide-eyed 10 month old she sat listening  intently  transfixed and smiling every time she heard her name.

                                              Her mother was overjoyed at her reaction.

    Every visit we make is different, but our feelings are always the same with each performance. Music Medics are so pleased that we can share our love of music with those in need. A truly rewarding community service!

                                                              
     
  • Marietta GA Music Medics Debut!!
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, Mar 26 2024



             Marietta Music Medics Debut at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

    Wednesday, March 20, 2024, marked the initial appearance of the Marietta Music Medics. The appearance took place at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) and in the office of Seacrest Studio at Eggleston Hospital.

    The performance in Seacrest Studio was broadcast on the Seacrest Network which includes all rooms at the three locations of CHOA.

    The members of this initial performance included Gordie Angles, Harv Hobson, Jeff Hoffman, John Hopper, Frank Hrach, Ray Taylor and Sandy Sanders. Bruce McCown was also prepared to be included, but was unable to make the appearance due to a scheduling conflict.

    The 30 minute performance included Polecats, songs from the Big Chicken Chorus (BCC) repertoire including Hello and Keep the Whole World Singing, 10 songs total.

    Several videos were taken by members of our audience, and a great time was had by all. We have been invited to make a series of reappearances and hope to include additional members of the BCC in those future performances as well as some gigs at area Senior Centers.

    The Marietta Music Medics are proud to be a participating member of the BHS Music Medics and are happy to be accepted by Seacrest Studios.


                                       


                   



                                         
     
  • An Announcement from Down Under
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Wed, Mar 6 2024
     
    The Nashville Music Medics and BHS Music Medics are proud and excited to share this announcement from Down Under
      
                                                                                                         
        

                                                        



                                “Crikey! BHS Music Medics Head Down Under With BHA”!



    The phenomenal Nashville-based BHS Music Medics program is going international with a brand new partnership with BHA!


    Established officially in 2013, but harkening back to 1947, the Music Medics is a program designed to bring joy to sick children (and adults). Quartets, Choruses, and other small ensembles dress up in scrubs (don’t worry, you don’t need to be a doctor) and visit their local hospital to perform fun and uplifting songs* for the patients and staff with the goal of not only bringing joy and relief for everyone, but also to help bring a positive association to seeing people in scrubs.


    Since 2021, the Music Medics program has expanded to 48 named programs within the Barbershop Harmony Society across America.  We’re super excited to be bringing the Music Medics program to Australia and we’d love to see heaps of our BHA quartets and choruses join in and spread some joy.

    Send BHA President Dan Millgate an email - Music Medics EOI if you’re keen to be involved.
    • Repertoire is provided free of charge
  • Colorado Chord Company "Checking in"
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Mon, Feb 26 2024




    Colorado Chord Company Checking In!

    Our chorus is in the process of assembling our annual performance schedule (we have a number of senior residence facilities that hire us, which drives our revenue rather than self-produced shows) but our front line Director is out of town for a couple weeks, so we won't get a handle on that until later in March. We'll sprinkle visits to Children's Hospital into the stretches between those senior performances, and we have one more Disney song to learn before we take the Music Medics on the road.  That will just be woven into our current weekly rehearsal schedule, along with some other new songs we're learning.

    I found that there is a Children's Hospital branch in the county where the chorus meets (and gets grant funding) so we'll do everything we can to sing there as well as the flagship Children's Hospital.

    Thanks,

    Tony
     
  • Welcome to the Family! Time and Again Quartet
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sat, Feb 24 2024


     
    Time and Again Quartet - Welcome to the Music Medic Family!


    Just like that, the BHS Music Medics have another group becoming part of the expanding Music Medics family - the Time and Again Quartet, from Germantown TN. More importantly, they will be performing at the Seacrest Studio in LeBonheur Children’s Hospital.  There are 14 Seacrest Studios that are part of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation serving the various children’s hospitals around the country, and Time and Again is now the 4th Music Medic group to be able to sing in one of these special places.


    Chris Luther (Seacrest Studio Lead), Jim Sams, (Time and Again Quartet) and Wayne Jackson, (BHS Music Medics Coordinator) met on February 21st to discuss the program, and how the Music Medics can best fill the needs of Lebonheur Hospital Seacrest Studio. The meeting went very well and everyone came away with great excitement for the future of the BHS Music Medics program, as well as, the musical future of  LeBonheur Children’s Hospital Seacrest Studio.

    It won’t be long now before smiles start to appear and those chords start ringing through the air waves and down the halls of  LeBonheur Children’s Hospital.  Singing brings healing, happiness, and abundant life to children and adults around the world. The BHS Music Medics program will go to great lengths to help bring this ministry to children and their families on the days ahead. We are looking forward to making a positive effect on all those we come into contact with and this exciting new partnership with Chris and his staff.

    Thanks, Chris, for this wonderful opportunity to serve your community at Lebonheur Children’s Hospital!

                                                

                                                                    

     
  • Colorado Chord Company - Welcome to the Music Medics family
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Fri, Feb 9 2024

    Colorado Chord Company - Welcome to the Music Medic Family!

    While sitting at my desk this morning, I received this wonderful email from another Music Medics group which I’ve been researching while trying to increase our number of singers available to visit the Seacrest Studios in children’s hospitals around the country. VOILA!

    Tony Pranaitis, Music & Performance Chairman, Colorado Chord Company, contacted me to report the following good news about his band of merry singers in the Denver Mountainaires: 


    Hi Wayne,

    The new board at Colorado Chord Company is aggressively pursuing a return to Children's Hospital with a Disney package (Zip A Dee Doo Dah, You've Got A Friend In Me, Bare Necessities, A Whole New World, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, A Spoonful Of Sugar).  I have spoken with the hospital representative and they are excited to have us back (previous Christmas visits), and to have the Disney package.

     The hospital representative opined that one thing which has not returned to "normal" is we cannot go on the patient floors like we used to.  Virus protocol.  We can only sing in the lobby.  We did that (lobby performance) when we sang during the Christmas season, and some patients (and family members) and staff would come to listen. But then we would break into smaller groups and tour the patient floors, singing at the nurses stations (where we could be heard down the hallways) and inevitably we would be asked to come sing at the door of patients who wanted more.  That's now over.  

    So we'll see how this works and if it is fulfilling for our members (it will be if our singing is enjoyed by patients and staff)! We can do this set throughout the year (patient turnover is about every month or so).  We are in the midst of Valentine show performances and will be constructing our music plan for the year very shortly, and we'll program this in.

    We're open to any ideas or suggestions you may have, but we already have a very satisfying working relationship with Children's Hospital in Denver.  We, however, are just at the mercy of these strict protocols.  We will try to see if we can "livestream" our lobby performances into the rooms of patients who are immobile. 

    Thanks for your interest and availability.

