|  P.O. Box 41021  Austin, TX  78704  |  512-416-SWAN  |   fax: 512-707-1763  |  email: info@swansongs.org  |

First Hand Accounts
To protect their privacy, the names of concert recipients are not included.

From Artists

"When Christine first told me about Swan Songs and what she was trying to do, I thought what a wonderful, caring and good project it sounded in every way. However, when she told me that a lady, terminally ill with cancer, had requested that she would enjoy hearing some of my songs, I felt a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. I confess to being a bit fearful that the whole scenario of my singing for a dying person would be uncomfortable, scary and depressing. As it turned out, I could not have been more wrong - the spirit of the person involved, her appreciation for the songs, the warm & cozy group of her friends gathered around, all made it one of the shortest and most satisfying 30-40 minutes I can remember. She was anything but self-pitying; rather her sense of humor and energy showed through her physical weakness and made her a perfect audience. Clearly she enjoyed the experience, which put me at ease, and her peaceful acceptance of her condition quickly dispelled any embarrassment or discomfort on my part. I urge as many Austin musicians as possible to support and be part of Swansongs. Bless you Christine."    
Ed Miller – KUT DJ; singer/songwriter

 "After traveling around and singing to people in theaters and clubs I have to say that the hour I spent in that living room gave me more of a sense of purpose than my usual stage show. Christine made it so easy for me to do a small thing that had an immediate impact of joyful family togetherness. It was an honor to be included in that." 
Eliza Gilkyson – singer/songwriter

"Christine Albert and her group have come up with a wonderful idea for giving to someone what might be their last opportunity to experience something that was a significant part of their life and probably one of their passions in their days of yester-year.  Being able to play bagpipe music, which I consider wonderful and inspiring, is one of my passions in life; and probably the greatest part of that passion is the experiences I have had - like the one I had with this family. They seemed so grateful that I made the effort to be there to play for him; something that I considered a real pleasure to do, and not at all 'an effort'.   I left there knowing that I had met some wonderful people - as well as a fellow piper - and believing that I had contributed to a wonderful cause." 
Nick Classen – Bagpipes for All Occasions

"Recently I had the privilege and honor to be the accompanist for vocalist Kathy Blanchard at a Swan Songs concert.  I was not quite sure what to expect.  After meeting the family and friends and doing the concert, I left with a feeling that is almost indescribable.  To be together with friends and family and to enjoy the gift of music, knowing that it might be the last time to do so, is such a wonderful and beautiful idea.  I hope to be able to do this again."
Sonja Vandivier - pianist

From Care Providers

"I was looking for a Bagpipe player for a patient of mine who used to play for others and himself in his country of origin. He had stopped playing long ago because of his illness.  He would show me the pieces of his various bagpipes and light up like a proud parent every time. I couldn't stop thinking about the look on his face, were a bagpipe player to show up at his door to play, just for him, and in his honor!

Our volunteer coordinator, Katrina Wilson, suggested Swan Songs, a non-profit program designed to organize private concerts for individuals and families living with life threatening illnesses. Between the two of us, and the Swan Songs 'leader of the pack' Christine Albert, the date was set and the project was in motion.

When the bagpipe player arrived, this gentleman was already sitting in his living room anticipating his special serenade.  The bagpipe player brought three different kinds of bagpipes, and explained them all to him before he began, then took requests from the patient and his family. I thought our patient was going to jump out of his chair when the performer started; there were no words to describe the look on his face and the sense of enjoyment that this gentleman was having. It was as if, for a brief moment in time, he was that bagpipe player again, playing his heart's passion, oblivious to the illness and hardship that now ravaged his body. To allow the experience to be savored again at will, Swan Songs also sent a photographer to record the regalia and the moment.

All of this was done at no expense to the patient and his family. He had his own private concert in his own home with his family present, and his life was honored and graced with a professional who played just for him! There is no doubt in my mind that for a solid hour this patient's quality of life was almost as magnificent as the days he could play for others, touching their lives the way his was being touched....

This Vistacare Nurse thanks you for all that you do, and the compassionate, personal, and confidential way that you do it."
Mary Y. Burgess, R.N. - VistaCare Austin