[HANASHIR:8624] Re: volunteer choir

[Meris Ruzow <meris...>]

Rachelle - I have been directing a volunteer choir for  7 years.  I wasn't sure 
it would last that long, but there's a solid core group of about 15 and about 
15 others have dropped or come on.   I have about 30 on the books and at any 
given rehearsal there's about 20.    This is small compared to your idea with 
the temple sponsored dinner (which is really nice) but we do a party at the end 
of the year in my house, I actually prepare new and different music and we just 
eat (nice things that I prepare or order), shmooze and sing.   One year I 
ordered fancy pencils with "Kol Sason" imprinted on them.  They thought they 
were cool.   One year I did "choral canvas bags."    So far, so good.  I like 
your idea of a clinician and yes, the temple should spring for that.   Great 
idea.   We sing about once a month also.    I don't think what you're asking is 
too much.   Interested to see what others have to say!
Meris Ruzow
meris (at) nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

    -----Original Message-----
    From: H & R Shubert <notfranz (at) total(dot)net>
    To: Hanashir <hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org>
    Date: Sunday, March 25, 2001 5:39 PM
    Subject: [HANASHIR:8619] volunteer choir
    
    
    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
    
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    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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