    Tony Pranaitis

    Colorado Chord Company Music & Performance Chairman


    FM: Wayne Jackson, BHS Volunteer Co-ordinator
    TO: Tony Pranaitis, Art Momper, John Coffin, John Murphy,

    Hi Tony,

    You just made my day!  Another  MM group into the family and in the Children's Hospital that is part of the Seacrest Foundation. You make our 3rd and that # is growing every day. It sounds like you've been doing what we're already doing, except under the name of the chorus vice the Music Medics. I went on to mention that it appears that every Seacrest Studio works under the same protocols when it comes to visitors. Here in Nashville, we are limited to 5 visitors who sing either in the studio proper or the sound stage just outside the studio. Every performance is live streamed throughout the hospital, so no worry about it getting to those patients in their rooms. Plus you always have a crowd that stops by and watches your performances.

    They are on the right track with the music they want to perform but to be open to suggestions from the Child Life personnel at CHOD; Plus to consider expanding their outreach to other places such as hospice care or assisted living or memory care units, if they want to increase their singing time.

    Welcome to the Family

     
  • Portland Music Medics cruise down the internet highway
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Fri, Feb 9 2024



     
    The Portland Music Medics Cruise Down the Internet Highway

    The Portland Music Medics enjoyed their room to room visits this month
    at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital and also had some fun moments at the
    Nurses stations acknowledging their dedication and service with some personalized songs.

    We even ended up video recording a couple of special songs for a child who is in a children's hospital in Delaware for an acquaintance of a local barbershop chapter member.  The power of the Internet can spread our message of cheer almost anywhere!

                                                     
  • Better Late Than Never - Downeaster Medics and Christmas
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, Jan 16 2024

                 


                           Better Late Than Never - Downeasters Music Medics and Christmas


    During the December Holiday Season, the Music Medics sang at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital and other areas of the Maine Medical Center.  It was indeed a wonderful and meaningful opportunity to spread holiday cheer to those children, their families, and those who care for them. Mike Soper came along to video the Music Medics presentation so that you could have the chance to hear and see us in action. The videos have been posted on the Downeaster's YouTube site.  Please enjoy the front row view as you are now able to see the Music Medics in action.  If you think this might be something you would be interested in doing, just contact me or any of the Music Medics for information.


    As a side note...The Music Medics are looking to add to their song list.  We would appreciate any upbeat kid-friendly song ideas that you have to recommend for our consideration.  If  they are already arranged in 4 part-harmony that is a plus, but not a necessity.  (Many have already recommended "Baby Shark," an earworm song if there ever was one!) You get the idea.  These songs should be fun and positive for our intended audience.  Looking  forward to your suggestions.  


    Videos are loaded here https://ww  w.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbr0AX2WDroSlF_lXxTxA5v6LdS04q_6P


    Glenn Walton, Music Medics Coordinator
    207-233-1116
     
  • Mystery Solved - The actual first Music Medics Uncovered
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Wed, Dec 20 2023

                                                                                                           
                                                                                                  


                        Ancient Mystery Solved - The First Music Medics Uncovered
     

    Most of us who participate in the BHS Music Medics program thought this all started in 2013, when our Music Medic brothers, The Miamian’s Music Medics, sang in two of the local hospitals in the Miami area. However, we have discovered that I may have been pleasantly mistaken.

    Early in 2023 we received an email from Marc Wolfson, Singing Capital Chorus Music Medics, Washington, D.C., with an article about a quartet from his chorus that went to sing in one of the local D.C. hospitals in1947.  According to the article, Refuge of Males was to have sung in one of the hospitals in the Fall of that year,1947. While we don’t quite understand the outfits, as none of us know what Naval outfits has to do with Refuge of Males, and we're not sure there’s a hospital close by the Potomac River, flowing through Washington, D.C.

    Unfortunately, neither chorus historian, Tim Day, nor Marc Wolfson, were able to find more information in the archives. Regardless, it appears the Music Medics program started long before we even knew about it.
     
    While not a non-fiction author, let's leave it right here with this short article, and tell our Music Medic Brothers, Refuge of Males, “Thanks for getting us started all these many years ago. It would have been a lot easier if you had left us better records to fall back on. What a time we’ve had trying to uncover the rest of our band of merry singers, But, thanks for paving the way for the rest of us! You’d be proud of what you started!”
     
    It’s Great to Be a BHS Music Medic! 
     [December 20, 2023, by Wayne Jackson]
     
     
  • Portland Maine's Downeasters Music Medics
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sun, Dec 17 2023




                                           

    The Portland, ME Music Medics spread some Holiday cheer at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital and throughout many areas of Maine Medical Center today. We sang a mix of our regular fun music for the patients, parents and hospital staff, but also included seasonal sing along songs like "Rudolph" and "Santa Claus is coming to town." A big time favorite that had people tapping their toes and had one mom joyously spinning her son around was "Jingle Bell Rock."  These are moments that allow those who are physically suffering to have some normalcy and enjoyment in their lives.  We barbershoppers are pleased and privileged to be a part of this community service.

                                                              
                                                                                         



    By Glenn Walton for BHS Music Medics



     
  • It may not be snowing in Miami
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sat, Dec 16 2023

                                                                                       

     
    It may not be snowing there in Miami and I doubt there's a great deal of sledding going on, but the Miamian's Music Medics certainly are getting on down the hills with a festive version of Jingle Bells, sung during a recent visit to the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, Florida.

    Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from The Miamians Music Medics. HO HO HO!
    YouTube Video URL:
  • Portland Music Medic Sharing the Good News
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sat, Nov 11 2023


                                           Portland Music Medics Sharing the Good News!

                                                


    The Portland Music Medics have been busy over the past few weeks. We had the opportunity to share the Music Medics story with a large group of barbershoppers at the Northeast District Fall Competition and sing "Bubble Gum" for the audience. Hopefully inspiring other chapters to start their own Music Medics programs.

    We also performed at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital this month and sang a couple of new songs that were added to our standard program for the kids and families in the atrium. When we asked one highly intelligent 8 year old patient named Donnie if we could sing him the “Name Song” he said, "Go ahead, I don't have a patent on it yet!" In the  special care unit a mother requested that we sing a ballad to her sleeping infant. A truly precious moment as we softly sang "When You Wish Upon a Star." This is a fantastic community service that makes a difference in the lives  of patients, their families, and especially to those who bring music to this special place.

    Glenn Walton - Portland Music Medics Coordinator 



     
  • Miamians Music Medics are Preaching
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sat, Oct 7 2023



    Miamians Music Medics Doing Some Preaching!

    During the recent KeyWest, Florida, Barbershop Music Fest, September 29th, our good friends The Miamians Music Medics, were doing some preaching about the Music Medics Program. As part of the fest, the Medics Ernie de la Fe had a chance to provide the crowd with some information about the program. He mentioned the program has been in existence since September 2013 and how the Miamians had started the program (and how much it’s spread in the last 5-years). What a wonderful salesman he is!

