Tracy Durland, from left, Phyllis Brzozowska and Susan Green of Todos Santos practice harmonies. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

A rhythmic melody filled the room; soothing, as though it were intended to lull a listener to sleep.

The intent of Comfort Singers of Todos Santos is to bring calmness to the person who is being sung to, as well as to caregivers and anyone else who may be there. It’s a loose knit group of women (men are welcome) who want to provide solace to those in need.

“The important thing to note is we are not a performing group. Our aim is to sing, to bring comfort,” Tracy Durland explained. “Building a safe culture of kindness and concern for one another in the choir and for those we serve is our fundamental motivation.”

The group is taking its lead from Threshold Choir, whose mission is “singing for those at the thresholds of life.” Often that threshold is the end of life or at least being in hospice care. Threshold Choir is an international nonprofit with more than 150 chapters. It started in the San Francisco Bay Area of California in 2000.

While the Todos Santos women have a desire to create a Threshold chapter, it takes a minimum of six people. They are looking for members. The transient community and limited full-timers, along with a small group of “customers” may thwart that intent. That doesn’t matter, though, because those involved are happy and eager to help how they can. That is why the singers are looking to be part of Comfort Care, a program started by ACTS (Asociación de Colonos de Todos Santos) in 2017. Comfort Care assists people in the greater Todos Santos area with health and end of life issues.

“We figured when Comfort Care is offered, this could be offered,” Durland said of the singers.

Phyllis Brzozowska, who is one of the Todos Santos singers, has been involved with a Threshold chapter in Portland, Oregon, for the last decade.

“It is one of the most meaningful things I do in my life,” Brzozowska said. “I think about and sing the songs to myself. They are very affirming of life and supportive. To me they can apply in almost any situation.”

The Portland chapter gives a broader definition to threshold than just end of life. Nursing homes, Alzheimer’s care centers, hospitals, weddings, and memorial services are places chapter members have sung. They also sing for the nurses and caregivers, even new moms, because they all also need comfort and support.

“I always feel like I get more than I give because it’s such a beautiful experience to be part of,” Brzozowska said. “There is something about each situation that is different. I would say in general it feels like a privilege to be part of such a sacred time with other people.”

The songs are simple, even repetitive. The belief is that the less complex the music, the more relaxing it is. Most are harmonies, which the Todos Santos women are working on as they learn the lyrics. The goal is to have this be a bilingual choir. Many songs provided by Threshold Choir have been translated into Spanish. No instruments are used – just vocal chords.

“Finding our way to evolve as a useful community asset goes hand in hand with learning the songs and becoming a group of harmonious singers,” Durland said.

For more information about Comfort Singers of Todos Santos, contact Tracy Durland at 612.154.4729.