Board of Directors

Ruthanna Metzgar, SongShine President and Founder

Roy Metzgar,
Water Resource Management (Retired),
SongShine Vice-President

Terry Huff,
Vice President, Home Life Division, State Farm Insurance (Retired), SongShine Treasurer

W. Mervyn Roberts, President, Jetline Engineering (Retired),
SongShine Secretary

Christine Engelhardt, Speech Language Pathologist,
SongShine Director

Paul Barnes,
Chaplain, Covenant Village of Turlock,
SongShine Director

Barbara Fosse, Pharmaceuticals Specialist,
SongShine Director

Consultants

Carroll Jorgensen, RN

Dr. Raymond Jorgensen, Otolaryngologist

Dr. Mark Jones, Neurologist

Welcome to the SongShine Foundation

I. MISSION STATEMENT
A. Provide effective music-based vocal therapy classes for persons whose
speech has been damaged by Parkinson’s disease, stroke, other neurological
disorders, or aging voices.
B. Present workshops to introduce SongShine music-based vocal therapy methods.
C. Train and certify instructors to teach SongShine music-based vocal therapy method.
D. Continue creating course material using music as a therapy for treating
neurologically related speech disorders.   
 
II. THEORY
The organizational aspects of speech are in the brain's left hemisphere.  Music engages many other areas of the brain.  Speech can be enhanced and strengthened through alternative neurological pathways when stimulated by music, especially singing.
 
III. PROCESS
Qualified instructors use:
A. Vocalises (singing exercises)
B. Breath management techniques
C. Consonant and vowel patterning
D. Rhythmic movement
E. Group singing for enjoyment and to strengthen and gain control of the voice
 
IV. RESULTS
SongShine Foundation’s music-based vocal therapy classes are taught in a positive learning atmosphere in which music:
A. Lifts spirits
B. Touches hearts
C. Releases memories
D. Builds community
E. Strengthens damaged speaking voices through the power of music

Volunteer!

SongShine Foundation relies on volunteers to assist in our classrooms, help with administrative details, help with concerts, or become certified SongShine teachers and establish new satellites. If you would enjoy getting involved or just want some additional details please contact us.