[HANASHIR:11383] Volunteer Choir

[Rosalie Boxt <cantorboxt...>]

Shawan and chevre --

I have a volunteer choir at my new job; I had a problem in the fall of an
elderly woman who is going deaf and often sings very off key.  I remind her
to sing softly and most of the time it is ok.  But I would never ask anyone
to leave, nor audition anyone.  I would only think about it if there was a
problem of attitude or committment.  I also would not want a somewhat
"elite" second group -- but I wonder if it would be possible to keep them as
part of the larger group by indeed doing slightly more challenging music.  I
give my new choir very hard stuff, and they work at it.  It's not always
wonderful, but the stronger singers appreciate it, and the weaker ones like
the challenge.  They are learning a lot about reading, I do some vocal work,
and the strong singers act as section leaders and help the group along.
While it is very tricky, I think it's important to maintain one group, who
choose to spend the time together in order to sing in service to God and the
congregation, and to be with each other and temple members.  In my opinion,
for those who want a purely "musical" and "challenging" experience, other
more professional groups might be better.  But for those who want to sing,
sometimes hard music, share liturgy, learn t'fillah and how to act as choir
but also encourage people to sing along, who want to spend time with new
friends making music, the choir should be for them.

Feeling for you,
Rosalie
----------------------------------------------------
Rosalie Boxt, Cantor
Temple Emanuel, Kensington, MD
301-942-2000
cantorboxt (at) erols(dot)com

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