[HANASHIR:5074] "Performance vs. praying" vs. INTENTION

[Daniel A. Singer <dasinger...>]

Perhaps I should have phrased my original question a bit differently.  I've
read some responses, but all of them seem to overlook a point that I wanted
to make but apparently didn't make well enough.  When I wrote:

"In reality, whether they are singing with us or not, it's still a
performance, right?"

it should have been stated:

"Regardless of whether our intention is to pray with the congregation or
move them with our music, we are still performing, are we not?"

I believe that the term "performance" or "performance-y" etc. has become a
very negative term among songleaders, especially when viewed in light of
the most recent postings I've read.  I believe that this negative
connotation associated with the word "performance" is based on the
assumption that when we pray through our music we are no longer performing.
 But in fact, we still have a large group of people watching us sing a
piece of music.  No matter how you look at it, we ARE performing.

I think it is the INTENTION that needs to be addressed when discussing the
matter of "performance vs. praying."  Otherwise, there really is a stigma
attached to an innocent word.  Even the act of prayer may be perceived in
negative light if the INTENTION is not correct.  This intention may be
either SINCERE or INSINCERE.  For example, insincerity of intention occurs
when the music performed becomes less about a message and more about the
person performing.  When the text is delivered, not felt.  Insincerity of
intention may be found in BOTH performance AND prayer.  No matter what the
medium is, how well it is being performed, whether congregants are singing,
not singing, dancing, or just watching, if the songleader uses sincerity of
intention when interpreting the text and has made the congregation feel
comfortable enough to make their own decision as to how they wish to
participate in prayer, haven't they accomplished all that is necessary?  No
matter whether the congregation participated or not, the music is
prerecorded or live, upbeat or otherwise, if the intention was sincere, no
questions should be asked.  If it was insincere, everybody knows, and the
point of worship becomes lost.

Perhaps once we become aware of our intentions, regardless of how the music
is being made, we'll be able to find greater affinity for different music
and variety of approaches to worship.

Sincerely,

Dan Singer


At 06:27 PM 1/24/00 EST, you wrote:
>I didn't want to appear judgmental about whether one method is better than
another.  There is nothing wrong with a "performance" per se.  That is just
not the kind of service that I want to have every week. 
>
>I have worked with Jewish children (and adults) for many years.  I have
always tried to understand what turns them off or turns them on about
attending services.  My concern was that if kids got turned off to
attending services, their negative attitude could last a lifetime, and
would color their adult attitude toward Judaism and synagogue affiliation. 
>
>On the other hand, if I could excite them and motivate them when they came
to services, I was certain that this positive experience would be
remembered when they became adults. 
>
>We had terrific leaders in our Junior Congregation when I was growing
up...leaders who inspired us to participate, to sing, to get involved.  I
waited with anticipation for Shabbat and the fun and camaraderie...That is
the kind of experience I want to give all who show up -- adults or children.
>
>Is this asking too much in today's fast-paced MTV world?
>I don't think so....Craig Taubman captured the congregation and held it in
his sway for the entire evening.  Nobody went away bored from that service!
 Most were still humming his Lecha Dodi as they put on their coats and
shuffled out into the dark frigid night.
>
>Brian Serle
>Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1/2 inch north of Chicago)
>
>
>


***********************************************************************
Daniel A. Singer        H: (734) 397-1950  W: (810) 238-1350 ext. 4253
1713 Glenshire Dr.      Flint Institute of Music, Temple Beth El
Canton, MI 48188        Bass Voice, Guitar
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"If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
         If I am for myself alone, who am I?
                           If not now, when?"
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