Singing is Praying Twice
LISTEN TO SAMPLE TRACK
When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer my first thought was that I needed a miracle. My second thought was that it could come in any form. It might be a spontaneous healing, it might come through medical treatment, or it might release me into whatever comes after this life. I knew that any of these outcomes would be okay.
As it turned out I received extraordinary medical treatment and had almost three wonderful years cancer free. In gratitude, I decided to record some of the healing prayers I have set to music over the years. I sing them to start my day, to clear my mind or to steady my heart. My deepest wish is that they will serve you too. The prayers include “The Serenity Prayer,” “The Prayer of St. Francis,” Black Elk’s Prayer,” “Take Me Where You Want Me To Go,” “The Servant Song,” “i thank you God,” “Abide,” “Amazing Grace,” and an “Irish Blessing.” I play piano and sing, with Christine Newland on cello, Steve Clark on bass, Fil Beorchia on percussion, Chris Norley on guitar, Jesse Nestor on lap steel guitar, and Barry Usher on soprano saxophone.
Proceeds from the sale of the Singing Is Praying Twice album support research for treating and curing ovarian cancer.
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Ovarian cancer has been nicknamed “the silent killer” because it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The survival rate is low, and there is still no screening test for it. Early cancers of the ovaries often cause no symptoms or symptoms that are more commonly caused by other things. By the time ovarian cancer is considered as a possible cause of these symptoms, it usually has already spread beyond the ovaries. Also, some types of ovarian cancer can rapidly spread to the surface of nearby organs. Research is needed to develop screening tests, to improve treatments, and to some day find a cure.
While we strive for these goals, your contributions also extend the lives of women living with ovarian cancer and give them the miracle of time. Time to nurture their growing families and to make creative contributions to their communities.
Listen to Nick Paparella interview Jocelyn on CTV news London
To make an additional donation directly to London Health Sciences this link.
Meant to be Heard
In Jocelyn Rasmussen’s childhood, singing had felt as important as breathing — she wasn’t sure she could live without it. Through the losses, surprises, and graces of her life, she became convinced that the gifts of the human voice weren’t just for those who have careers, but for anyone with breath. As her career developed from singer to teacher, giving Rasmussen the opportunity to work with the voices of others as well as her own, she discovered how life experiences — both physical and emotional — can affect a person’s voice and their ability to express themselves.
In Meant to Be Heard, Rasmussen weaves the fundamentals of vocal function with incredible stories of client breakthroughs and her own personal revelations to explain how the voice interacts with every aspect of our being. Rasmussen invites all of us to claim our voice, to speak our truth, and to sing our hearts out.
Praise