[HANASHIR:9221] Jewish Music effect

[ItaSara <ItaSara...>]

In a message dated 6/1/01 2:59:40 AM, Adrian writes:

<< share some stories about how Judiasm and your involvement with Jewish
music has affected your life!>>

My involvement started as a youngster in Cols. O. I was part of a children’s 
choir from about grades 4 - 6, and we sang every week at religious school 
services which at that time were  part of religious school program. I was 
given opportunies to sing solo now and then. Later, at age 13 I was afforded 
the opportunity to be the youngest  volunteer member of the professional 
choir at that time, and   I was committed every Friday night throughout Jr. 
high and high school. (I guess my own kids would consider me a nerd!)I 
learned a lot of music then and again was given opportunities, and I also 
started taking voice lessons from one of the professionals in the choir. Even 
at a young age I was able to evoke a certain effect of spirituality in 
congregants and within myself through music. Unfortunately, it was a very 
different time and becoming a cantor wouldn’t have even crossed my mind. I 
mention this because I feel it is very important today for young singers (and 
even adult singers) with potential to have opportunities within the Jewish 
community; however, I see some but not enough  of this kind of opportunity 
going on that could shape and endear young lives into being more Jewishly 
oriented. My experiences helped endear me to Judaism and afforded me a way to 
give of myself and feel within myself spiritually. Anyway all this early 
experience and later  continued training and help from community leaders  
lead me to where I  sub as a cantor soloist or sing as part of other Jewish 
community/temple musical activities both in a volunteer and non-volunteer 
capacity in the Jewish as well as the non Jewish community. 

E Lerner
Rochester, NY 

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