[HANASHIR:8626] Re: Choir recognition

[Meris Ruzow <meris...>]

One other big thing I forgot to mention is that last in June at the New
Board Installation Service, the Rabbi presented our chorus with a dedication
of a leaf on the tree of life.  That was above and beyond and was deeply
touching and appreciated by all of us.
Meris Ruzow
-----Original Message-----
From: PAPE Janet, IEA/OME <Janet(dot)PAPE (at) iea(dot)org>
To: 'hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org' <hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org>
Date: Monday, March 26, 2001 3:48 AM
Subject: [HANASHIR:8625] Re: Choir recognition


>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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