Music at Beth Tikvah
Do you love to sing? Do you play an instrument? Join one of our ensembles!
The goal of music at Beth Tikvah is to:
- Inspire and enrich our worship life and program activities.
- Create musical social communities within the larger congregation.
- Provide opportunities for spiritual expression through music.
- Challenge ourselves and have fun together in a uniquely Jewish musical environment.
Congregational Singing
Beth Tikvah Congregation places much value on music and congregational singing. We sing a lot together in our services and programs. When the spirit moves you, raise your voice with our congregation, accompanied by guitar and other instruments; it is the sweetest music of all. If you are not inspired to sing, feel free to just sit back, relax, and listen.
We make the music come alive!
Beth Tikvah is part of a unique group of temples that base their musical excellence on volunteer members, rather than paid musicians. Our choral and instrumental performers are primarily our own volunteer members. We find that this creates a special musical environment for the our community.
Our ensembles have many standard pieces in their repertoire, and are always adding and rotating pieces in and out to match our temple's theme for the year, and to challenge the ensembles musically.
Our ensembles do not perform at every Friday evening service; instead we perform at special services, throughout the year.
If you or your children are interested in joining any of our ensembles, please contact Cantoral Leader Ilana Axel; 847-885-4545 x105.
Music Ensembles
Kolan - Choir (Grades 1-5)
Grades 1-5
Our children's choir rehearses on Sundays when Religious School is in session, right after morning services, from 11:30 am – 12:15 pm. Activities include worship, school assemblies, and off-site events.
Kol Shirah - Songleaders (Grades 6-12)
Grades 6-12
Our tween & teen songleaders are building their worship and program-leading skills together. Come with voices, guitars, or other instruments you are fairly skilled in. They meet weekly on Sundays from 9:45-10:30 am.
Kol Tikvah - Choir
Ages 13 - 120
Our Adult Choir, "The Voice of Hope," meets 2-3 Tuesday evenings each month, from 7:30-9:00 pm and continues to warmly embrace new members at all times of the year. Prospective members do not have to be proficient music readers, but they must be able to sing in tune. Training is part of the Kol Tikvah experience.
Activities include worship and off-site concerts and festivals. At rehearsals, you can witness volunteers from all walks of life pouring their hearts and souls into song for high purpose. This group of talented and vibrant individuals forms the cornerstone of formal music at Beth Tikvah.
K'lei Tikvah - Instrumentalists
"The Instruments of Hope"
Proficient instrumentalists often accompany and enrich our music both in ensembles and individually. These musicians lend their time and multiple talents to our holiday worship, enriching us beyond words. Adults and high school students with some experience are welcome to join the fun. This group meets as needed.
T'filah Group - Voices or Instruments
Adults & Post-B'nei Mitzvah
Want to learn Shabbat melodies before the service? Want to spontaneously harmonize and/or improvise on old and new melodies? Want to do this in a setting that is NOT a rehearsal, rather an intimate and unique music-making session? Don't be bashful. Bring your voices, and/or your skilled instruments, and your spirits. Or, just come to listen.
The second Friday of each month from 6:30-7:30 pm.
Purim Chorale - Singers & Actors
Those who “sing” for Purim
Purim Chorale is our annual forage into "voices of all kinds" as we sing parodies for the pruim service. Maybe you like to sing and perform but your family thinks you don’t sound so good? This is the group for you. All are welcome. This usually includes costumes and lots of fun!
Sound Crew
Love to run a sound board?
We are always in need of people who know how to run small and large sound systems well. We have a small core group of people now, but are always looking for more helpful hands. Please let us know if you are interested in joining our crew.