[HANASHIR:1417] Re: Congregational Choirs

[Judy Caplan Ginsburgh <jerd...>]

Rachelle,

I have a volunteer choir comprised of congregants at my synagogue.  None of
them reads music.  It is amazing how truly good they sound (a tribute to those
who came before me) and how much they can add to the participation level of the
service.  We try to rehearse once a week.  There are about 15 diligent
members.  I am very careful to always pitch melodies in a comfortable range.
Our organ is a transposing one and of course guitar can be played in any key.
We do unison singing, rounds and two and four part harmonies.

 During the service, the choir sits in the first few rows.  Having them
participate definitely encourages others in the congregation to sing along.
They are never told they cannot sing on anything.  We do discuss that certain
portions of melodies lend themselves more to a solo voice and discuss where it
may be appropriate for the choir to join in.

Having spent most of my life being a solo singer, this choral experience is
something I was not sure of.  But I must say -- there is nothing more spiritual
than looking out into your congregation and seeing smiling faces singing in
full voice and spirit with you.  This is what being a cantor or soloist is
traditionally all about.  It is not to show off our own voices, but rather to
lead the congregation in the sweet melodies of our heritage.  When I hear our
choir sing along and hear other congregants join in, I know that G-d is truly
in our house of worship.

Judy : )

--
Judy Caplan Ginsburgh, Award-winning Singer/Music Specialist
       http://www.ax.centuryinter.net/jewishentertainment/judy/index.html
Director:  Jewish Entertainment Resources
       http://www.ax.centuryinter.net/jewishentertainment/index.html
Cantorial Soloist, Touro Synagogue, New Orleans, LA
Past Conference Chair:  23rd Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education