[HANASHIR:8854] Re: introducing new service music

[Meris Ruzow <meris...>]

We actually tell our congregants that they will be introduced to a 'new tune' 
tonight and to please follow along with the words and don't expect to be able 
to sing it perfectly!  Enjoy it, and when you feel comfortable, please join in. 
  We make sure to do it a few weeks in a row, then the chorus may sing it too 
the week they sing..... and then afterwards as I talk to people I make sure to 
explain to them that we are always evolving and how they should always be open 
to new melodies.  Some people complain now and then, but for the most part new 
tunes are accepted just fine; in fact, a family will come up and say, "can you 
do the new l'cha dodi at my son's bar mitzvah!"  A little talking and teaching 
goes a long way to have people accept new music.
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, April 22, 2001 1:27 PM
    Subject: [HANASHIR:8852] introducing new service music
    
    
    I would like to hear from others on the subject of introducing new service 
music.  How are musical changes greeted in your congregation?  Have you found a 
successful way to get people on board?  I am learning that congregational 
receptivity to new melodies varies hugely from one community to the next, even 
when changes are introduced s-l-o-w-l-y.  
    
    Rachelle 
    notfranz (at) total(dot)net