Music Appreciation???

In a letter published in this week's edition of the Jewish Week, Jay Danzig of JAMS -Jewish Music As A Second Language writes:

"It is discouraging that the thank you I received after nine years of directing music at a Jewish day school was a plastic light-up pen and an unsigned card wishing me well in future endeavors."

It's a sad but true fact that many Jewish organizations don't appreciate the musicians who work or volunteer for them. I've spoken with many musicians who have performed either for free or at significantly reduced rates for major Jewish organizations only to be passed over without even being considered when the organization plans an event with a budget for music.