Congregation B’nai Israel 
Adult Choir
The choir needs you
For most of our century and a half of existence, CBI has had an adult choir. Sometimes it has been composed of professionals, other times by congregational volunteers and others. Today, our choir combines both.
These voices share their love of music and their love of the celebration of our traditions. Since the late 1970s, our worship has been particularly enriched by the presence of Chazzan Carl K. Naluai, Jr. First as music director and accompanist, later as our chazzan, he has graced us with song (his own compositions and others), chazzanut, his extensive knowledge of sacred and non-sacred music, and his sensitive and emotive conducting.
The CBI Adult Choir is extraordinary in its size, its sophistication, the range of its repertoire, and its ability to have fun. We sing for the High Holy Days, for Shabbat services, and other special events throughout the year. We are joined from time to time by our youth choir, Ensemble Katan.
On alternating years and in alternating locations, the CBI choirs and the Greek Orthodox choirs unite in the Mediterranean Experience (MedX). The choirs, separately and together, share their musical heritage. The concert is followed by a reception where the choirs display their culinary heritage.
On occasion the CBI choir makes recordings; at least one is available at the CBI Gift Shop.
We welcome new additions to our choir – if you enjoy choral music and the pursuit of musical excellence, join us!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do I need vocal training, extensive experience singing in choirs, and the ability to read music? While these are helpful, they are not required. If you are able to sing in tune with others – e.g., no one leaves the room when you start to sing -- and can learn quickly from rehearsals, you are a candidate for the CBI adult choir.
2. If I can’t read music, how will I learn? When preparing for a service or an event, rehearsals are weekly. The Chazzan provides written music; he teaches the parts at the first rehearsal by playing them on the piano and/or singing them. It is helpful to record these first rehearsals and to go over the music at home daily or at least before weekly rehearsals. Recording or making notes at weekly rehearsals will enable you to learn and retain music covered in previous rehearsals.
3. What if my job and family duties do not allow me to rehearse every Wednesday night. We encourage members to sing throughout the year, but recognized that work and travel schedules make that difficult for some. Consult with the Chazzan when a situation arises; together a solution may be found.
4. When do High Holy Day rehearsals begin? Usually, in July for 10-12 evenings. These are held at the temple on a week night from 7:15 pm to 9:30 pm.
If you have questions or wish to join the choir, contact Chazzan Naluai at 446-4861.
Congregation B’nai Israel
Youth Choir
Ensemble Katan
What is it? A youth choir for young people in the 4th Grade and older who are enrolled in Religious School or whose family are members of the Congregation B’nai Israel. Ensemble Katan sings at congregational Shabbat, festival, and holiday services, Religious School T’filah, and other events. We join the CBI adult choir during the High Holy Days, for the bi-annual Mediterranean Experience, and for some Shabbat, festival, and holiday services.
Do you have to read music? No. Rehearsal tapes are provided along with lyrics and music.
Do you have to read Hebrew? No. All Hebrew is transliterated.
When and where are rehearsals? Normally, Sundays after religious school, 12:30-1:30PM, in the chapel. Preparation to sing with the adult CBI choir usually includes 2 short (1 hour or less) Wednesday evening rehearsals. Details of these rehearsals will be worked out with individual chorister’s schedules.
Is attendance at all rehearsals mandatory? No. Regular attendance is encouraged because we cover a lot of material in a very short time. But if schedule conflicts force a chorister to miss a series a rehearsals, the chorister can return when the conflicts resolve.
How do I enroll my child? Complete the form below and mail or e-mail it. Mitzvah points may be available.
To enroll your young person or for more information, please contact Judy Emick-Leatherwood, jemick@comcast.net.
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