Re: a tactful way

[RABHADASH <RABHADASH...>]

Dear Amy,
As a rabbi who sings off key- I have learned just not to sing in the
microphone. My family cues me in when I am too loud.
Hope this helps. Maybe someone other than the lay cantor can speak gently to
the rabbi.
Melanie
In a message dated 98-10-22 12:31:01 EDT, you write:

<< Let's say there was a lay cantor and a rabbi.
 
 The rabbi had a powerful voice and enjoyed singing with great ruach, but
 sang off key.
 
 The congregation would usually sing along if they knew the piece, but they
 didn't know a lot of the music.
 
 On a number of occasions, the lay cantor would be singing and the rabbi
 would join in loudly and off key and/or off-rhythm. The rabbi's very loud
 voice almost dominated over the cantor's medium-loud voice. Especially
 frustrating was when the lay cantor was trying to slow down and arrive at a
 graceful ending, whereas the rabbi loudly kept the faster pace and ended
 sooner and discordantly.
 
 It seemed that the lay cantor was not really getting to LEAD the
 congregation, but seemed to be co-leading in a defacto way.
 
 The lay cantor had great respect for the rabbi, and understood that the
 rabbi loved to sing and sang especially loudly when moved. Also, sometimes
 the rabbi would sing loudly because the congregation was not chiming in, so
 the rabbi was "making up the difference".
 
 The lay cantor tried to discuss the issue in a very delicate way with the
 rabbi, not wanting to sound like a self-centered artiste. The lay cantor
 said "Please continue singing but don't drown me out." The rabbi agreed but
 nothing changed.
 
 The lay cantor seeks advice.
 
 
 
 
 Amy Loewenthal
 Math Tutor Coordinator
 Student Support Services, Centralia College
 (360) 736-9391 x547
  >>