    As part of the show,  the Medics first sang the program’s signature song, "You've Got A Friend In Me.”

    The Miamians sing, "You've Got a Friend in Me" [click below and have a listen]
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/107xqftwgnz2jRTXrxLFdwfzLLAaOZL3_/view?usp=drive_link

    After that, Ernie mentioned how the various Medics programs are now sharing songs that work, and that there are 25 active Music Medics units around the country. The Medics finished their singing with"Spoonful of Sugar," which they had gotten from the Nashville Music Medics as part of the sharing program. The Miamams have now adopted that into their regular Medics rep.

    Thanks Ernie and the Miamians Music Medics for being such great ambassadors of the Barbershop style of singing, but especially for the great service you provide to ailing children and their family’s.



    Submitted by Wayne Jackson, BHS Coordinator
     
  • The Miamians Music Medics expand their programming.
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sat, Oct 7 2023

    Miamians Music Medics Expand Their Music Medics Program

    Recently, Jim Teas, one of our Miamians Music Medics (MMM), sent an article to the rest of the MMM crew, letting them know about the power of music and how much of an affect it has on the people they may visit in other Assisted Living or Hospice Care facilities. Earlier this year, the MMM’s were able to expand our program by stepping into the world of adult care during the MMM’s first visit to The Jackson Memorial Hospital System’s, Holtz Children’s Hospital and their extended care facility.

    According to the article, a young drama and performance student whose studies included sensory stimulation, claimed that he was amazed at the response he got from Dementia patients, when he played Sinatra’s “My Way” and “Fly Me to the Moon.”  The student mentioned,  “It was as if a spell had been cast. Nearly everyone in the room stood up and sang what seemed like every word. The song sheets remained untouched. I was so profoundly moved. Looking to either side of me, I saw I wasn’t the only one with tears in their eyes. Many of the residents were now communicating with far greater clarity than they had been seconds before. It felt, and looked, like magic.”

    Ernie opined he firmly believes that every other Music Medic that's been on a single visit to a hospital or an Extended or Hospice Care, will have a deep and meaningful connection with it and the observations and ideas expressed therein. Ernie went on to say, "I know that I have always been partial to keeping the Music Medics program focused on Children's hospitals only, because of my desire to keep its repertoire simple and the program's administration and demand on the guys' time limited, predictable and steady.  Nevertheless, you guys up in Nashville led the way into the world of adult patients in an extended care facility."  Thanks Ernie for the shout out!

    Ernie wants to add “My Way and Fly Me to the Moon” to their Extended Care repertoire. So, if any of the other Medics can help him locate copies of those two songs, or provide him with your own ideas - Please do! We’ve got to share our ideas and our resources. 

    Written by: Ernie de la Fe, Miamians Music Medics
    Collaboration: Wayne Jackson, BHS Music Medics

    https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/sep/20/a-moment-that-changed-me-i-played-my-way-to-people-with-dementia-the-effect-was-magic
     
  • And our Portland ME Music Medics leaves 'em Smiling
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, Sep 19 2023


     
    The Portland Maine Music Medics Always Leaves ‘Em Smiling!

    The Portland, Maine, Music Medics had a GREAT visit at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital during their September sing-out. We had two new members join some of the regulars today, as Tom Telford and Dan Clark stepped into the bari and tenor parts. We could see a range of emotions as we sang to the kids, with tears and beaming smiles on the faces of some parents, while their kids were the center of attention with our music. Our fill-in host this time was Alice.  She was thrilled with our songs and sound and the positive effect we had on both patients and hospital staff. It's great to be a Portland Maine Music Medic and make a difference in our community!

    On a side note...we ran into a neighbor, Molly, on the way out and had the opportunity to sing the "Name song" to her. What a delight!




                                                        


    Submitted by Glenn Walton

     
  • Portland Music Medics visit Barbara Bush Children's Hospital
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Mon, Aug 14 2023

    The Portland, Maine, Music Medics had another great visit at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center. Sharon Granville, the operations coordinator, was a wonderful host, and took us around  where our music could do the most good. We even had a young patient sing us a song!

    We were quite surprised when we were asked if we could sing in the regular hospital waiting room as the place was packed and they thought it might help entertain those with a long wait. Sure enough, we had a lot of smiling faces as we sang a few. 

    This is a wonderful community service! Thanks to all the Portland Music Medics that participated today.

    Submitted by 
    Glenn Walton,
    Portland Music Medics coordinator 


                                   
  • Asheville Music Medics Continue to Grow and Shine
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Wed, Jun 28 2023
      Asheville Music Medics Continue to Grow and Share

     
    When the Asheville NC Music Medics visit the Mission Hospital children’s ward, we are fortunate to be accompanied by Pediatric Nurse Assistants to guide us. They know all the patients, guide us to those who would benefit from a song, while clueing us to their ages and even what type of song would be best. All that before we are at the room sure makes our singing life easier!

    The number of patients, their ages and ethnic backgrounds vary each time we are there. Whether they are infants or teens, what always “translates” for them though is the harmony, the love and the feeling that “they have a friend” in Music Medics.

    On our last visit there were less patients (yay!) which gave us more time to serenade the nurses and staff while they are not so busy. Some nurses rounded up all the available people on the floor and we were able to give a ‘mini-concert’ to the assembled group.  These nurses and staff members are definitely the “Pediatric Heroes” and the AVL Music Medics are glad to be able to bring some harmony to them.
    We’re glad to welcome two new members into the ranks of the AVL Music Medics. One of our new members is from the local BHS chapter, The Land of the Sky Chorus.  We’re glad to have them with us!



     
  • NED Report on Portland Music Medics
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, Jun 20 2023





                             




    NED Report on Portland Music Medics
    June 21, 2023

    It is with great pride that I report to you about the recent successful inaugural visit that the Portland Music Medics had at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital on Tuesday, June 20th.  Many of us in the Downeasters Barbershop Chorus read the article in the Jan/Feb. Harmonizer about other choruses in the country that had a Music Medics program in their community. This idea sparked an interest in creating our own Music Medics group to serve the hospital bound children of the greater Portland, Maine communities through The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.  I was appointed the Music Medics coordinator for our chorus and proceeded to research this possibility.

     This is not a quick and easy journey. You must first poll members of your chorus to see if there are enough volunteers with the right voice parts to participate and then diplomatically engage with the Child Care Coordinators of your local Children’s Hospital to see if they would entertain your participation in their children’s programs.  After months of selecting and learning the right kind of positive and entertaining songs that would fit in this type of venue, over a dozen of the Portland Music Medics were ready for their first visit. 

    In the meantime, I had interacted over several months with Sharon Granville, our Child Care Contact and gained her confidence to book a date in June for our first     “sing-out.”  We followed many of the suggestions in the BHS Music Medics Guidebook which was invaluable in helping us professionally prepare for this venture.  Due to the overload of child patients in the hospital, they requested that we only have four singers as it would be a tight fit in some areas.
     
