Musical Opportunities for Students

—

Kids’ Choir—Sundays, 1:00-1:45 p.m.

If you like to sing, make harmony, and have a great time with friends, then the Kids' Choir at Temple Beth Shalom is for you!

The Kids' Choir is a group of amazing youth in grades 2 through 6 who come together to have fun learning and performing Jewish music, all while connecting to each other and to their Jewish identities. The Kids' Choir lifts our spirits in song during Sunday T'filah services, on holidays and community celebrations, and at Shabbat Shir Shalom (our annual extra-musical Shabbat service). All voices are unique gifts and everyone is welcome, so come and sing! No audition is required for Kids' Choir, but families must sign up through the Temple Beth Shalom Religious School enrollment form. AND fill out a t-shirt request form.

Song Leading & Band "Club Musika"—Sundays, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
For students in grades 7-12
 

Love playing an instrument or singing? Check out Songleading & Club Musika. Practice the intricacies of being a great song leader and teacher, from picking up the energy level of the crowd, to body movement and eye contact. Become more comfortable singing while playing, a valuable skill you can take with you forever. If you are an instrumentalist, be ready to play notes and rhythms on the fly while we create parts together. Learn to use your instrument (e.g. flute, keyboard, violin) as part of the song-leading team. Learn the importance of and improve your skills in accompaniment and supporting your fellow musicians as a leading team. In order to enroll you must be able to read music on treble or bass clef and have 2 years experience in school band/choir or 2 years of private lessons. If you do not meet this criteria but would still like to join, please email sara.kaye@bethshalomaustin.org for an audition.

Goals:

• Students will gather repertoire, tools, and leadership qualities to lead a congregation musically
• Students will gain confidence and comfort on their chosen instrument and their ability to be a part of a musical team
• Students will create collaborative audio and video recordings that will be used to help lead Jewish services and programming
• If and when we are able to meet in person, students will have the opportunity to help arrange music and lead live services

Expectations:

• Students will be present and prepared for our Sunday meetings (1pm-2pm). This means voices and instruments are warmed up, any sheet music needed is pulled up or printed out. 
• If students are struggling with any recording assignments or don't want to participate, they should let me (Sara Kaye) know. I always want my students to feel comfortable with the music we are performing. In the same light, if they are not comfortable creating video recordings or performing solo, they do not have to. This program is meant to hone skills, not create any discomfort. 
• This new virtual format creates challenges. I expect that students will be respectful of each other as we learn together and have patience with the technology, as well as with their classmates. We are a team!