[HANASHIR:2748] Re: religious school graduation songs

[Ellen Allard <ellen...>]

Hi all...Judy and anyone else who knows...is the Sh'ma Bini you speak of on a
recording? Or is there written music available?

Also, am enrolled for the first time at Hava Nashira and am WICKED (as we say
here in the commonwealth of Massachusetts) excited.

Anybody had this experience? I substitute songled at services last Friday
night. The rabbi told me that the organist, who played on some of the songs (I
played guitar on most) was very versatile and could transpose and play any key
I named. At the beginning of the service, I popped my head into the organists'
room and asked her to play Shalom Aleichem in C Minor. She refused, saying
that it was too low and that G Minor always worked just fine. I was stunned
and there was not time to explain my preference. Thereafter, the few other
songs she played on were way above my range (and I believe the range of most
of the congregation). I felt like I was trying out for a part in an
opera...when I got to the last few high notes of the kiddush, I thought for
sure I would shatter any glass in the sanctuary! Of course, for the future I
will either request that I be allowed to accompany myself on everything (or
sing unaccompanied) or try to calmly talk with her prior to the service and
insist that my chosen keys be accepted.I'm sure certain cantors/songleaders
etc. can sing in the high keys she chose, but it was really difficult for me. 
OY!

Take care and looking forward to seeing you at HN!

Ellen Allard

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