Celebrating Stories Through Song

I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. It seems like half of my childhood was spent on the first branch of a tree in our backyard, humming to myself for hours, and then falling asleep each night to the sound of my dad’s music playing from the den next door. Music has always had the power to transport me, to take me to places I might not otherwise go—into deep emotions, like love, pain, and acceptance, but also across borders and cultures. It fosters connection, diplomacy, and the sharing of new experiences with people from all over the world. Singing in a vocal ensemble creates a special kind of community—a place where voices blend together to tell stories that transcend time and space.

When Tammy invited me to join Timbre Trio, I was thrilled to return to the world of treble voices. In college, I sang in a cappella groups, and I loved the flexibility and camaraderie of working closely with others to prepare a repertoire that speaks to the human condition—especially the female experience. Love, acceptance, vulnerability, and strength resonate deeply through women’s voices, and there’s something uniquely powerful about the way women’s stories are told in song. Though the experiences we sing about are universal, the female perspective can feel clearer, more heartfelt, and often more direct in confronting the emotions and challenges closest to our hearts.

By day, I am a primary care physician in an internal medicine women’s health practice, guiding patients through the various stages of life and helping to manage the health issues that arise along the way. So, to spend my evenings sharing stories told through the voices of women throughout history is truly a privilege.

Our upcoming concert features music that spans four centuries of women’s stories. The themes are timeless—reflecting the core of the human experience. One song that stands out is “It’s Bad for Me," which I understand in a different light now than I did decades ago in college. It tells the story of a relationship that, while exciting on the surface, is ultimately unhealthy. It reflects what we now know as “love bombing”—a manipulation tactic which involves excessive affection today and abuse tomorrow—and serves as a reminder for women to trust their instincts. If a relationship feels too good to be true, it often is. The Roches understood this dynamic long before the term existed.

Another favorite of mine on the program is “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” Written by Dolly Parton in the early hours of a morning, this song reflects her personal journey of ending a long-standing unhealthy business relationship and finding peace in knowing that everything would be all right. Since then, it has been recorded by others, including The Wailin' Jennys, and we’ve chosen their slow, reflective version for this concert. It’s about hope for the future, the belief that, when we trust ourselves, we each have the power to create the life that is meant for us. Better days are ahead, even during difficult times. I hope you enjoy it.

-Eileen