[HANASHIR:1406] Re: Yamim Noraim Music Survey

[LPKAROL <LPKAROL...>]

I am the de-facto music administrator/director for our High Holy Day ensemble
(15 singers including me, a musician who plays flute and bass clarinet, and an
organ).  The organ I inherited, but I have decided to make the High Holy Days
the one time of year the we will use organ to give a little bit of the sense
of "awe" in keeping with the season.  However, we do not only use
"traditional" melodies, or melodies that I remember from my Reform upbringing.
For example, in our Memorial service, I chant Eil Malei Rachamim, but a
talented woman in our congregation sings Michael Isaacson's "Shiviti," and we
sing together Debbie Friedman's Psalm 23 and Jeff Klepper's "Yaysh Kocahvim,"
all with organ accompaniment that imitates what I would do on guitar (I am the
guitar accompanist for every other service during the year).  We begin Rosh
Hashanah morning with Kol B'Seder's "Mah Tovu" and Debbie Friedman's Psalm
150. We also do some chanting as a congregation and a little singing without
accompaniment.  Kol Nidre is, of course, chanted without accompaniment 3
times.  We usually get good comments - I know that the organ does have
"church" connotations, but it does help us maintain pitch.  Our organist does
a good job of getting the flavor of the music.  
    I do understand the aversion to the organ that some have expressed, but I
have worked with it to make it fit our music.  So far (or should I say "Sho
far"), so good!
    Have a happy and healthy year!
Rabbi Larry Karol
Temple Beth Sholom
Topeka, Kansas