[HANASHIR:11370] Volunteer Choir question

[Shawna1000 <Shawna1000...>]

Hello-   I have recently taken on a new volunteer choir job at a local 
synagogue.  This choir has been in existence for years, and they are typical 
of most volunteer choirs in terms of their varying ability and commitment.  
For the past few years, there has also been a chamber choir out of this 
group, that has sung more difficult and challenging music.  Many of the 
members of the chamber group also sing in a high level and demanding Jewish 
community choir.  Last year, the full choir sang for Erev Rosh Hashana and 
Kol Nidre, while the chamber group sang the morning services alone.  We have 
a cantor that has been here for one year, and he is now leaving.  When the 
cantor hired me, he was adamantly against the chamber group, and ended it, 
saying it had set up an unpleasant little dynamic of "them and us".  After 
talking to various people, I agree.  Now that door is open again, and I'm not 
sure what's best to do.  I have a gut feeling about wanting a synagogue choir 
to be open to anyone who wants to sing and comes to rehearsals, regardless of 
talent.  My goal is to create an experience where singers's needs will be 
met, regardless of their level.  The (former) chamber group, however is, is 
getting restless, saying that the more difficult music and level of challenge 
is what will keep them in the full choir.  I don't want to lose them, but I 
also don't want to set up an "elitist" situation.  Has anyone out there had 
any similar experiences?  Any advice?  Suggestions?
Thanks, and Shabbat Shalom-
Shawna Sabransky