[HANASHIR:8625] Re: Choir recognition

[PAPE Janet, IEA/OME <Janet.PAPE...>]

I have led and been in synagogue and church choirs for a long time.  I think
what volunteer choristers appreciate is:

 1) Recognition by the congregation - especially the leaders and "board of
directors", etc. of their contribution to the services and the time
commitment involved (because actually, most other volunteer activities in
religious organisations do not call for the ongoing, weekly commitment that
choristers put in), and as their contribution is not a performance, there is
never applause, which is a natural way to receive immediate feedback.  Yes,
sometimes it suffices that the person's gratification is in his/her own
knowing that he/she made a difference to the worship, but that is different
from  acknowledgement of the volunteer's contribution to the organisation;
having the Board allocate funds for the choir is a nice show of support.

 2) Chorister's appreciate skill-building activities such as special
workshops focusing on vocal technique, sight-reading skills,  music theory,
and Hebrew pronunciation.

 3)  Many choristers participate for fellowship reasons, so having
refreshments at rehearsals and a long enough break that people can chat is
nice, along with semi-annual pot lucks to which spouses/significant others
are invited. 

4)  Things that enhance group cohesion are choir robes, choir folders,
pencils with the group name on it, book marks, giving single roses after the
HH Days, and recordings of the choir.

5)  Joining up with another choir for a special service is fun, and also
doing choir exchanges with another congregation can be interesting.  Also --
very fulfilling - is for a Jewish choir to participate in a civic event.

Janet Pape
Cantorial Soloist,
Paris, France

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