[HANASHIR:16439] RE: Ah... the double-edged sword

[Risa Askin <rysaa...>]

Kol ha kavod to Cantor Hyman!

I have been reading this discussion that has been taking place and it really
gave me food for thought.

I am a lay-leader and pray that one day I will receive certification as a
Cantor.  The past several years I have studies with Cantors, watched
Cantors, listened to Cantors and strong lay leaders, taken classes, etc and
have learned so much. I have en learned a lot from Craig Taubman, Doug
Coutler, Sam Glaser, Debby Friedman, etc and use their music quite often.

I actually have been shunned by a couple of Cantors due to, what I was told
that "I have too much talent."

I always try my best to use the music that I learn to the best of my
ability, and use all music that I learn where tastefully appropriate.  It is
very important to me that I honor those that have written such wonderful
music for services and other forums.

When I listen to other Cantors and Lay-Leaders, I can't be judgmental
because I know how difficult it is to be up on the bima, or teaching music,
or performing.  I give respect to others in hopes that I will also receive
respect.  If a person does not "do it" for me at services or in other
situations, oh well, not everyone will.  I may not fulfill everyone's needs
when I sing, chant, etc.  I believe that we all try our best

I have said to a few that they ran services too quickly, or even to one
individual, too slowly; and I also have told an individual that they sang
too high, therefore, the congregation had a lot of difficulty singing with
him/her.  I believe it is all in the approach.

I still have a lot too learn and I have learned a lot reading this list.  I
can tell from the list that we all love what we do and get on a high when we
know that we have satisfied and fulfilled the needs of others when on stage,
the bima, teaching music, etc.  Kol Hakavod to all of you and let us a have
year of mutual respect for each other, and learning from each other.

Risa








 -----Original Message-----
From:   owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org]  On
Behalf Of Cantor Brad Hyman
Sent:   Wednesday, January 07, 2004 2:56 PM
To:     hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
Subject:        [HANASHIR:16435] Ah... the double-edged sword

Greetings everyone:
I am very happy that this forum is beginning to broach the issue of music
and musicianship. I believe it was Adrian in the most recent digest that
pointed out quite truthfully that both are subjective. What one person finds
contextually viable in a song may be marshmallow fluff to another. What one
person finds moving and passionate, another may view as a half-baked attempt
at good singing. Unfortunately... as Beth pointed out, it is difficult to
address this with musician and audience alike because it is such a sensitive
subject... and we have become very delicate around the edges when it comes
to any form of critique. We are so P.C., so afraid of ruffling the feathers
at the cost of being branded "unsupportive" or "rude" that we suffer
together at night in a bed we are clearly making for ourselves to lie in.
I am the first one to admit that it still feels bad when someone you know,
or someone you don't know, comes from "left field" with those kind "words of
advice," or "I'm just telling you this as a friend." No matter how you find
out you need work, it can be potentially hurtful or rough. However, and
here's the big question: isn't the end result, an overall better level of
musical application and appreciation, worth it??
I would rather have someone tell me flat out that I'm way off, than to let
me perpetuate a lousy presentation. I think I owe it to the composers, many
of which are on this listserv and are friends, to sing the music with
respect. Most composers will tell you, again as Beth stated in her last
post, that it's not as important to sing the song in the key it was written
if it doesn't work for singer and congregation alike. It's more important to
make modifications in both key and tempo when appropriate.
The first modification, that of key, is easier to gauge that the latter.
Slowing down something to be "dramatic" or "soulful" can blow up in your
face if you are not capable of being dramatic or soulful. Claiming that you
dragged a Shema or sped up Shavua Tov because you "heard someone else do it
that way and it worked" is not enough of a good excuse. It may have worked
for someone else, but I know that I am never going to be Jeff, Danny, Beth,
Rick, Craig, Doug, or any other modern day hero of mine. I may want to sing
their stuff in their keys, and my voice may be able to carry it off better
than most, but I'm never going to be as successful as I would be if I'm not
singing what's best for me and my particular crowd.
So many have already responded in much the same way as I have, saying very
similar things. I want to close with just a few other thoughts. We may have
the freedom and ability to sing niggunim and 'contemporary" music on our
bim'ot, but they shouldn't be the only things heard. If your congregations
or schools demand that you only sing one kind of music, and that it must be
niggunim, contemporary or even shtick-lach, then consider a formal protest
for Jewish music's sake.
The easiest path comes at a price, as all things do. If you don't work out
with some light stretching before heavy exercise, you will destroy your
body.  But if you only stick to the light exercising, you will not grow. The
same can be said for music and prayer. If we don't stretch ourselves, or
make room for the things we are so quick to cast away, then we suffer and
the music as a whole suffers. Most importantly, and finally, let us not be
so afraid to speak our minds though our hearts may want to be compassionate.
I have a lot of respect for individuals who have the guts to get up and
teach Jewish music, at what ever level. I also have an obligation to both
the music and the art of the telling to inform folks when they need a lot or
a little polish. Heck, even this posting is written with a lot of restraint,
but that's because I know my crowd.

Cheers!

Cantor Brad Hyman
Temple Sinai of Glendale
1212  N. Pacific Avenue
Glendale, CA 91202
(818) 246-8101 x12  Fax: (818) 246-9372
(818) 244-2547 "The Bat Phone"





------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+
Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Network, http://shamash.org  
a service of Hebrew College, which offers online courses and an
online MA in Jewish Studies, http://hebrewcollege.edu/online/

To unsubscribe email listproc (at) shamash(dot)org and have your message read:
unsubscribe hanashir
------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------=