Harpist Offers Serene Music at McLeod Seacoast Hospital

McLeod Seacoast Hospital's halls now echo with the calming sounds of a volunteer harpist. Peg Mann dedicates her Thursdays to playing for patients and their families, offering a moment of peace on one of the hospital’s busiest days for same-day surgeries. Mann, part of the hospital’s volunteer and student services program, plays from the background, preferring not to be the center of attention. She performs a repertoire of relaxing and religious music, often favoring the piece “Angel’s Hymn.”

Volunteer manager Peggy Skudera initially had reservations about the harp’s presence in a hospital. “I wasn’t sure a harp was the best place to be in a hospital because my thought was, next stop is heaven,” Skudera admitted. However, seeing Mann’s connection to her instrument changed her perspective. “When you see her play it, you can see she is so in tune and so married to that harp,” Skudera observed. “It’s absolutely amazing that she doesn’t know what’s going on around her.”

Mann’s commitment extends beyond her harp performance. Her shift begins at 5:30 a.m., where she escorts patients and manages the comfort cart before her musical interlude. She also visits with waiting families and often receives warm embraces. “Either they come up and visit, or I take the time to go and visit with them too,” Mann said.

Skudera noted that Mann has become an integral part of the hospital staff. “We could not be happier to have her here,” Skudera stated. Mann finds fulfillment in her role, adding, “I feel like I have new friends every day when I go home.”