    I had also connected with a TV reporter, explained this new community service idea, and worked with TV Fox Channel News 13, to have them there to film the event, with permission from the hospital.  It all came together beautifully as the Portland Music Medics singers arrived in their scrubs and began the journey of entertaining those who needed some moments of cheer in their troubled world.

    There is nothing more exciting and exhilarating then to see the smiles of young faces when you sing a funny song that truly strikes a chord of familiarity in their lives. For a moment is gives them something else to think about and enjoy. We sang in different areas, nurses’ stations, and rooms for about an hour and on our way out was asked if we could visit again next month.
     This is truly a program that should be considered as a top priority for any barbershop chorus throughout the country.  The value it brings to the communities we live in and serve can only benefit its people and encourage other singers to investigate its local barbershop chapters.

    Glenn L. Walton- Portland Music Medics Coordinator
    Portland Downeaster’s Chorus
    glwyell@aol.com
    207.233.1116

    https://wgme.com/news/local/music-medics-help-bring-joy-kids-barbara-bush-childrens-hospital-downeast-barbershop-quartet

                                                                                       
     
    For more information, see:                                      
  • Just Checking In
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Wed, Jun 14 2023
                                                                   Just Checking In!

    See what happens when you just check in with your good friends in the Seneca Land District chapter of the BHS Music Medics.

    While chatting the other day with my good friend Becci Miller, from The Chorus of the Genesee, she shared a great story with me. For those of you that may not know, Becci also sings in a Chamber Choir.  During our conversation, she mentioned that her Medics were on a short hiatus due to so many other singing commitments that other members of the Medics were taking on during the summer. One was singing in Europe, one was singing in China, and Becci, along with the graduation of her son, had a full concert series with her choir.

    She told me a about one of the guys in the choir who was a Barbershopper from the Tallahassee chapter before he moved north to New York. They were randomly talking about barbershop, when she mentioned about also singing with the Music Medics, however,  they were currently on a short hiatus. As Becci put it, “Long story short, we have a new member.”

    So great to see these other Music Medics program still alive, active, and growing.

    It’s Great to Be a BHS Music Medic!

    (Wayne Jackson, BHS Music Medics Coordinator)
     
  • More Medics are joining in the fun
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, May 30 2023
    More Music Medics Are Joining in the Fun!

    26 May 2023

    Late this morning, as I sat down at my computer and opened my email, I had received this wonderful email from Michael Rogin. Michael told me he is a snowbird from Philadelphia, currently living in Florida and singing with The Miamians Music Medics.

    Michael went on to say that he was introduced to the program by our good friend, Ernie de la Fe. “I found it to be an incredible experience.”  Since singing with the Miamians Music Medics, Michael has introduced the program to his other chorus, the Palm Beach County Coastmen. Since its inception, they have already sung in two facilities and will be incorporating a third hospital in July. WOW! That group is going full steam ahead. He claimed that after getting over their initial reluctance to the program, the Coastmen are becoming more involved.


    Michael told me that when he goes back to Philadelphia, he plans to introduce the program to the Pine Barons in Cherry Hill. Their Board approved his proposal and now it will be a “wait-and-see” how many members will participate. He plans to approach the Child Life Department at the local childrens’ hospitals in the Philadelphia and South Jersey region. Interestingly, the Child Life Specialists at Joe DiMaggio and the one previously at Broward (Both hospitals are in FL.) told him they would willingly be references for him. Mike went on to say, “ Hopefully, we will be able to add the Pine Barons to the list as well”.

    N.B.  Currently, there are no choruses in the Philadelphia area with a Music Medics program.

    “Say hi to Marty for me. We met when he visited with Bob Pollack in Florida and sang with "Four Over Par.”  I cherish the "Bass" coffee mug he gave me that day.”

    If this email seems endless, blame Ernie.
    In Harmony,
    Michael Rogin
    mrogin@livespark.com
    (215) 870-6518


    From the Desk of:

    Wayne Jackson
    BHS MM Coordinator

     
  • Asheville Music Medics Feeling the Joy
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Wed, May 24 2023
     


    Asheville Music Medics Are Feeling the Joy
    On May 9, the Asheville Music Medics Tuesday quartet, consisting of one man and three women, sang for lots of children and their families on the pediatric floor of Mission Children’s Hospital. Folks seemed to enjoy the entertainment so much, that one little girl wanted us to come back for an "encore," which we did! Young and old appreciated our “show” and acknowledged that singing four-part harmony requires lots of practice!

    Then it was on to sing to on-duty nurses for Nurse Appreciation Week at Mission. We started on the pediatrics floor while we were in the neighborhood. The staff is always so appreciative when we come and they were obviously glad that we sang just for them. It must have been a really busy time at the hospital, with most staff “on the job”when we came by. However, we were able to sing at a few other nurses' stations before our Bass, Jim had to leave.
     
    But, as Ginger Rodgers once said,  “Women can do everything men do except we do it backwards AND in high heels!” So, in Ginger’s spirit Judy, Mary Joy, and I, took our VSQ (Very Special Quartet minus one) on the road to serenade a few more groups of nurses with You've Got a Friend In Me and Irish Blessing. More warm receptions and expressions of gratitude for our little tributes, left us feeling happy that we could share the gift of music and bring smiles to many faces.

    We are already looking forward to our next hospital appearance on May 18 when the Thursday quartet gets to join in the fun.

    -Leslie  Bradshaw for the Asheville Music Medics Tuesday Quartet Group.



     
  • An Important Message From Asheville
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, May 23 2023

    Asheville Music Medics, Gerald Ashby, Shares an Important Point of View
    I noted that HCA/Mission requires that all volunteers have to go through the same medical screening andonline training (10+ hours) as would any full-time employee. When I received my medical screening, I shared with the nurse about Music Medics and our goal of singing in the Children’s Hospital. She said that “she used to be a nurse in the pediatrics section, but after she had her own children, she just couldn’t’t bear the strain of caring for nothing but patients who were children. She added that the nurses were really the ones that needed the encouragement, as they carried the burden of all the children on an ongoing basis.” 

    That point of view totally changed my outlook and respect for pediatric and all nurses need for the Harmony that we provide.


    - Gerald Ashby, Asheville Music Medics Thursday Quartet
  • Asheville Music Medics Setting the Bar High
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Mon, May 22 2023
                                            Asheville Medics Set The Singing Bar High!


    The Asheville Music Medics really outdid themselves during their 18 May visit to Mission Children’s Hospital. The Medics had a “marathon” sing today that included a dozen stops, with singing more than 24 songs during their 60 minute visit. WHEW!

    Gerald mentioned that during their time there, they sang to a number of infants and their parents/grandparents.  It is apparent that the harmony we shared harmony is just as much for the parents and staff as well as the staff and theinfants. (one infant did raise his leg and ‘wagged‘ along though!). The tears of the infants’ parents during several stops, let us know the that hearts were touched.

