Press Releases
A groundbreaking new musical resource uniquely created to bring hope, beauty and gentleness to the dying and those that care for them
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 2006): Inspired by her personal life journey, Bev Foster, a gifted musician and music educator, has released a groundbreaking new CD series that will transform how we cope and care for the dying, as well as people facing complex care needs, or other life challenges involving loss, change, or grief that are part of life’s journey.
Room 217, named in honour of her father who died in Room 217 at Uxbridge Cottage Hospital, is a series of contemplative CDs that tap into the power of recognizable songs, especially comforting in times of stress, providing comfort and support during times when words may not be required or communication is limited. (To sample music, go to www.room217.ca)
The range of music on Room 217’s first three CDs extends through a variety of beautiful and timeless melodies that speak inter-generationally. Using a gentle weave of acoustic instruments and voice, the Room 217 series of CDs sensitively and contemplatively provides what Foster calls “a ribbon of music”, with no abrupt starts and stops between selections or sudden changes in tempo. Instead, the music flows gently from one song to another, and the songs are paced to match breathing rhythms which in turn can help make breathing easier and lessen agitation.
“I want to create music that will provide comfort and gentleness to people facing all kinds of pressures,” says Foster. “I hope that Room 217 will profoundly touch hearts and help people find inner peace, especially during life’s more profound challenges.”
As part of Room 217’s resources, Bev also gives a variety of talks to healthcare professionals across North America about Music for Life’s Journey, focusing on different aspects such as The Power of Music, Music and Caregiving, Music and the End of Life, Music and Grieving and Music and Spirituality. She has been a sought-after conference speaker at many events such as the recent B.C. Hospice Association’s Annual Conference in Vancouver, B.C. She will be speaking at the American National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Conference on Volunteerism and Caregiving in Denver, Colorado July 28 – 30, 2006.
Room 217’s first group of CDs, just recently released, are already being used in many hospitals, hospices and long-term care facilities in Canada and as far away as Australia (see attached testimonials). Recognized by the International Association of Hospice and Palliative Care, it is also now on the resource section of their website (www.hospicecare.com).
Room 217 is designed to provide a range of individuals and caregivers with support, too. Whether a family member, friend, health care or spiritual care professional, Room 217 is designed to help bring a pathway of comfort. Due to the unique design of Room 217 CDs, several artists are also using Foster’s music as inspirational sound as they create or lead others in the arts, movement and meditation.
“Music does accompany us along life’s journey,” says Foster. “My sense is that we need to provide music that will uniquely and sensitively escort us through life’s transitions. I want Room 217 to lead the way.”
About the Music:
Each Room 217 CD has unique qualities.
On Spirit Wings, Foster’s soothing voice and delicate touch on the piano, coupled with the warm, sensitive sounds of James Isaacs’ oboe and English horn, provide a sweet, flowing ribbon of hope and beauty. The music combines traditional with more contemporary selections.
Gentle Waters is a totally instrumental CD, gently weaving together Bev Foster’s calming notes on the piano with the warm sound of Wendy Solomon’s cello. The mix extends from Beatles to folk songs to faith songs to classical.
Celtic Whisperings artistically blends Foster’s voice with the gentle sound of Sharlene Wallace’s harp and James Isaacs’ Celtic whistles. Traditional Irish, Scottish and Welsh favourites comprise this album, woven in a ribbon of delicate beauty.
About Bev Foster:
Bev Foster, B.Ed., B.Mus., A.R.C.T., A.Mus. has more than twenty-five years experience as a performer, songwriter and music educator. She enjoys a successful and varied musical career. Bev has been the executive director of the Ontario Vocal Festival and accompanist for the Orpheus Choir of Toronto. Currently she is involved in a series called ENTRE AMIS and has recently launched a solo album of original music called TRUSTPOINTS, for which she received a Shai nomination. Bev is President of Strongheart Inc., the independent label company for Room 217.
About Room 217:
Room 217 is a unique musical resource of CDs that has been specifically designed to create a pathway of comfort for those with a life-challenging illness. It may also provide support to those with complex care needs, those facing stressful times in their lives and those seeking support through music in their own life journey. Currently, Room 217 has three CDs available: Spirit Wings, Gentle Waters and Celtic Whisperings. The CDs are available for purchase from the website: at www.room217.ca or at major music and bookstores across Canada, and at 1–888–884–6343.
For further information or copies of the CDs:
Media Contact - Joanne Ingrassia, The Kenilworth House, (416) 693-9462 or thekenilworthhouse@sympatico.ca
Here’s what people are saying about Room 217:
Long term care homes are acutely aware of the importance of music in our daily lives. Music is the international language used to stimulate fond memories, to calm agitation and anxiety, and to bring enjoyment and excitement to those living in care facilities. Our residents find this music spiritually uplifting, and enjoy "Room 217" during quiet times alone in their rooms, and as background music and during a variety of programs. Our staff love its calming warmth to break up their hectic days.
Heather Colyer Administrator, Wellesley Central Place Toronto, ON, Canada
We have used Room 217 with patients very successfully. I think that music can make a big difference.
Dr. Brian Berger, MD, CCFP, ABHPM Richmond Hill, ON, Canada
As a palliative care nurse of 20 years I think this CD is wonderful for palliative patients. It is very uplifting, timely and soothing. I have found it personally uplifting as well.
Nelly Joy Willerding RN Research Nurse, Palliative Care Team Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care Toronto, ON, Canada
We have Room 217 Spirit Wings on all four floors at Toronto Grace Hospital. It is beautiful, comforting music and I think it is a great resource. We have used it with patients and their family and it made a big difference to them. I love the CD and the Room 217 concept.
Major Phyllis Bobbitt, Director of Spiritual Care Toronto Grace Hospital
To: Room 217 From: Room 331 Thank you so much for your inspirational CD, Spirit Wings. The CD was donated to York Hospital and still in the wrapper when a nurse asked us if we would like to play it for my dear friend and mother-in-law on her final days. For six days we played it, every moment, day and night. We also played it at the viewing, funeral and the tea. It is such a beautiful collection of songs and everyone of all faiths have commented on a job well done on your part. I will be purchasing the other two CD's very soon. Thank you again and I know my dear friend Ruth thanks you also.
Sharon Sedore
I think these CDs will be very useful in the palliative care setting and I have ordered a set for my ward. They’re already downloaded onto my personal iPod.
Roger Woodruff Director of Palliative Care, Austin Health Melbourne, Australia
Room 217 has been an amazing tool! I have used it with my 71 year old mother, who is a stroke survivor, and it really struck a chord with her. I have meditated to it, played it during my children's creative play time, and entertained with it on. I have never listened to less-intrusive but completely comforting music in my life.
Patty Bowman Kingsley Bowmanville, ON, Canada
I have seen Room 217 work with the dying and others. It touches the human heart, something deep within. It is comforting, calming and provides people, whether they are dying or not, with the opportunity to have a healthy reflection on the history of their life.
Rev. Brent Stiller Port Perry, ON, Canada
Spirit Wings is soothing and calming, taking you on a spiritual journey that reconnects your soul and your spirit to truth. It reawakens the heart to love and light in a delicate and hope-filled way. As a Massage Therapist, I use Spirit Wings as relaxation music during treatments and find that its continuous play allows my clients to enter a meditative state and a deeper relaxation while still being present in their own physical and emotional bodies. Everyone experiences loss, change, transition and grief in life; this CD coaches us, leads us through those times and reminds us of our purpose. Bev has created a beautiful atmosphere with this gift for everyone on life's journey. Bev, thank you for your purpose-filled gift and for having the courage to bring it to life.
Juli Conard, RMT