Hosted by the Laryngology Division, the Voice, Airway & Swallow Center held two Voices of Worship workshops this fall. The one-of-a-kind gathering united vocalists from all denominations to dive deep into the “science and spirit of the voice.”
For four-and-a-half hours, participants gained valuable insights on vocal health, anatomy and physiology of voice, and both speaking and singing voice techniques from a multidisciplinary team that included voice therapists (speech-language pathologists), a physician assistant, singing voice specialist, and laryngologists. Live training was also offered to provide an interactive experience for attendees.
“Faculty participation is a vital component of our outreach,” said Senior Speech Language Pathologist Tracey Thomas, MS, CCC-SLP, who directed both workshops. “It puts faces to our services.”
Libby Smith, DO, FAOCO, Director of the Voice Center, called the event a labor of love. “Getting the word out on how to protect and care for your voice so everyone can continue to have a ‘voice’ is important to all of us.”
When participants registered, they were invited to share or lead a musical offering. The October event had three such offerings; one was performed by an invited singer who first discussed his personal, vocal, surgical, and treatment experience at the Voice Center before delighting the attendees with a beautiful a capella song. The November event had five performers in five different languages.
Twenty one folks attended in October, while 40 participated in the November workshop, with many faiths represented. The hands-on master classes were a program highlight for all who attended. Some participants were prior or current patients with diagnosed voice problems who wanted to further enhance their knowledge. The only workshop of its kind in Western PA, this may become an annual event.
“Caring for voices is our passion, and those who rely on their voices for worship carry a unique passion as well,” said Thomas. “If we can serve them in a way that protects their instrument – we all win!”