[HANASHIR:2593] Re: Songleader shortage

[NeilNFW <NeilNFW...>]

All,

I started songleading by accident.  Since I knew a few chords and the Camp
songleader suddenly had to leave in the middle of the session, I was thrust
from being a CIT director to songleader.  That was six years ago, when I was
23.  I now teach and songlead in many venues around the city.

Recently, someone asked me if I had any regrets in life.  After thinking about
it, I now regret that I never considered a cantorial program.  I love Jewish
music, and I am happier when singing than I am in my full time job.  Family
and financial concerns make this dream a fantasy at this time (unless HUC
offers correspondence courses), but I'm OK with that.

This summer, I am leading a songleading chug at our camp and encouraging kids
to bring guitars.  If I can convince one or two kids to become excited over a
two- or three-year period about what we do as songleaders, then I will leave a
legacy, and maybe someone else won't have my regrets.

Neil

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