Singing Communities Intensive

December 25-28, 2017

Spiritual Sounds Laboratory

Program Information | Sample (2016) Schedule

 

Program Information

The Spiritual Sounds Laboratory is a chance to experience the depth of Jewish music, to study traditional melodies and sounds and to be part of the creative process of bringing new music into being.

In 2016, we focused particularly on rhythm and creating a deep communal groove together while singing. We explored the soul of old rhythms and invent new rhythms with the intent of merging those beats with the flow of beautiful melodies and spontaneous group harmony. We will announce our 2017 theme in the fall.

Led by Mechon Hadar Creative Director Joey Weisenberg and Mechon Hadar co-founder Rabbi Elie Kaunfer, we study the intersection of music, spirituality, and prayer. Our teachers have included Hadar faculty members Rabbi Aviva Richman and Rabbi Na'ama Levitz Applbaum as well as guests, such as Hazzan Ramón Tasat, Rabbi Miriam Margles, Rabbi Yosef Goldman, Deborah Sacks Mintz, Cantor George Mordecai, Merri Arian, Cantor Rosalie Boxt, and Anat Hochberg. These four days of singing then culminate in a public concert with Joey Weisenberg and the Hadar Ensemble--featuring brand new music!

Join a community of rabbis, cantors, ba’alei tefilah, musicians, singers, students, lay leaders, and community organizers in an ongoing exploration of communal musical dynamics.

Every year, we learn:

• Nigunim (melodies), personal and communal, from the very old to the very new.
• Inspiring Torah teachings and Jewish spiritual ideas.
• Strategies for bringing communities together in song and prayer.
• Musical concepts for personal and communal transformation of energetic singing and musical-spiritual transformation.

 

Is it for me? If you have a passion for communal Jewish music: yes. If you’ve come before, yes, come again to learn new music and review!

When is it? Monday, December 25 - Thursday, December 28, 2017. Stay tuned for information about the annual, public concert featuring Joey Weisenberg and the Hadar Ensemble.

Where is it? The sessions and concert will be held at Mechon Hadar, 190 Amsterdam Ave on New York's Upper West Side.

How much does it cost? $600 Full; $300 Student. Tuition includes daily lunch. Scholarships available.

Where do I find out more and register? For more information, write sci@mechonhadar.org. For more information on registration, please email Andrew Belinfante. Registration will open in the Summer of 2017.

What our participants say...

"We approached the material in so many different ways; through text, melody, practical discussion, historical context.  It offered some new perspective for everyone."

"This workshop not only reinvigorates traditional music and tonalities for the current and next generation of leaders, but lays the foundation to be able to build the new in a way that honors the past."

- Past participants

Thanks to the Jewish Women's Foundation of New York for their generous support of this program.

 

Sample Schedule (2016)

 

Registration will open in the summer