[HANASHIR:12553] Re: Adding Pro Singers To Choir

[Rabbi Richard Schachet <lvrabbi...>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "jbielan" <jbielan (at) pacbell(dot)net>
To: <hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org>
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2002 8:37 AM
Subject: [HANASHIR:12552] Adding Pro Singers To Choir


> Rachelle,
>
> I having been adding pro singers to my choir for High Holidays for many
years.  Adding a strong pro to each section has, at least in my experience,
been extremely effective.
>
> My Cantor and I try to keep a running dialog going with our choir members.
I am fortunate to have a Cantor who is very knowledgeable, and at rehearals
he generously teaches the choir about the meaning of every prayer they are
singing, in order that they have the most significant personal spiritual
experience.  We try to stress the value of thinking like a musical team who
has been blessed with the opportunity to sing on the bimah.
>
> As a result, our folks seem to really enjoy it when I bring in some pros
for High Holidays or special services.
> I think it's very important to choose the right pros, however.  I agree
with someone who mentioned that you need people who excel at group singing,
alongside their personal solo abilities.  You want to try and find people
who are sincerely spiritual people, as well.  You also don't want pros who
are too full of themselves.
> I don't know what the recording scene is like where you are, but you might
want to see if there are some
> successful vocal contractors whom you could call for names.  If you find
some, be straightforward and ask about singers' attitudes and egos. Whenever
I get names of players or singers for gigs, I always ask, "is he a nice guy?
Team player?  In-studio/onstage attitude?"  If I get negatives, I don't
call. We've been fortunate through the years to find remarkable people who
really enjoy the experience of singing with us.
>
> Rather than feeling threatened or less-than, I've perceived that our choir
members usually enjoy the experience.  Once in a while you're gonna get
someone who feels a little threatened, but for the most part that seems to
dissipate quickly. Their pride in being part of a choir soaring to even
greater musical heights usually takes over. They begin to listen hard, and
try to learn.
>
> After High Holidays are done, although my ear naturally misses the
addition of the pros, I always feel like my guys and gals have gotten a
little stronger musically for the experience.  I also think most of them
recognize that there would probably not have been another forum within which
they would have the opportunity to become friends with, and sing alongside
pros who've got the kind of musical credentials these folks do. It's a cool
thing to go to the L.A. Civic Light Opera and see someone on that stage whom
you know!
>
> Bottom line: I wanna keep it musically interesting for the congregation,
whenever it's appropriate.  It's an exciting time for Jewish music in L.A.
Craig is doing his big Hallelu show at the Universal Ampitheatre this
weekend, which promises to be wonderful.  We're doing a concert with my
cantor, Ron Li-Paz and his dad - who is also a cantor, and his wife - who
starred on the West End in England and has an extraordinary voice - next
Sunday at Perfoming Arts Center of Cal State Nortridge.  There's all kinds
of creative services going on all over Los Angeles, as well.  Next month,
we're doing a Shabbat Service with Klesmer music, to which I'm really
looking forward.
>
> Jeez, I remember fifteen years ago when I got all kinds of heat just for
using a synth on the bimah.
>
> There's no doubt of the power of music to inspire, and to help draw people
back to their Jewish roots.  I think all of us who get to do our art on the
bimah are incredibly blessed.  My personal opinion: if it feels right for
you: go for it..at least try it!  See if you can find some pros and see how
the choir reacts.  If it doesn't work... well, you tried.  And if it does,
so much the better.
>
> Jack Bielan
>

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