[HANASHIR:11301] RE: classical singer

[Shirona <shirona...>]

Sol Zim had a good melody for the prayer for the state of Israel -- wonderful 
piece for a classical singer (and it's part of the service).  Also - ending 
with Hatikvah... 

Shirona
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
Singer, Songwriter and Teacher of Jewish Music
 Visit my website at    www.shirona.com
Listen to my music at www.mp3.com/shirona
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  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Meris Ruzow 
  To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org 
  Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2002 7:25 PM
  Subject: [HANASHIR:11298] RE: classical singer


  We have a guest singer coming to a bar-mitzvah (it's her nephew.)  The rabbi 
would like to honor the aunt of the bm boy and give her something special to 
sing.  She's not really into Debbie friedman or folksy type of stuff.  Can 
anyone suggest anything a little more "classical?"  I think this woman is a 
graduate of Juilliard and is used to leder!

  Thanks,

  Meris

  meris (at) nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

   

   

  Meris (at) nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

   

  -----Original Message-----
  From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org] On Behalf Of Adrian Durlester
  Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2002 2:58 PM
  To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
  Subject: [HANASHIR:11296] RE: conductor's podium

   

  Rachelle:

   

  In the many (20+ ) years I spent as a theatrical production manager, 
technical director, designer et al I had the occasion to build, design or 
purchase many conductor's podiums. Combined with my musical and conducting 
experience, I think I can give you some information.

   

  Constructing a podium  is not a task that should be taken lightly for one 
primary reason: like choir and orchestra risers and staging, the load that a 
conductor's podium will take is not a static load, but a dynamic one. The 
conductor moves about, bounces, steps on and off, etc. All of this require that 
it be built to withstand this kind of dynamic load without too much deflection. 
(The generally accepted rule is that the top surface should not deflect more 
than 1/8" of an inch under a dynamic load.) Assuming a basic 2x? construction 
with a 3/4" plywood top, this requires that no point on the top surface be more 
than 16" from a support point. (Thinner plywood requires closer support points, 
but I would never recommend anything less than 3/4" plywood or its equivalent 
in newer style honeycomb materials. Never use particle board-it is not designed 
to withstand dynamic loads and will break.)

   

  If the podium is to be carpeted on the top surface, then either a carpet 
padding or piece of masonite should be placed between the carpet and the 
plywood. In addition, use only industrial grade non-slip carpet with a very low 
and tight knit pile.

   

  The size of the podium is somewhat dependent on how much room you feel you 
would need to safely work from it. If you move around a lot, use a guitar, or 
sometimes place a chair on it, you would need a larger surface. 

   

  The height is also dependent on preferences and the physical layout of your 
space. Generally, height is worked in 8" increments. If you are always going to 
use the podium on one place, you can make one at a fixed height that allows you 
to see what you need to see and for you to be seen by the choir and musicians, 
without blocking too much of the congregation's view. However, designing the 
podium to be of varying height is always desirable and easily accomplished with 
adjustable or interchangeable legs and side covers.

   

  At my diminutive height, I always use a podium when I am conducting. However, 
using a podium usually provides many advantages in line of sight between 
conductor and performers. Try, for example, as a choir member, looking at your 
music and trying to see the conductor's arms or baton over the top. If you are 
standing on the floor and the conductor is as well, it could be a problem. One 
of the best ways of determining the best height for your podium would be to 
experiment with a few people pretending to be choir members trying to read 
their music and also see you at the same time.

   

  Hope this helps.

   

  Adrian


  Adrian A. Durlester, M.T.S.  - adrian (at) durlester(dot)com
  http://www.durlester.com/
  Director of Education, Beth El Hebrew Congregation, Alexandria, VA
  education(dot)director (at) bethelhebrew(dot)org
  Conference Chair, CAJE 27, Aug. 4-8, 2002, Trinity Univ., San Antonio, TX
  caje27chair (at) caje27(dot)org
  List-Owner for hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org; Co-Owner for L-Torah (at) 
shamash(dot)org http://uahc.org/hanashir
  adrian (at) ehavanashira(dot)org

   

   

    -----Original Message-----
    From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org]On Behalf Of H & R Shubert
    Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2002 2:31 PM
    To: Hanashir
    Subject: [HANASHIR:11295] conductor's podium

    Anyone out there direct a choir perched on a podium?  I need to get one to 
use with my temple choir, and am thinking of having one constructed and 
carpeted to match the bimah.  Anyone have any suggestions -- dimension do's and 
don't's etc?

    Rachelle