[HANASHIR:9105] Jewish Musicians

[Joel Shickman <joel...>]

Howdy!

I have been following this latest discussion with vested interest.

I grew up a reform Jew with extensive music training (violin, piano,
voice, composition. . . ) and was extremely happy to sing in whatever
local Symphony Chorus was available.  A theatrical background helped me
stir up motivation for Masses, Passions and many other Christian
liturgical works (unfortunately, it constitutes the majority of the
Choral Cannon).  When I began, I had no problem performing these works
as I considered it a supreme acting job.

A few years ago, I finally started to feel uncomfortable with the texts
(Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum . . .) and
looked around for a more Jewish outlet for my musical abilities. I am
now the conductor of the synagogue choir at my conservative shul as well
as a songleader for Sunday school and other musical activities.  I am
feeling much more satisfied.  I am bidding a tearful farewell to my
colleagues at the Symphony Chorus and hope to rejoin them occasionally
when they prepare secular or Jewish works.

We speak of extra-musical aspects of a concert and depend on
extra-musical substance during a prayer service.  I believe that this
communal ruach cannot be created from just eighth-notes and triple
meters.  While non-Jewish musicians in a Jewish prayer service can
enhance the musicality and theatricality of the presentation, it takes a
Jewish n'shama to impart the intangibles.  I believe that any non-Jewish
musician who wants to experience and assist in a service should be
welcomed (allowing for space, budget. . . ) and, if there are NO Jewish
musicians available or interested, then neccessity beckons.  If given a
choice, however, between a Jewish musician and a non-Jewish musician of
equal ability and knowledge, I would choose the Jewish musician for the
Jewish position.

ON ANOTHER NOTE:

I have been asked to research a musical service for Friday night.  My
kicker is that our leadership wants the instruments for Kabblat Shabbat
and then a cappella for Maariv.  Have any of you out there run such a
service?  I know many great prayers from Craig Taubman's 'Friday Night
Live' as well as some Debbie Friedman and Kol B'seder brachot, but I am
searching for Jewish a cappella that walks the fine line between
performance and t'fila.  I would appreciate anyone's input on this.

Thank you.

Joel Shickman
Dallas, Texas

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