    Not the best picture said Gerald, however, they enjoyed being busy sharing the joy.

                                                                           



     
  • Miamians Medics - Getting it Done!
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Fri, Mar 24 2023

       The Miamians Music Medics Are Really Getting it Done!

                Just check out how the 3-M’s are getting it done with their expansion of singing in a third hospital!

                Ernie de la Fe writes:  "As we ramp up for our third hospital since Covid, (Jackson Memorial Children's),  I'd like to take advantage of the ramp-up time and get our guys singing A Spoonful of Sugar. We start back at Joe DiMaggio Children's in Hollywood March 17th, but we will also be starting at Jackson Memorial in Miami on April 20th.  That means we'll once again be back in three hospitals.  Hooray!"  The first hospital that the Miamians Music Medics had been able to return to after Covid was Salah Foundation Children's Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, back in September, 2022.  

                Ernie claims that, although Joe DiMaggio's will consist of standard MM operating procedure, Jackson Memorial is going to be an experiment:  "We will be singing to three different types of audiences on a monthly rotation:  First, our traditional children's room to room performances;  Second, the following month we'll be performing in a show-like presentation to groups of children in another wing of the children's hospital, including outpatient kids; and thirdly, singing to mostly elderly, but some younger adults in another part of the hospital."

              "In that third month, we will be walking in the Nashville Music Medics' footsteps.  We had previously avoided singing to older audiences, but the Nashville Music Medics have had some success and enjoyment with it through their Hospice Outreach so we are looking forward to trying out that slight twist in the Music Medics program.  In that regard, we are trying to recruit additional guys who had not previously participated in the MMs, (and, thus, never learned the kids' rep), but who do know our regular chorus repertoire, including the Polecat 1s and 2s, which the older folks would enjoy.  That way, we might have a chance to expand Jackson to 2 visits a month, with 2 different quartets."



                Editorial comment:  What a great plan the 3-M’s are trying to get up and running! It might be good to see if your MM group can put together something similar to Ernie’s plan in your area. 
     
  • Finally Singing at Mission Hospital
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, Mar 7 2023
    Asheville Music Medics FINALLY Get to “SING” at Mission


    During a BHS Music Medics virtual meeting in December, The Asheville Music Medics received an important piece of information that enabled them to finally get a chance to do what we do best - sing, for the children and their parents at the children’s wing of Mission Hospital, Asheville, NC. That vital piece of the puzzle for the singing Medics was learning where they could stand in order to sing. Most hospitals will not allow volunteers into the rooms of their patients. However, other Music Medics suggested that singing in the halls outside of a patient’s room would more than likely provide a chance to sing for the children. A presentation had been made to the Asheville BHS Chapter Board and this was accepted as a Chapter Project.

    Then the December 2022 issue of The Harmonizer featured a five page story (including the Cover Page) of the Nashville Music Medics as they presented their outreach in Nashville.

    When attending BHS’ MM virtual meetings, other Music Medics groups offered their experiences and suggestions, including song choices, like You've Got a Friend in Me and Spoonful of Sugar. After we started rehearsing in a member’s garage we eventually sang for some assisted living centers late in 2022. Ron Williams from the Kordsmen MM changed the lyrics of a few polecats to turn them into kids’ songs, which are now part of our rep. How about “My Wild Chubby Cat” and “Home to Play” instead of My Wild Irish Rose and Down Our Way? That sharing of ideas among the MM groups helped us get our feet on the ground.

    One of our goals was to be able to sing in the children’s wing of Mission Hospital. Judy Kaplan, a retired nurse and one of our leads, hung on to her passion for the idea of singing to children and she stayed in touch with the hospital for many months. At first they were reluctant to have us, with all the respiratory stuff going around.  When we suggested singing just outside rooms, instead of in the rooms, that opened the door for us. Judy contacted the hospital, and soon we were welcomed.

    Finally, we've been able to do what we set out to, sing for kids and their families, in the hospital’s children’s wing! We were able to send our first quartet into the Children’s unit in December of 2022, with enthusiastic support from the Child Life Coordinator; The second quartet was able to go in February of 2023 happily singing in Mission Hospital to some children and their family members. Their rendition of “Our Wild Chubby Cat,” sung to the tune of that Barbershop classic, “My Wild Irish Rose,” was well received. So much so, that a 6-year old responded to the song by getting out of bed and hugging a singer.  (Now that’s the response we’re all looking for. Can never have enough hugs.)  Plans are being made to schedule several days per month with our two MM quartets.

    A teenage patient, who was a music major, was invited to come sing with the Medics. We learned that he’s quite the talent when his mother played us a 4-part solfège piece that he had recorded (The tune was called Idumea, for you “shaped note fans”).


    At one point during our visit, after we finished singing for one patient, we turned around to see a nurse who was passing by and who had stopped, in tears. There’s no doubt now of the power of our music and the effect that it has on people. We are grateful for the opportunities we have to spread harmony to our community!

    We're grateful for the support of Wayne Jackson, BHS’s volunteer MM coordinator, and others in the MM circle who have helped us get started!

    Gerald Ashby and CJ Wilson, Asheville Music Medics


        
     
  • Great Lakes Chorus Music Medics are getting started
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, Mar 7 2023
     
    Great Lakes Chorus Music Medics Approved to Sing in DeVos Children’s Hospital
    The recently formed Great Lakes Chorus Music Medics have been approved to sing at the DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, according to founding member, Doug Weaver.

    The approval was helped along through the singing of Doug’s quartet, “Old Rules”, at Survivor’s Day, at the Lemmon-Colton Cancer Center, which is also part of the Corewell Health System.

    All of the Music Medics family wishes Doug and the Great Lakes Chorus Music Medics much success as we wait to hear from them in the near future.
    Welcome to the Music Medics Great Lakes Chorus!
     
  • DownEasters: Let's Join BHS Music Medics
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Wed, Mar 1 2023


                                                                    Glenn Walton
                                                                    207-233-1116
                                                                glwyell@aol.com


                                          DownEasters:  Let’s Join The Music Medics

    Hello fellow DownEasters,

    I am excited to share with you a new venture that will spread our love of barbershop harmony and serve our communities all at the same time. Under the supervision of our President and other members of the Board, I have been investigating a new kind of community service program that many of us read about in the latest Harmonizer. It is called the Music Medics Program. 

    This program is designed to have members of the local barbershop chorus, as a pick-up quartet or small VLQ, learn a set of specialty upbeat songs that can be sung in the barbershop style at the local children    ’s hospital on a monthly or every other month basis for the children and their families.  The participants customarily dress in medical scrubs and with permission from the hospital’s Child Life Coordinator, will sing a package of entertaining songs meant to cheer up those who are hospital bound. 

    This particular program has been highly successful in over a dozen different States and Districts in our Barbershop Harmony Society.

