ST. LOUIS — Meet Kaylee. At just 10 years old, Kaylee’s mom noticed some rashes and bruising on her daughter. After visiting the doctor, they got the call. Kaylee was diagnosed with a rare disease called aplastic anemia. She quickly went through blood transfusion, chemotherapy, and eventually, a bone marrow transplant. But throughout her hospital visits, one thing persisted. Her singing.
“The Song Society to me means support when Kaylee was going through her transplant she had the support to let her voice be heard,” says the Muertz Family.
Introducing The Song Society.
“So, the song society is a St. Louis based music charity that focuses on therapeutic song sessions led by board certified music therapist,” says Tracie Sandheinrch, Executive Director, and Co-Founder
After a combined 20 years providing music therapy, Tracie and Jamie decided they wanted to take the power of music one octave higher.
"It gives them a chance to take the wheel back and elevate their voice and share their story,” says Sandheinrch.
Patients or even the family members of patients work one on one with a music therapist. They write their own song, choose how it sounds, fast or slow, and the genre. Then, they get to record and perform! For Kaylee and her family, The Song Society means not only a place to be heard, but a place to find peace.
“I once described writing songs as like a diary entry where I can pour all my feelings and all my thoughts into my songs, and it is like writing in my diary,” says Kaylee Muertz.
Because it is more than just hitting the perfect note, it is giving others their story back.
And this holiday season, you can give back to The Song Society in a fun way! The Pink Floyd tribute band, El Monstero, has been performing at the Pageant for 24 years. Each year, the band selects a local charity to benefit. And, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales for all seven of their shows this year will go to the Song Society. It kicks off on the 21st. Further information can be here.
To learn more about The Song Society visit here.
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