The East Bay Jewish Folk Chorus

(Chanukah Concert, Julia Morgan 2009)

Click here to watch clips from our Chanukah concert

(Netivot Shalom Yiddish Day)

The East Bay Jewish Folk Chorus meets on Mondays, 7:30 pm at the East Bay JCC, 1414 Walnut, Berkeley. To find out how to join this group, please email Achi Ben Shalom at mail@nigunim.org.

Background
The chorus began in the 1950’s under the direction of Saul Joseph, practicing at the East Bay JCC. When Saul died, the group became dormant. In 2001, the chorus started meeting again under the direction of Achi Ben Shalom. The core group of the chorus is about 15 members strong. Meetings are Mondays, 7:30 – 9:30. Most of the repertoire is traditional, with some contemporary songs in languages such as Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino and English and arrangements for two, three, and four parts.

Every meeting includes voice warm-ups, learning singing techniques, learning new pieces and reviewing previously taught music.

Sight-reading skills are helpful, but not a requirement.

Cost: $150 for a 10-class season. Scholarships are offered.

Goals
The chorus’s short-term goal is to provide an on-going musical activity that is recreational and healing. The long-term goals are: (a) preserving traditional Jewish folk songs; (b) passing on the legacy to the next generation; (c) building a repertoire that can be performed occasionally; and (d) providing a space where participants can grow musically both individually and as part of a group.