Re: Rich Glauber's comments

[Chazan613 <Chazan613...>]

Rich, I think you are right on the mark. First off, I believe that most of the
programming was indoors because in past years, the weather has been crappy.
Although Adrian called it "unseasonably cold", as a local Wisconsinite, I
found it to be gorgeous weather.  You are right...we spent too much time
sitting on our duffs.

You and Jess and a few others had it right...you guys were on your feet most
of the conference, moving with the music and the vibrations.

Jules Frankel and I went for a long walk around the lake, and a couple of
others were seen running around the camp and the local area.  Maybe next
year's schedule COULD include yoga, walking, even outdoor services.

I noticed that some people even held their own alternative outdoor services
Shabbat morning, near the lake.  What a terrific idea!

The weather was even nice enough to allow for boating, but I don't think the
staff was prepared to let us do that...

Maybe we need to add a few days or a week to HN to allow more time for these
things!

Regard "over-programming":

I like the small workshop idea.  Hava Nashira now has twice the number of
participants that it used to have, so getting together frequently as a big
group can have some drawbacks.  But you must admit that there is NOTHING like
the sounds that happened when we were all in one group, like the resonance of
the Shma led so ably by Shira... about as close to a heavenly choir as I have
ever heard.

I liked the idea of "electives" -- shorter and smaller workshops to choose
from.

However, there were some great advantages to long intense sessions.  For
example, the workshop on choral music with Shimon Cohen.  Three hours was just
right for the work we all did together.  So maybe next time we could offer
short and long sessions.   

As for your remarks on the "experts" giving us their stuff...I speak only for
myself when I say this, but I go to HN primarily to learn from those who know
more than me, musically and vocally.   There is NOTHING like hearing the makor
-- the source -- of Mi Shebeirach lead it her way!

The smaller impromptu sessions are also crucial for learning and sharing, and
space needs to made for these as well.

By the way, Rich, upon my return home I opened up the Sounds Write catalog,
skimming the pages of the usual faces....Debbie, Jeff, Cotler, Julie
Silver...and all of a sudden, there is your smiling punim (face) on the
page...so you are an expert too!
I would love to get your cassette.

Have a great year!

Brian