[HANASHIR:4823] Re: HANASHIR digest 763

[Robbi Sherwin <sherwin...>]

>To all those thinking about cantorial programs, you should understand
>that graduates of these programs are not recognized by the ACC as
>cantors. The best place to study for the cantorate is at HUC.

Karen Durlester wrote: "I also want to say that I admire those who are
attempting to step outside the box to become a cantor."

I hesitated to send this post, until my good friend Adrian took the plunge.
I was afraid of offending people.

I heartily agree with Andrian's & Karen's (what a team!) sentiments.
Regarding HUC-SSM admission policies, having only 10 or so "qualified"
people or so per year entering the cantorial program at HUC says something
about what they are looking for.  I have no doubt  there some wonderful
people in the program, but as Adrian said, there are even more that did not
get in - several on this list included.    There are so many congregations
that desperately need cantors, soloists, etc. and ACC can't fill the spaces
because no one is available - they're not training enough people.

The training at HUC-SSM is superb and highly academic, but so is the
training at the Jewish Theological Seminary, and many of the "renegade" (as
in "not recognized by American Conference of Cantors") cantorial programs.
And the ACC's associate program - investiture through private study outside
of HUC - is even harder, and possibly being shut down.  That leaves out
even more people.

HUC has turned Reform cantoring into an elite group - what happened to
having a lovely voice, knowledge of Hebrew and a thirst for learning?  What
about true kavannah and and training under an experienced mentor?  Twenty
years ago, many of us would already be considered cantors, and I'll admit
in the past I would have loved to have the official title -  I think I've
earned it.  With absolutely no disrespect intended to the many wonderful
ACC & JTS cantors that are my close friends and colleagues, especially the
ones on this list,  being "recognized" as a cantor by the ACC is not the
end-all be-all.  To many of us, finding our way to the bima to learn and
share and teach and inspire - to be a true "shaliach tzibor"  will have to
be done without their approval. There are a lot of us out here doing just
that.

Robbi Sherwin
Music Coordinator/Cantorial Soloist/Choir director
Congregation Kol Halev (post-denominational)

Songleader, UAHC's Greene Family Camp for Living Judaism (Reform)

Music teacher, co-choir director
Austin Jewish Community Day School (independent) and
Congregation Agudas Achim (Conservative)



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