ninth annual conference-convention - Cantors Assembly

Friedrich S. Brodnitz, head of the Voice and Speech
Clinic of Mount Sinai Hospital, and author of books
on vocal hygiene, who discussed vocal problems of
singers and speakers. This lecture session, which was
followed by a question and answer period, was also
attended by students of the Cantors Institute at our
invitation.
We are indebted to all our officers for their cooperation,
and we look forward to a new year of fruitf
ulness.
WEST COAST REGIONAL BRANCH
Hazzan Nathan Ka tzman
Once again, it is time to take inventory of the activities
of our region during this past year. While
we have not quite arrived at the Utopian stage which
all of us might desire, nevertheless we have continued
to contribute in some small measure to the wellbeing
of the individual cantor and to our profession as a
whole. Following are the highlights of our activities:
1. A monthly news letter for the purpose of sharing
each others joys and sorrows and allowing for the
evaluation of original compositions.
2. A monthly M’laveh Malkah in the respective
homes of colleagues to cement closer relationship and
engender a feeling of true friendship.
3. A music library of liturgical and secular music
for the benefit of our membership.
4. During Jewish Music Month, a cantorial octet and
a special music committee, comprised of Cantors Assembly
members, assisted our membership in conducting
annual concerts with the innovation that the cantor
of that particular synagogue was the only featured
soloist of the evening.
5. A two-day conference was held in Los Angeles in
anticipation of the Annual United Synagogue Regional
Conference and the Annual Cantors Assembly Convention
in New York. The purpose of this conference
was to afford each member an opportunity for expressing
his views and to make sure that the Chairman
brings to the Convention the opinions of the entire
group rather than merely his own personal views,
6. A mixed commission on ethics, standards and
grievances comprised of Rabbinical Assembly and Cantors
Assembly members. This commission will meet
frequently for the good and welfare of both our prof
essions.
7. A Committee to assure equal distribution of musical
honors among members at all United Synagogue
functions.
8. Joint Council of Cantors comprising the Orthodox,
Conservative and Reform colleagues for the purpose
of maintaining proper boundary lines and working
together for the mutual good of hazzanut.
9. A liason committee of Organists Guild members
and members of the Cantors Assembly was formed for
the purpose of mutual aid and benefit in all phases of
Jewish music.
10. An intensive program serving all affiliates of
the United Synagogue was successfully carried
through.
In the main, we have striven at all times, by word
and deed, to help elevate standards of our profession.
NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL BRANCH
Hazzan Gabriel Hochberg
At our meetings, the main topics of discussion are
education and fund raising. We all agree that we
need some form of study available to us. Since it is
very difficult for most of our members to come to
New York, we urge that extension courses be made
available to us during the academic season, at some
central point within the confines of our region.
As to fund-raising, concerts have been held by Hazzanim
Jacob Hohenemser in Providence, R. I., Irving
Kischel in Milton, Mass., Michael Hammerman in
Brookline, Mass., and Gabriel Hochberg in Newton,
Mass.
The rest of our members raised funds through personal
solicitation.
May I mention here that there are some Hazzanim,
who, for various reasons are unable to raise funds in
their communities, but are always ready to give of
their time and talents to help other Hazzanim by participating
in their concerts. We suggest that these
Hazzanim’s names be recorded in some manner for
due recognition.
PHILADELPHIA REGIONAL BRANCH
Hazzan Yehuda Mandel
The noteworthy accomplishments in the Philadelphia
Region since our last convention have been many.
The following is a brief account of our activities:
1. We inaugurated a plan by which our meetings
were combined business and cultural gatherings. We
divided our meeting times into two parts where business
would be discussed followed by a cultural (seminar
type) program prepared by our members who
spoke on professional topics. One special lecturemeeting
was combined with the Council of Jewish
Music in Philadelphia. At this meeting we were addressed
by the eminent Dr. Weisgall of our Cantors
Institute.
2. The Choral Ensemble of our Branch became a
reality this year. We have met weekly for rehearsals
under the very able direction of Hazzan Max Wohlberg,
A concert for the benefit of the Cantors Institute
is planned for May 29th, in Congregation Beth
Judah of Logan. The Student Choral Ensemble of the
Institute will also be featured at this concert.
3. Our social gatherings, held in the houses of
members, were most successful. We were able to spend