[HANASHIR:10644] Re: teen who wants to songlead at services

[Ilana and Mark Axel <axelsinchicago...>]

I am a Music Director and I basically agree with Robin
Selinger. I would like to lend you the equation that I
use as a constant guideline for myself:
1. My goal as the Music Director is to help Jewish
people express themselves musically, as Jews, in the
way that is most appropriate for them as individuals,
in a synagogue context. In this way I hope to foster
their commitment to the Jewish people.
2. My goal as the Music Director is also to develop
and bring inspiring music to the communal experience
of the congregation and meet the communal needs. I
will use all the volunteer resources that are at my
disposal.
To this end I must foster a "community of Jewish
musicians" within my synagogue. This community has
many facets.
Kristen - there is no way I could presume to give you
specific advice about this young man or his family,
without knowing them, you, or your synagogue.
Generally, I believe that "we will leave if you don't
do what I want..." tactics are childish and best
discouraged in synagogue life, but you must first be
sure that you have done all you reasonably can to
include him. I also believe that solving these types
of problems is the greatest challenge AND privilege
that you will have as a synagogue Music Director.
Perhaps you can use my equation-formula to check your
own abilities to make all of you happy. And use your
own synagogue colleagues for advice and support and
problem-solving. Good luck!
Ilana Axel
Music Director
Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue
Northbrook, Illinois
--- SELINGER (at) cua(dot)edu wrote:
> 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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