[HANASHIR:4708] re:choir robes

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

Although I understand that singers might be reluctant to wear the same or
matching garb, I am reminded that all the texts and virtually all choral
conducting profs. recommend some kind of uniformity of appearance.  The
reasoning is that for some reason a choir which blends visually tends to
sound better.  After all, one of  the main goals of choral singing is to
produce a blended sound.  Individuality in style and timbre is the role of
a soloist and he/she may dress in contrast.

However, I must acknowledge that, as a soloist by voice and nature, I never
liked to dress in a uniform way.  I think that it is possible to get
creative with colours if the choir is established enough to warrant
purchases of clothing.  I know of one choir, although not a Jewish one,
which dresses in dark pants and either red or orange tops.  Wow.  What a
visual impact.

Rachelle Shubert






----- Original Message -----
From: Emily Blank <eblank (at) fac(dot)howard(dot)edu>
To: <hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org>
Sent: Monday, December 27, 1999 9:09 AM
Subject: [HANASHIR:4707] re:choir robes


>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> Susan:  Funny you should ask.  Someone (or several someones) on our
synagogue board
> asked the rabbi to ask the choir if we would be willing to wear robes for
the High Holy Days.
> (That's the only time we have a choir.)  Our rabbi thought we would like
the idea, but we all
> rebelled.  We wouldn't even wear dark skirts (pants) and white blouses.
Emily Blank
>
>
> From: Susan Schanerman [SMTP:sschanerman(dot)dvh (at) 
> tuhsd(dot)k12(dot)az(dot)us]
> Sent: Sunday, December 26, 1999 2:30 PM
> To: hanashir
> Subject: [HANASHIR:4677] kids' choir names
>
> I'm thinking of giving our Adult and Junior choirs Hebrew names.  Can
> any of you offer suggestions?  Please include translations.  (Your
> bulletin column name suggestions were great!)
>
> I'm also curious.  Our adult choir members wear white robes when they
> sing at services.  Somehow it seems appropriate at High Holidays but it
> bugs me at Shabbat services.  Robes seem so churchy and pompous to me.
> Do your choirs wear them?  Why?  Our Sisterhood bought them (megabucks)
> and the Sisterhood President is in the choir so we're stuck with them
> for awhile...
>
> Susan Schanerman
> Phoenix
>
>
>
>

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