[HANASHIR:11374] Re: Volunteer Choir question

[Andy Curry <acurry...>]

Shawna -

As others have said, it's a difficult situation.  But you know that.

This is a case where a little halacha could actually make things easier.
What are the qualifications for shaliach tzibur?  First, a Jew, of course.
Second, a "pleasing" voice.  Third, a knowledge of the liturgy.  Fourth, a
good reputation.

I'm for volunteer choirs where the director has a vote on whether someone's
in or out.  In most cases, people who can't sing know they can't sing, so
self selection occurs most often.  But if you let someone in that sounds
bad, you won't have a choir for long.  The good of the group must supersede
the good of the individual.

My two shekalim.

Shabbat shalom,
Andy

At 12:44 PM 4/19/02 EDT, you wrote: 
>>>>
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 "the! m 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

<<<<


Andy Curry
6016 Holmes St
Kansas City MO 64110-3034

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