2008 Festival of New Jewish Liturgical Music - Workshop Summary

• Workshops with Composers of New Music for the Yamim Nora'im, Zemirot and Piyutim, Haggim, Unusual Texts and Shabbat
  Discover the motivations and creative processes of the composers of pieces selected by Shalshelet: The Foundation for New Jewish Liturgical Music to be highlighted at the Third International Festival for New Jewish Liturgical Music.

  "Ruach, Inc.: A Jewish Music and Arts Organization" presented by Joshua Richman

  In three-and-a-half years of existence, Ruach, Inc. has grown from a fledgling Jewish music and arts program into a successful nonprofit organization that can serve as a template for other cities. Join Ruach's founder and executive director as he describes the need for Jewish music and arts organizations, illustrated by discussion of Ruach's genesis, accomplishments, operations and plans.

  Joshua Richman is founder and executive director of Ruach, Inc. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Yale College with a B.A. in music.

  "Basic Sight-Reading and Ear Training" presented by Joyce Altman

  In one hour's time, participants will learn how to pick up a piece of music and sing what is written - in tune, on the correct pitches and with the correct rhythm. And, if there is time, participants will learn how to develop perfect pitch. Sound too good to be true? Try it! We will use a modified version of the Kodaly technique.

  Joyce A. Altman is a pianist and choir director with vast experience in Jewish choral music. She is president and CEO of Altman Consulting and former executive director of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.

  "Vocal Techniques for the Older Adult" presented by Enid Bootzin Berkovits

  Various vocal exercises will be introduced to help keep the voice healthy and strong and to deal with the changing voice as we age. This workshop will demonstrate exercises in posture, breathing and relaxation to help focus the voice and sing without tension.

  Enid Bootzin Berkovits, RMT, NHA, holds a bachelor of music/music therapy degree from Alverno College. She has continued her studies in voice performance and choral conducting at DePaul University and Northwestern University. She directs the Milwaukee Jewish Community Chorale and the Beth El Ner Tamid Synagogue choir and is heard as a soprano soloist throughout the area.

  "Music in Sacred Texts: Part One" presented by Sherry Blumberg

  Music is mentioned in Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim, Midrash, Talmud and other sacred Jewish texts. These workshops will explore several texts that speak about music using the chevruta approach.

  Dr. Sherry H. Blumberg is a Jewish educator who teaches in the Hebrew Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee andat Sacred Heart School of theology. For 14 years previously, she taught cantorial and rabbinic students at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. It was there that her love and knowledge of music combined with her love and knowledge of Jewish texts.

  "Music in Sacred Texts: Part Two" presented by Sherry Blumberg

  Music is mentioned in Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim, Midrash, Talmud and other sacred Jewish texts. These workshops will explore several texts that speak about music using the chevruta approach.

  Dr. Sherry H. Blumberg is a Jewish educator who teaches in the Hebrew Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee andat Sacred Heart School of theology. For 14 years previously, she taught cantorial and rabbinic students at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. Itwas there that her love and knowledge of music combined with her love and knowledge of Jewish texts.

  "Jewish Liturgical Music in the 21st Century" presented by Hazzan Dr. Ramón Tasat

  Discover the richness and variety of new Jewish worship music with an expert in the field.

  Cantor, performer, composer, musician and scholar Ramón Tasat is director of the Cantorial School at the Academy for Jewish Religion, musical advisor of the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Music Festival and founder and president of Shalshelet: The Foundation for New Jewish Liturgical Music. Trained in five different countries, he received a doctorate in voice performance from the University of Texas at Austin.