[HANASHIR:8620] Re: volunteer choir

[Ros Schwartz <rs4...>]

Hey Rachelle,

Have you asked _your choir_ what would please them?  They may have 
particular ideas, from previous experiences, or their own imagination.

If you organise a mini-retreat - buy them all lunch or supper, and meet 
for three hours to talk about what they like about the choir, and what 
they would like to see changed ... you may be amazed at the wealth of 
new ideas that you can generate.  If you know someone experienced in 
hosting such a brainstorming event - not necessarily for a choir, but 
for any group that is working towards a common goal - you will have an 
even better result.  I believe that the UAHC offers consultants who can 
actually come down and co-ordinate such things -  I don't know if they 
have done this for choirs per se, but the skills are the same regardless 
of the purpose of the retreat.

Happy Nisan,

- Ros

H & R Shubert wrote:

> This request for feedback is specifically directed to those who are 
> involved with or have been involved with volunteer choirs.
> 
>  
> 
> The volunteer choir I have been directing for the past year and a half 
> is becoming more and more popular at services.  I am delighted that 
> our rabbi is requesting more frequent participation.  (Presently we do 
> 9 or10 services and rehearse 3 or 4 evenings per month between August 
> and June.) 
> 
>  
> 
> I would like to move carefully on this so as not overstress my 
> wonderful volunteers.  I have thought of building in some perks like 
> hiring a choir clinician for a couple of sessions and also asking the 
> temple to host an annual appreciation dinner for the choir.
> 
>  
> 
> Any thoughts on this?  How much is too much? What makes choir members 
> feel appreciated, or overworked, or taken for granted?
> 
>  
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Rachelle Shubert
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Rachelle Shubert
> Lay Cantor Rishon
> Temple Israel, Ottawa, Ontario
> 
>  
> 
> Choir Director
> Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, Montreal, Quebec
> 
>  
> 
> Music Educator
> Hebrew Foundation School, Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 

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