    At this time, I have communicated with the authorities at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, ME,  and I found that they would like to pursue an initial event sometime this Spring.   (Date to be determined.)  The music VP George Feinberg has a list of Disney and children friendly songs that he is now ordering and will make available to chorus members who want to be a part of this truly great cause!

    I have also communicated with Wayne Jackson who leads the national program for BHS.  He is excited to hear that we are looking into Music Medics and has offered many helpful ideas. 

    After doing the investigative work to see if this kind of program would be workable in our area and listening to many positive comments, all that is left is to hear from the DownEasters chorus members themselves.  In order for this community service project to go forward we must have a commitment from those that would like to learn these simple arrangements and make themselves available to perform when the opportunity presents itself.  At Monday night’s rehearsal I had almost a dozen sign up.   If you haven’t had the opportunity to notify me yet of your desire to be a part of the Portland Music Medics, then please call me at 207.233.1116 or email me at glwyell@aol.com.

    In harmony,
    Glenn
    February 24, 2023
     
  • Miamians Music Medics - Getting Back to Singing
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Fri, Feb 10 2023
    The Miamians Music Medics Getting Back to Singing

     
    Ernie de la Fé
    Miami, Florida, USA 
    Phone: (786) 285-8550 
    eMail: ejdelafe@yahoo.com


        The Covid lockdowns took a serious bite out of the Miamians Music Medics, just as they did out of every one of our chapters' Medics programs.  After 6 years of monthly visits to as many as 4 children's hospitals throughout South Florida, it all just came to a grinding halt shortly after the pandemic, and the fear of it's spread, took over the country three years ago.  Funny, but we were actually the ones who halted the Medics visits early-on, rather than the hospitals saying "don't come."  I remember one of our Child Life representatives telling me on that last pre-pandemic visit, that the whole thing was probably "nothing to worry about," as I was asking her if I could grab a few extra masks to take home with me.

        As the world almost, somewhat, in part, probably began to return to something we might recognize as near normal, and we began approaching the hospitals about our hoped return, we learned of the sad decision by one of them, Baptist Hospital in Miami, that their prior temporary decision to close their children's hospital during Covid, had now become permanent.  This was a place where, at least in our own minds, we had become superstars!  Hahaha!  Needless to say, that was a blow to our efforts, but the news soon started to get better.

        Five or six months ago, we actually received a call from the Child Life Department at one of the two children's hospitals where the whole Music Medics Program started in 2013, Broward Health, in Ft. Lauderdale.  Basically, they were asking us: "Where the heck are you guys and when are we gonna have you back?"  Well, Steve Friedland, the guy who leads the Broward Health Medics quartet, (even if he IS only a Baritone) jumped at the opportunity and got us back rolling there immediately.  We've recently also gotten the great news from Joel Rifkin that his quartet will be re-starting at Joe DiMaggio Children's, in Hollywood, in only a couple of weeks.  We have now begun our efforts to replace the Baptist we lost in Miami with Jackson Memorial Children's and hope we can get matters worked out with them soon.

        Lastly, we are aiming to get back up to full strength soon thereafter by bringing St. Mary's, in Palm Beach, back into the Medics fold, as well.  Up there, we have a couple of guys who are relatively new to our chorus and are currently learning the Medics repertoire, in order to join forces with two long-time fully experienced Medics, Randy Harner and Rich Haney.

         We are, thus, very excited about the future, and about getting back up to full strength in doing the most important thing that The Miamians Chorus does:  Dress in medical scrubs and sing Barbershop songs to hospitalized children in our communities.
  • HarmonyTown Ends 2022 Joyfully
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Fri, Dec 16 2022

    ​​​​​​The Wayne, Michigan, Chapter capped off a busy year of Music Medics activities with Tree lightings at Wayne Historical Museum, Wayne, MI, on Friday December 2nd and at Beaumont Hospital in Wayne, Michigan, on Thursday, December 8th


     Our chapter had 3 appearances at Beaumont     Hospitals in the last quarter of the year, singing for   patients and staff at the Wayne, Trenton & Taylor   locations.

     The Tree Lighting was well attended by Hospital staff   and families and although it was a trifle chilly, hot   chocolate and cookies kept   us all in good spirits!


    Our men sang 3 Christmas songs, followed by the lighting of the tree, and then the chorus, hospital staff and attendees stumbled thru the words of “Oh Christmas Tree”.

    It was a wonderful time, and a great chance to express appreciation for the
    hard-working nurses, doctors and staff members at their fine hospitals.


         












    The Tree lighting was just days before the Chapter’s annual Christmas show at Risen Christ Lutheran Church, Plymouth, MI, on December 11th ( which was a smashing success), but all of our members felt the singing in 2022 for hospitals was every bit as satisfying!


    Harmony Town Chorus, Mark Pritchard

     
  • HarmonyTown Music Medics in the Community
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Mon, Jun 27 2022

                                                                                           

     
    The HarmonyTown Barbershop Chorus Music Medics were out once again Sunday, June 26th at Trinity Health, St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, MI, providing the healing sound of song for patients and staff.
     
    BHS Music Medics remains grateful that Trinity Health continues to provide opportunities for these regular hospital visits by our Music Medics brothers in Michigan.

                                                                                       
  • BHS Music Medics- A Quarterly Update
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Fri, Jun 24 2022


    BHS MusicMedics Minutes June 23


    The BHS Music Medics met virtually on 23 June for our quarterly meeting. Those in attendance included:

    Nashville Music Medics:  Wayne Jackson, Sam English
    Kanawha Kordsmen, West Va: Ron Williams
    Chorus of the Genesee, New York:  Becci Miller
    Big Chicken Chorus, Marietta, GA:  Frank Hrach
    Land of the Sky Chorus, Nashville NC:  Beverly Greene
    Trounce Island Music Medics QT, Victoria British Columbia, Canada: David Christmas


    Absent but there in Spirit:

    Joyful Sound Music Medics QT, Greensboro, NC: Charlie Terrell
    Singing Capital Chorus, Washington D.C: Marc Wolfson

    A lively discussion ensued as we did a quick whip around, having everyone in attendance tell the assembled Medics about their respective programs.

    Ron Williams reported the Kordsmen have begun weekly visits to their local children’s hospital. Those visits started about 2-weeks ago.

    Frank Hrach told us their local children’s hospital is still not allowing visitors. They’re still trying to pull things together. 

    Becci Miller explained her group has just started visiting the nearby VA hospital. The group itself has expanded to include singers from H.I. and her local Chamber choir.

    Bev Greene reported they have between 8-10 singers at every rehearseal. The group rehearses every other week. However, they’re not allowed into hospitals or the VA in the area. They have an additional 4 singers who are not registered with the Society.

    Wayne Jackson and Sam English provided a short update, mentioning that all of our reporting is sent out to everyone via our website.

    New Medic David Christmas, who arrived late, explained they’re having real difficulty getting into their hospitals due to the way the Canadian Medical system works. I told him try the local Asst. Living or Hospice facilities.

