[HANASHIR:12559] Re: Adding Pro Singers To Choir

[Marsha Fensin <mfsings...>]

HI,
    When I began my position as cantor at Temple Judah, we went from a
professional quartet to a volunteer choir. My first year, I tried to
incorporate the pros with the volunteers, but, the pros would have
nothing to do with the volunteers, so they sang their things and the
volunteers sang their things and it was ridiculous.  There was a real
attitude problem.  I thought it would be so nice to utilize each pro as
a section leader, but, it was not meant to be.
    We then went strictly with the volunteers ( 15 of them) and they
were wonderful.  They made up in enthusiasm and committment whatever was
missing from the "pro" sound.  This year, I found myself with only one
baritone and no tenors.  Rather than look for pros I decided to go to
the local colleges for music students who sang in their college choirs.
We had two delightful young men, a tenot and a baritone.  They were
delightful, had no ego issues, came to all the rehearsals, took
direction very well from our conductor. ( who happened to be one of the
professors at their school)
    So, my recommendation is to look for college students in your area
rather than professionals.
Marsha

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