[HANASHIR:8876] Re: introducing new service music

[DMG686 <DMG686...>]

Chevrei,
I have been reading the posts from all of you about the difficulties of 
introducing new music to the congregation.   I must be living on another 
planet, because I am fortunate to sing at a temple where new music is eagerly 
accepted.  I think that the big reason that new music is so readily accepted 
is that our Rabbi is a former cantorial student who does a lot of singing.  
In fact a lot of the new music we introduce is done in duet form with him 
singing melody and me singing harmony.  The congregation seems to like it. 
After a couple of weeks they are singing along as well.  One thing that has 
really helped in the learning process is that I put together 100 report 
binders that include the words to the songs most often sung at our shul.  The 
congregation can then have the ability to sing along and learn the songs 
faster.  We have had our complaints about new music in the past.  In fact, my 
Rabbi told me about a "once a year and yarzheit" congregant that came up to 
him and complained about a few new pieces that my predecessor introduced.  
The congregant explained that when he comes to services he doesn't want to 
hear new songs and wants everything like it was. My rabbi, who is the 
sweetest guy in the world, said that if he came to services more often the 
songs wouldn't be new to him.  End of complaining and end of story!   I find 
that the people who complain about the music in my shul are usually those 
people who complain about the Temple Board, the Rabbi, Me, the Hebrew School, 
Sisterhood, etc.,.  In other words they are regular kvetchers who find it 
hard to adapt to change.  They are just not positive people.  All in all, I 
can honestly say that no one has complained to the Rabbi or me about all of 
the new music that has introduced this year.  In fact, attendance and 
participation in singing are at an all time high.   I am keeping my fingers 
crossed!

B'Shirah,
Donna Gordon

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