Happy notes from singing folks

Thank you for your enjoyable article [“Sing Out, Sister,” April 23]. It made me feel good to read about something other than the usual dire happenings in the world.

My particular singing venue is the shower, where -- with a towel wrapped around my head, the noise of the water beating down and the reverberation inside the tile walls -- I sound awesome as I belt out show tunes. To tell the truth, I almost always have a song playing inside my head; and thanks to your informative comments, I know that that is a very good thing.

MARSHA E. PASAROW

Los Angeles

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I was so glad to read your article on the connection between singing and good health.

I would like to share a brief story: My mother has advanced Alzheimer’s. She was such a remarkable person, and it is so sad that this disease has largely taken over my mother’s life.

One of the ways we can still connect, though, is through music. My mother has been actively involved in the church her entire life. When I sing to her, I can see her awareness change and a joyful expression on her face. So, most times when I visit, I sing to her the old church songs she has sung hundreds of times: “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know,” “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” “Amazing Grace,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and many others.

As soon as we begin singing, several other ladies -- all with Alzheimer’s disease -- start rolling down the hallways in their wheelchairs to join in chorus.

These ladies may have limited or no capacity to carry on a conversation, but when we start singing, they join in and sing all of the words. The music, the words and the experience of singing in church seem imprinted in their DNA. And when they sing, they seem almost transfixed by a beautiful peacefulness and understanding.

Thank you for recognizing the gift and joy of singing.

FRED MESSICK

Pasadena

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You should know about Sing! Sing! Sing!, a monthly gathering of people with similar interests, mostly those who love the old standards and show tunes. The website is www.laxsingalong.com. For women who can read music and are interested in harmony, I also recommend the Chansonettes, based in the San Fernando Valley.

SELMA BATES

Woodland Hills

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I read with delight the article concerning singing and health. There was a significant omission in the side bar. The Barbershop Harmony Society (www.barbershop.org) is an international singing organization with more than 35,000 men (Sweet Adelines for the ladies) who love to sing and want to learn to sing better.

Except for a nominal membership fee, singing lessons are free and lead to a goal of a chorus performance or a competition. Being able to read music is not a requirement, and learning aids such as voice part recordings and mentors are available. A few competitive choruses, such as the Masters of Harmony in Santa Fe Springs, require auditions. Most of the choruses, such as the Pasadena Crown City Chorus, make it an easy hobby to be active in, accepting any man who is a singer and wants to learn more.

There are more than 35 barbershop-style choruses in Southern California, and there is probably at least one within 15 miles of anybody.

STEVE PEACOCK

Alhambra