[HANASHIR:9707] Re: High Holiday Choir complaint

[H & R Shubert <notfranz...>]

Dear Susan,

Since we all deal with similar problems, I will respond on the list.
Someone with an axe to grind is difficult to deal with.  With reasonable
people, however, I have found that there are fewer objections if I have
moved slowly and, at the wise suggestion of the rabbi, I have taken the time
to explain the reason for the musical choices.  Sometimes a one-on-one
conversation at an oneg with an individual can help, but I have also met
with the Ritual/Choir committees to talk about proposed new music, have
written an article for the Temple Bulletin explaining choices, and am giving
a S'lichot presentation of new HHD melodies.  Sometimes the most vociferous
objectors come around a few months later saying that they now enjoy the
music.  It's inevitable that others will not come around, or admit to coming
around.  I suppose the passion that musical changes evoke is proof of the
emotional power of music to make people feel connected to the service.  All
the best with this difficult issue.
Rachelle Shubert

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Rachelle Shubert
Lay Cantor Rishon
Temple Israel, Ottawa, Ontario

Choir Director
Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, Montreal, Quebec

Music Educator
Hebrew Foundation School, Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec
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----- Original Message -----
From: Susan Schanerman <susan (at) emanueloftempe(dot)org>
To: For information exchange among GTM members <gtm (at) shamash(dot)org>
Cc: Guild of Temple Musicians (E-mail) <gtm (at) shamash(dot)org>
Sent: Saturday, September 01, 2001 11:20 AM
Subject: [GTM:298] High Holiday Choir complaint


> We have a persistant congregant (who happens to have a lot of influence)
who
> believes that our high holiday choir is "churchy".  What has happened over
the
> last three years is that our former director (elementary school music
teacher
> and friend of this guy) quit and our new director (non-Jewish PHD
candidate in
> vocal music) has transformed our choir from a primarily 2-part group to a
> proficient 4-part group.  The pieces that this man seems to be objecting
to are
> pieces (that I select) by Steinberg, Isaacson, Richards, Osborne.  (Almost
> everything we sing is in Hebrew).
>
> We are a Reform congregation.  How do I address this man's concerns?  My
guess
> is that they have more to do with the change in personnel than with the
change
> in music - but I don't want to go down that road.  I want him to feel that
we
> are listening to his opinions and considering them seriously (which we
are.)
>
> The choir has lots of positive feedback from other congregants every year.
>  Maybe it's those who were raised in conservative synagogues who don't
like
> choirs?
>
> Todah,
> Susan
>
> Susan Schanerman
> Director of Education, Cantorial Soloist
> susan (at) emanueloftempe(dot)org
>
>
>
> -------------------------- gtm (at) shamash(dot)org -------------------------+
>