[HANASHIR:1422] Re: Bridging the gap

[Judy Caplan Ginsburgh <jerd...>]

Rachelle,

I think most professionals would like to be on the bima, but most volunteer
choirs would not on a continuing basis.  They will have one or two chances a
year to "perform" some pieces for the congregation.  This is the appropriate
time for them to be on the bima or facing the congregation.  They are very
content to sit as a group and sing what we have rehearsed in order to encourage
the whole congregation to sing.  12 years ago, they were told not to sing and
had to listen to a cantor who performed.  Believe me, they are thrilled to have
rehearsals and have the opportunity to raise their voices in song no matter
where they sit.

Judy : )

Rachelle Mingail Shubert wrote:

> The idea of placing the volunteer choir in the front two rows of the
> synagogue is an interesting idea which never occurred to me.  Thanks, Judy.
>   I was thinking of placing the choir on the bima, conducting them for the
> first verse or through the song once and then turning to the congregation
> and conducting or playing guitar for the subsequent verses/repetitions.  I
> would have thought choristers would feel that they should really be on the
> bima after all the time put in to rehearsals.  Any thoughts on that?
>
> Rachelle
>
> Rachelle Mingail Shubert
>
> CONCERTS
>     CLASSES
>          CONSULTING
>
> shubert (at) total(dot)net



--
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