    Both Charles Terrell & Marc Wolfson submitted updates to me that will be included later in these notes.

    Additional discussion regarding best days to rehearse, repertoire and where else we can sing if we’re having problems getting into the hospitals. Wayne & Sam mentioned that NMM has been very successful in singing in the Asst. Living/Hospice facilities, but it takes a lot of commitment and leg work in order to make that happen. Becci noted their success at the VA.

    The hot topic of the evening was the update from Charlie regarding his news of the local children’s hospital’s recent decision to stop having his Medics come and sing. The group believed the best approach for Joyful Sound was to try the local Asst. Living/Hospice facilities, as well as a possible rebranding/marketing of the Joyful Sounds QT approach to the children. Wayne and Sam are trying to contact Charlie to see what the root problem is, and offer whatever help they can.


    From Singing Capital Chorus, Marc Wolfson:

    Wayne,

    Sorry I couldn’t join you tonight. I was on my chapter’s monthly board meeting Zoom session at the same time as your meeting.

    I’m happy to report that we’re making a little headway here in Washington, DC.
    I’ve recently heard from the staff at the National Children’s Hospital. While they are still not allowing any performers inside the facility, they are starting to schedule musical performances in their rooftop healing garden. I’m in the process of filing out the required paperwork for one of our quartets to get on the
    schedule.

    I’ll let you know if and when this happens.
    Yours in Harmony,
    Marc


    From Joyful Sounds QT, Charlie Terrell:

    Dear Wayne and Music Medics colleagues,

    Greetings from Greensboro, NC, and our "blast furnace" weather!
    Unfortunately, I will not be able to join the Zoom Session tomorrow evening; I'm sure you'll enjoy catching up across the miles!
    I'm writing to request your "Group Wisdom" if you're willing to share your thoughts with me. Due to on-going hospital policies regarding COVID, our MM Quartet "Joyful Sounds" has not been able to return to sing in the Pediatrics Unit of our local hospital.
    I have asked often about this restriction and when/if it would change.  Last Friday I received a communication from the Recreation Therapist for the Unit.  She stated that she now does not feel "that this barbershop quartet program caters to the common interests of our pediatric population.”
    She wrote also that she "cannot add it back to our schedule on a regular basis at this time.” She concluded that we might be included "sometime in December for holiday music if we are able to provide such programs at that time.” As you might imagine, I am crushed by this news and attempting to sort out many feelings.

    Have any of your MM groups experienced this from your hospitals?  I'll be grateful for your replies.  I have reached out to the Guest Services Director to see if there are other areas of the hospital in which we could sing on a regular basis.

    Thanks in advance for your help.
    Blessings for all you do as Music Medics!


    We happily said our goodbyes around 8PM CST!


    N.B. Just spoke with Charlie Terrell about his situation. As I suspected the problem was the hospital and their Recreational Therapist and nothing that Charlie and the Joyful Sounds QT had done. No reason was ever given for stopping the relationship with the children. Charlie, as I already knew, was working the program exactly as the manual suggests, including the music. He is in contact with the Guest Services Director to see if there are any other places within the hospital where they might sing.   Additionally, Charlie will be putting in the time to get out and see what other venues are available where the Joyful Sounds QT could sing. 
    I’m fairly certain that Charlie and his crew will be successful at finding those places where they can spread the joy that only the Music Medics can.

    Respectfully Submitted:
    Wayne Jackson, BHS Music Medic Rep.
     
     
  • HarmonyTown's Music Medics are movin', shakin' and singing
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Fri, Jun 3 2022


    HarmonyTown Barbershop Chorus Music Medics are out once again!
     
    What an afternoon for singing for the folks at Garden City Hospital with our Music Medics program! 
    Truly fun and rewarding.

    “My cheeks hurt from smiling” was a phrase heard more than once today and that makes it all worthwhile !!
     
  • Kanawha Kordsmen Medics are ready again
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Wed, Jun 1 2022
    Kordsmen Music Medics Are Ready to Go


    The Kanawha Kordsmen Music Medics are getting ready to go back on the road on June 11. Currently they are rehearsing in preparation for their regular visits to the Charleston Women’s and Children’s Hospital.  During a recent volunteer luncheon at the hospital, the Kordmen Music Medics provided the entertainment for 200+ volunteers, showing them what the Music Medics program is all about. According to Ron Williams, “they were well received.”

    Of course, the highlight of the afternoon was the singing of Honey Little Lize. The Medics  “thrilled” one volunteer when the Medics inserted her name into the song.

    It’s Great to Be a BHS Music Medic!

     
  • Greetings from Trounce Alley Quartet, Victoria, BC, Canada
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Mon, May 9 2022


    Our quartet, the Trounce Alley Quartet, had the pleasure of singing at one of our community senior centers on April 2nd this year.  We sang at The Mackie, an assisted seniors living center for active healthy seniors. We are located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.  From you guys down there, it is about as Northwest as you can possible get.  LOL.  This lovely lady, Isabel McNair, turned 100 years old that day and we sang for her and her extended family.

    Quartet members are, from left to right, Allan Jacques on baritone, me on bass, Paul DeGagne singing the lead, and Bob Doak on tenor.


    David Christmas
    Trounce Alley Quartet - Bass
    South Island Harmony Chorus - Bass Section Leader
    Victoria BHS Music Medics
    http://trouncealleyquartet.com
     
  • Harmony Town Music Medics back in St. Mary's Mercy
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, May 3 2022


    From our good friends in Harmony Town Music Medics    . 
    They are back out there singing loud and proud, bringing joy to everyone they meet.
    Well done, guys!




    HarmonyTown Barbershop Chorus with Terry D. Crouson and Paul Woodin, Doug Groh, Mark Pritchard, Allen Holmes and Bob Schuessler.
    Our Music Medics were out at St. Mary’s again today! 
    It brings us such joy to share songs and smiles with folks.
    And a couple of our singers were first time participants. Good stuff!  BHS Music Medics, St. Mary Mercy, Livonia, MI

                   
     
  • Harmony Town Music Medics Reaching out in 2022
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Wed, Apr 13 2022





    Harmony Town Music Medics Reaching Out in 2022


    Our Music Medics Brothers from the Harmony Town Chorus, Wayne, Michigan, have recently completed two video projects that include a selection of songs they sing for the children, as well as songs when reaching out to adults during their Music Medic visits. These videos also have a selection of punny jokes delivered “live” by various Medics, and feature an adorable little girl introducing the different songs in the children’s video. To get a look at the project, we’ve included some teasing video captures. If interested in receiving a copy of the project or for more information please contact Eddie Tabb at Vivalaeddie6@gmail.com or marketing@wesingbarbershop.com. 
    Eddie may also be reached at 248-792-1911.

