Volunteer Harp Performances Offer Calm in McLeod Seacoast Hospital Waiting Rooms

Visitors and families navigating busy surgery days at McLeod Seacoast Hospital near Myrtle Beach encounter a uniquely peaceful atmosphere designed to ease the stress of medical visits. Volunteer Peg Mann brings soft harp music directly into the waiting area, providing calming background melodies for patients and family members who are waiting for news about loved ones. Her presence offers a steady, comforting alternative to the typical sounds of medical monitors and busy footsteps in high-traffic hospital corridors.

The volunteer routine begins with practical, hands-on assistance before the music starts. Mann begins her regular shift by escorting incoming patients to where they need to go and pushing a hospital comfort cart through the facility. Once her initial rounds are complete, she sets up her harp in the waiting area to play relaxing selections, traditional religious pieces, and her personal favorite, "Angel’s Hymn." Mann, who has previously performed in church settings and played at five weddings, finds that the hospital setting is where she feels most called to share her talents. She intentionally keeps the music understated, noting that playing background music suits her personal style because being the center of attention is not her cup of tea.

The soft music serves a therapeutic purpose in high-stress clinical settings. Aging Untold expert Amy O’Rourke points out that live music can have a powerful effect in medical environments, helping calm the nervous system when people are feeling scared or anxious. According to O’Rourke, hearing gentle melodies helps bring peace, reduces anxiety, and gives waiting families an immediate sense of safety and comfort.

Beyond providing musical comfort, hospital volunteers offer direct personal interaction for people navigating difficult days. When she is not playing the harp, Mann takes time to check in with waiting families—engaging in conversation, listening attentively, and offering emotional support. Through these regular interactions, Mann shares that she feels like she has new friends every day when she goes home after her volunteer shift.

This volunteer program highlights the vital role community support plays in local Grand Strand healthcare facilities. O'Rourke emphasizes that giving back through hospital volunteering carries deep personal benefits for older adults, noting that serving others helps strengthen and heal volunteers themselves by building emotional connections and fostering a long-lasting sense of purpose. For residents and visitors spending long hours in local medical waiting rooms, these volunteer efforts provide steady, practical comfort when it is needed most.