[HANASHIR:10640] teen who wants to songlead at services

[SELINGER <SELINGER...>]

I was amused by Kristen's posting about a teenager who wants to lead music
at services. Yes, he sounds a little bit arrogant, but isn't it wonderful
that he wants so desperately to take a leadership role? He sounds like an
excellent role model for the kids in the religious school. Don't push him 
away!

A lot depends on his level of proficiency with the music and the text. 
You will have to audition him and see if his musical ability is as strong 
as he thinks it is. If he isn't ready yet, tell him so, and offer to 
mentor him in further development.

If you think he is ready, I would suggest you have him lead a Sat AM
service when there is nothing major going on -- no bar mitzvahs or
holidays. Work with him to select the songs he will lead and the keys and
tempo he'll use. Be there with him on the bima to support and guide him in
case hehas a moment of uncertainty. Better yet, have him prepare a portion
of the service and you do the rest. 

I teach music at Sunday school, and our cantor recently asked if I could
learn to lead music at Friday PM family services so I could substitute for
him when he is away. Last Friday was the first service I helped to lead,
but not by myself! The cantor was there at my elbow to guide and support
me, and I felt more confident having him there. He also led parts of the
service so I wasn't responsible for preparing the whole thing the first
time through. I think that's the best way to get started.

And of course, please encourage the young man to come to Hava Nashira next 
summer. He'll learn that he still has a lot to learn!

-Robin Selinger
 Music Teacher, Temple Shalom, Chevy Chase, MD

--------------------------------------------------------------
Robin Selinger                        202 319-6740 phone
Associate Professor, Physics          202 319-4448 fax
Catholic University 
Washington, DC 20064                  selinger (at) cua(dot)edu





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