[HANASHIR:4012] Re: nervous singer

[eblank <eblank...>]

Dear Carol, I can't help you with the guitar playing,because I don't play
guitar, but I can really empathize with your nervousness.  One is supposed
to think about G-d and not one's own self-conciousnes, but I have always
found that easier said than done.  Experience does not take away
nervousness entirely (nor would one want it to).  However, the only cure
for the excessive anxiety that makes one screw up is lots and lots of
experience. Lead singing as often as your congregation will let you. 
Eventually (yes it will happen) the spirit will move through you.  Yes,
unfortunately, patience is required.  Is your congregation supportive?  

Incidentally, I found that until I had enough experience, I was really
thrown by any change in the script.  I had an experience like yours with
L'cha Dodi early on, and I got thrown.  I felt dumb at the time too, but I
don't really think either of us is.

You are to be commended for trying to do something difficult and wonderful.
 If you ever want any moral support,  feel free to contanct me privately. 
Emily

----------
> From: Carol  Anderson <caanders (at) netusa1(dot)net>
> To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> Subject: [HANASHIR:3998] nervous singer
> Date: Friday, September 24, 1999 3:24 PM
> 
> Shalom and shana tova to all my friends and singers,
> Well I guess I got my wish. I am suppose to lead singing for shabbat
> services and I am so nervous.  our first service was August 27th. I was
> asked to teach a few songs before services started. I did . It went well.
> Then with out warning, I was asked to lead l'ha dodi. I messed up and led
> one that no one knew. I felt so dumb. I have so many melodies in my head
I
> don't know how to start a specific one. I was also asked to stand on the
> bima durring the service and I feel nervous about that. Do you feel that
> way and how do you get over it?
> I plan to teach Craigs L'ha dodi at the next service Oct 1st. I played
the
> CD in the kitchen while we cleaned up after we broke the fast yomkippur.
> the 3 people who heard it really liked it. I let our president borrow the
> CD and she likes it too. yea!
> 
> I have been taking guitar lessons for 5 weeks.  I am having a real hard
> time holding down some of the strings to make chords. my finger usually
> touches the string next to it that is suppose to be open. like when I
play
> a C chord the bottom e string makes a thud sound. I am having a hard time
> curving my fingers.  having some patience would help. I want to be able
to
> play now!!!! ok I will calm down now. If any of you travel and would
> consider coming to Kokomo, Indiana to help lead sometime please contact
me.
> I miss you all alot.
> Carol
> 
> 

------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+
Hosted by Shamash: The Jewish Internet Consortium  http://shamash.org
------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------=