Re: children's choirs

[David F. Jaffe <djaffe...>]

Rachelle --

Rami and Merri Arian put out a nice cassette and music book of two part
choral arrangements which might be suitable for older kids.  Velvel
Pasternak's Israel in Song (and his other similar songbooks) also have some
relatively simple arrangements.  From my personal experience directing a
volunteer choir composed of children and adults together (in a small
synagogue where even the most tonally-impaired participants are welcomed),
simpler is better.  The key is to get the kids enthusiastic and smiling.
And stock the front row with a few pre-K to 2nd graders (guaranteed to make
the congregation kvell).  Specific tunes that have worked well for me in
this format include:  J.Klepper's Shalom Rav, D.Friedman's V'shamru (the
first one, I believe), the chassidic song festival Adon Olam (or any Adon
Olam, for that matter), Steve Dropkin's Hashiveynu, Am Yisrael Chai (P.Zim
version), Shalom Aleichem, Tree of Life.  Please note that this list
reflects more my own personal taste than any style particularly conducive to
childrens' choirs.  I find that if I teach something I'm enthusiastic about,
the kids will rise to meet my level of enthusiasm (and will often sing
pretty well, too).  I hope this helps.   :)
dj
---
David F. Jaffe, M.D.
323 S. Union Avenue
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
phone:  410-939-0961
fax:       410-939-7832
email:    djaffe (at) aya(dot)yale(dot)edu
homepage:
              http://www.doctornet.com/dn0/David_F._Jaffe.htm

-----Original Message-----
From: Rachelle Mingail Shubert <shubert (at) total(dot)net>
To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org <hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org>
Date: Wednesday, July 08, 1998 10:20 PM
Subject: children's choirs


>My temple has just asked me to start and direct a children's choir to sing
>at some of the Friday night services.  I would be glad to hear from any of
>you who are doing that kind of thing.  Any suggestions?  Pitfalls to avoid?
>  I have Manginot and some of Marshall Portnoy's lovely choral
>arrangements.  I may also write some simple harmonies for the traditional
>prayers.  Any other wonderful sources of material you can suggest?
>
>Thanks.
>
>Rachelle
>
>
>
>
>
>Rachelle Mingail Shubert
>CONCERTS
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>E-mail: shubert (at) total(dot)net
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