                                                                                     
                                                                                 
  • The Joyful Sounds Music Medics Quartet spreads some Christmas Cheer
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Thu, Mar 10 2022


    Joyful Sounds Music Medics Spread Christmas Cheer


    The Joyful Sounds Music Medics Quartet, from the Greensboro Tarheel Chorus, was able to spread some Christmas cheer on 16 & 17 December 2021 at the Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro, N.C. We sang indoors, in-person, masked, and distanced, performing in the cafeteria, and The Atrium. 

    The Moses Cone Volunteer Services invited Joyful Sounds to sing. It’s important to know that we were the only vocal group given that opportunity, because we are fully vetted hospital volunteers. Joyful Sounds sang to support hospital employees and visitors, most of whom were doing "grab-and-go" lunches; although they did have a few stay in place and listen to the sets.

    This was an awesome unexpected opportunity, especially since the Pediatrics Unit visitation restrictions continue to prohibit singing there. Joyful Sounds sang for 30 minutes each day, using their Christmas and Children’s repertoire music.




     
  • The Harmony Town Music Medics are Back in Business
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sat, Mar 5 2022



    HarmonyTown Music Medics Are Back In Business!
     
    November saw the men of the HarmonyTown Chorus Music Medics kick their Music Medics program back into business!  Donning our scrubs and stethoscopes, we serenaded the patients at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, in Livonia, Michigan, on Sunday the 7th and 14th of November.  Armed with masks and Covid Vaccine proofs, HarmonyTown had 10 different men participate, and although St. Mary’s doesn’t have a pediatric ward, they were still able to use many of the program songs to spread cheer among the patients. The warm reactions and support to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Zippity Doo Dah” were outstanding.  St. Mary’s HR specialist, Cyndi Niva, guided the Medics around the hospital for nearly two hours each time they performed. To say it was rewarding would be an understatement!  

    The HarmonyTown Music Medics are also encouraged by Beaumont Children’s Hospital’s willingness to stay in touch, even though they are not ready for in-person visits. Beaumont has promised to keep the Medics on the hospital’s radar for a time when the Medics can bring their “musical medicine”  back to the children, as soon as the Medics are given the green light.  

    As The HarmonyTown Music Medics approach 2022, they’re hopeful their chapter program will reach its full potential! There’s only one thing left to say,

    It’s Great to Be a HarmonyTown Chorus Music Medic! 
     
  • BHS Music Medics gather virtually in October 2021
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Sat, Mar 5 2022
    BHS Music Medics meeting 8 October 2021

    Attendees:
    Attendees:
    Kanawha Kordsmen, Charleston, WV - Ron Williams
    Chorus of the Genesee, Rochester, NY - Becci Miller
    The Miamian’s, Miami FL. - Ernie de la Fe
    Harmony Town Chorus, Wayne, MI - Mark Pritchard
    Nashville Music Medics, Nashville, TN - Kirk Jordan, Tony Ivey, Wayne Jackson, Chuck Hamilton, Sam English
    Southern Gateway Chorus, Cincinnati OH. - Bayard Pelsor



    Everyone was given the opportunity to share the activity going on in their district/area. This provided for a lively discussion with a great exchange of ideas

    Our host, Wayne Jackson, mentioned and other participants echoed the need to keep some Music Medics activity going (talking with hospitals, finding potential members, singing and rehearsing) during this pause before we can all get back and sing in the hospitals.

    Newsletter - most considered a monthly newsletter posted on the BHS site might be a good idea. Articles should be easy to put together once we all get singing again. Further discussion may very well be undertaken.

    Becci Miller, Rochester, NY shared that they have put together a library of 25 songs, including BAre NEcessities and Can't Stop the Feeling, which includes standard BBS but also more relatable songs for the kids (as well as the members). They are keeping their name "out there" by doing holiday mall gigs.  Great idea!
     
  • Harmony Town Music Medics Learn about the Music Medics Program
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Fri, Mar 4 2022
    An activity report from the Harmony Town Music Medics:

    HarmonyTown Men ready to show young patients “You’ve Got a Friend in Us”!

    In March of 2021, the Wayne, Michigan Chapter, The Harmony Town Chorus, learned of a wonderful new BHS program, “Music Medics”. Its purpose was to provide singing for children (with collateral singing for anyone, of course!) in hospitals. We embraced the challenge of implementing this program with the enthusiastic involvement of all our chapter’s members. With plans to tailor our repertoire, provide uniforms, and establish contacts with several local hospitals, our group is readying itself for the moment when hospitals can accommodate our singers in their facilities. With our group now fully vaccinated, and expressing complete willingness to adhere to hospital protocols, we are optimistic that we will be able to impact lives with the joy of our 4-part harmony singing. We’ve also indicated willingness to provide virtual programs for broadcast in hospitals, as feasible, or desired. Recent encouraging communications from one of the hospitals we’ve contacted give us real hope that, by Fall, we’ll be making our first in-hospital appearance. We’re excited at this wonderful opportunity to share our music and to bring some cheer to those that often need it the most!

    To contact HarmonyTown Chorus to start this program in your children's hospital, please contact: 
    Call | 734-743-1SNG (1764) and ask for Eddie
    Texts | 248-792-1911
    Email |     marketing@wesingbarbershop.com
    Website link:  http://www.wesingbarbershop.com/musicmedics

     
  • Nashville Music Medics host a virtual Music Medics meeting 11 Jan 2021
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Thu, Mar 3 2022
     
                                                Laughter is Always the Best Medicine!!

                Laughter was the right prescription for a fun-filled evening on January 11, 2021, when The Nashville Music Medics hosted a virtual meeting which included The Miamians Music Medics, along with the Joyful Sound Music Medics quartet from Greensboro N.C.

                The mics were wide open as 20 Medics shared their collective experiences as part of the Music Medics program. Along with the laughter, each group chatted about how they got started, what worked for them, what we could do better as a group, and what music to sing. Along with those discussions, videos were shared from Nashville and Miami’s virtual projects. Unofficial style points for the evening went to Chris Railey, and Randall Harner of the Miami Medics for the best mustaches.

                It was agreed that COVID has really slowed our groups down by not being able to sing for the children at each of our local hospitals. All of us are looking forward to the day when we can return to put the smiles back on the children’s faces through our unique style of music. However, through it all, everyone agreed that singing with the Medics has richly blessed each and every man.

                If you’re in a Music Medics group and want to join in any future virtual meetings, please contact Wayne Jackson with the Nashville Music Medics at gwjacks@tds.net.
     
  • How It All Began
  •  
  •  Date Posted: Tue, Mar 1 2022
    It was that Saturday Night Show at the 2018 Orlando International, where many Barbershoppers watched a video about the BHS Music Medics program. The inspirational work a group of singers from the Miamians were doing through their singing to the children in the local Children’s Hospitals got all of this started.  It continues to grow through the combined efforts of many around the country and now there are eleven organized Music Medics groups in the US and Canada.  
    YouTube Video URL: