[HANASHIR:7933] RE: leading songleaders?

[David Weisz <dweisz...>]

Aura,

I've actually done this a few times, both for the greater Boston community,
and on the Brandeis University campus. Obviously, the first trick is
absolute and ultimate respect for all parties involved, regardless of their
religious preferences. I have found, however, that there is a difference
between respect and allowing people to walk all over you and your goals. The
fact that you planned to set out your goals at the beginning of your meeting
is excellent...then make sure everyone sticks to them!

The other comment I would make is a generalization, and I hope everyone
forgives me and understands what I'm trying to say. In my experience,
because there is a fair amount of homogeneity in the music played in the
Reform movement, and because they often songlead with guitars on a weekly
basis, the Reform songleaders in your group may assume that everyone knows
how to play all the songs that they know, and may get impatient. As I
discovered (more than once), that's a quick way to kills any sense of unity
among the group, and can really upset members of other denominations.

Finally, never underestimate the power of nigunim!!! They are wonderful for
bringing together diverse groups with very different backgrounds.

Good luck!
David

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
> shamash(dot)org]On
> Behalf Of Aura Ahuvia
> Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2001 9:37 AM
> To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> Subject: [HANASHIR:7932] leading songleaders?
>
>
> Hi,
> I'm going to be holding a songleader's planning session soon in
> preparation
> for a community kumsitz.
> I'm a little nervous about this planning session because everyone who is
> coming (over a dozen songleaders) has a different background,
> leading style,
> repertoire, and musical ability. Many will be meeting each other
> for the first
> time.
> Have any of you ever tried to plan a community kumsitz with several
> songleaders? Do you have any suggestions or tips? Any potential mistakes I
> should avoid making? My tentative plan was to welcome everyone, explain my
> goals for the kumsitz (variety of music, everyone participates),
> and then set
> a playlist for the evening, playing as we go. Any feedback you could offer
> would be greatly appreciated! You can e-mail me privately if you prefer,
> progdir (at) provide(dot)net(dot)
> Thanks!!
> Aura Ahuvia
>
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