How an IT pro and professional cellist’s pre-surgery performance soothed a patient’s nerves

Trevor Minton is more than an electronic health records expert. He is also a seasoned cellist, and his recent performance at Gunnison Valley Health — a hospital affiliated with UCHealth — turned a patient’s stay into a concert.

Minton is a UCHealth implementation specialist who helps health care providers with accessing and navigating the Epic electronic health records. He recently traveled to Gunnison to help set up the hospital’s Epic systems.

While Minton was helping hospital staffers, one of their orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Gloria Beim, learned that Minton had worked as a professional cellist playing with Colorado Ballet and Opera Colorado prior to joining UCHealth.

Moved by Minton’s passion for music, Beim asked if he would play for her staff.

Being away from home, I often bring my cello with me on UCHealth work trips, so I was excited about the opportunity to contribute to patient care in a unique way,” Minton said.

“The same day I agreed to play for the Gunnison Valley Health staff, Dr. Beim had the idea of also playing for one of her patients who was about to undergo surgery.”

The patient had told Beim that they had a deep love for classical music, so Minton agreed to play for the patient before the procedure.

On the day of surgery, Minton arrived with his cello and performed Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 for the patient and his care team.

Everyone present was captivated, and the atmosphere in the pre-op room changed immediately. The patient’s nervousness eased, and the performance brought genuine comfort.

“These one-on-one performances really remind you of how impactful music can be for creating connections,” Minton said.

“As a musician, you sometimes forget how hours of practice may translate into meaningful moments for my audience. This is especially true in a hospital setting, where patients, families and staff are so focused on healing.”

“It was nice to bring some positivity and encouragement to everyone present.”

The Gunnison Valley Health team expressed their appreciation for Minton’s musical performance during his visit.

“Trevor’s willingness to share his musical gift reminded everyone that healing is both a science and an art. His actions embodied the very spirit of compassionate care, bridging innovation and humanity in a moment neither the patient nor the care team will soon forget.”