[HANASHIR:4678] RE: cantor and choir director HELP

[Rachelle and Howard Shubert <notfranz...>]

Adrian, as far as I am concerned your two shekels are right on the mark.  I 
have a meeting with the rabbi this week and hope to come to some resolution 
about it.  I don't think he realized it would be difficult or even noticed that 
it didn't sound as good when we did it for the first time at our big Chanukah 
service.  I feel I could prepare the choir, but only if we kept their part 
rather simple.  As for help, there is an organist/prof. choir conductor, but he 
is hidden away up in a loft.  I have some choir members who might be able to 
handle a solo, but their best efforts would not equal a professional singer.

I feel I am walking a fine line in negotiating with the rabbi.  At present, in 
addition to conducting the volunteer choir, I am one of three rotating 
cantorial soloists.  I have been seriously considering studying toward 
cantorial certification and the rabbi has strongly hinted that he would hire me 
as the full time cantorial soloist on salary while I was pursuing my studies.  
This would be an expense for the temple, although very good value I am sure, 
and he may be trying to cut corners.

Thanks again.  Your opinion is very welcome.  If you have no objection, I would 
like to mention who I consulted with.  Would you mind letting me know at which 
synagogue you are music director?

Rachelle Shubert





  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Adrian Durlester 
  To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org 
  Sent: Saturday, December 25, 1999 4:39 PM
  Subject: [HANASHIR:4669] RE: cantor and choir director HELP


  Rachelle:
   
  Just my two shekels, but I feel one should never take on both roles 
simultaneously. One cannot be shliach tzibbur while directing the choir. Find 
someone else to direct or to solo.
   
  Shavua Tov,
   
  Adrian
   
    -----Original Message-----
    From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org]On Behalf Of Rachelle and Howard Shubert
    Sent: Saturday, December 25, 1999 12:48 AM
    To: Hanashir
    Subject: [HANASHIR:4668] cantor and choir director HELP


    I am both cantorial soloist and choir director.  Recently, at the rabbi's 
request, I took on both roles at the same service for the first time.  It's not 
easy.  Is it normally done to wear both hats at the same service?  Does the 
cantor solo while facing the choir?  Or does someone else either direct the 
choir or solo for some or all of the songs?  

    Rachelle Shubert
    notfranz (at) total(dot)net