[HANASHIR:5394] ignorance is bliss

[stern <stern...>]

Hello all!!

I've been keeping my two cents to myself for quite a few months now, but 
I've read with interest all the posts (well, most of them).  I feel out of 
my league when talk turns to copywrite, making of CDs, concert dates, etc. 
 Those of you who remember me from HN or from my earlier postings know I 
don't consider myself much of an authority on many things, including Jewish 
music!!  But after all this time, I did want to share a few thoughts about 
how things have worked for me.

When I started as music director of my very tolerant congregation, I didn't 
know that congregations don't usually sing along, or that they might not 
want to.  So I immediately started putting the words/transliterations for 
the songs we were singing onto the worship sheets.  (OK, I'll start to 
credit the composers!)  And a funny thing happened.  Lots of people started 
singing with me and with the choir!  Many came up to me to thank me for 
allowing them to participate more fully.  Now those who wish to sing along 
are able to, those wanting to listen can also do so.

I never thought about whether I could both direct the choir and lead the 
congregation.  I just sort of did it.  I angled my music stand in such a 
way that I faced the congregation, but had my choir in sight, too.  The 
choir can see me and pick up on my guitar movements, strumming, breathing, 
foot tapping, etc., but I can still look out at the congregation and make 
eye contact.  I can still lead the singing for them, too.

When taking over the volunteer choir, I thought about having auditions, but 
with a small membership, I didn't want to limit myself.  So I have 
frequently encouraged anyone and everyone to come into the choir.  Yes, we 
have some clinkers, but we have some ringers, too, and overall, the mix is 
good.  The choir is the largest I remember in years, and everyone has fun.

So why am I dragging up these old topics?  Maybe we tend to analize things 
too much rather than just doing them.  Because of my ignorance, I just did 
things, and they seemed to work well.  In fact, I've been told by many 
people that the music in our temple is now the best they have heard in 
years.  Among those saying that is our Rabbi of 12 years who worked with 
two professional musicians here before me, and is himself an accomplished 
musician, and the father of the music director just preceding me.  In fact, 
some of our new members have mentioned the music and the congregational 
involvement in singing as part of the reason they joined!!

I certainly don't mean to place myself above the status of glorified 
volunteer I've always claimed.  My choir is very commited and fast 
learners, and we've done some really great musical pieces.  But as music 
leaders in our congregations we can't loose sight of just doing what we 
feel might work, and having fun.

OK, so that was more than two cents worth.  Sorry.

My best to you all!
Kristin Stern

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