A Taste of HaZamir

The group rehearses with Cantor Brian Mayer. /Jana BrenmanOn March 22, 16 teen members of HaZamir Providence performed at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. HaZamir: The International Jewish High School Choir is a network of choral chapters across the U.S. and Israel that provides Jewish teens with a high-level choral experience in a Jewish environment. HaZamir transcends boundaries, giving teenagers a valuable and transdenominational experience as an opportunity to forge close bonds and unite in a common goal: music.

Members come from all over Rhode Island for a weekly two-hour rehearsal. Lunch is included. Music theory and exercises add to the choral aspect. It’s not all work.

The weekly rehearsals of a shared repertoire lead to regional, national and international events where chapters meet, rehearse together and grow in friendship. The season culminates in the annual Gala Concert at a major New York City venue. This performance brings together music, Judaism, community and spirituality in a powerful blend.

“I just think that everyone is always so intimidated to go so far away with so many new people, but when you get there, you don’t even realize the numbers, and you just focus on how many friends you are making and learning your music,” says Rachel Wasser, a high school senior from Cranston.

“It always sounds great when we have rehearsals on Sundays at Emanu-El, but when you add 300 more voices to those melodies? It’s just an unbelievable sound. It’s crazy how many kids can be in love with music and Judaism that they’d take the time out of their hectic schedules as teens, to learn these songs and perform them on these well-known stages. It’s an unbelievable experience I’ve had the pleasure of going through four times.”

Penina Satlow, a high school sophomore from Providence, agrees that the experience is well worth it. “Not only has HaZamir helped to train my voice and strengthen my musical knowledge and abilities, but it’s also exposed me to so much Jewish culture and history, among the repertoire and the other singers.”

All are invited to come for a taste of HaZamir Providence as the group is recruiting for the next season! On April 19 at noon in the vestry at Temple Emanu-El in Providence, come meet the singers along with conductor Cantor Brian Mayer and accompanist Judith Stillman and learn how you can be a member of this exceptional group. And you’ll probably get a chance to listen to them sing, too.

HaZamir Providence is a program sponsored by the Jewish Alliance, Temple Emanu-El and the Sylvia Zimet Memorial Kol Kesem HaZamir Endowment.

JANA BRENMAN is director of Teen Engagement and Education at the Jewish Alliance. For more information on HaZamir, contact her at 401-421-4111, ext. 181.