My Voice

by Jessie Reagen, BIMA music faculty member

As a professional musician, one is often put in emotionally stifling musical situations.  For the past three years I have been a resident musician at B’nai Jeshuran (BJ) on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.   Classically trained, I was brought up learning to play and interpret musical markings as accurately as possible.  However, even as a young girl, I would often start playing other melodies during a practice session.  These melodies often had nothing to do with the literature I was studying.  While many people write in a journal to convey thoughts and feelings, I would often sit down and start playing as my form of self expression.

In many cases, a performance is influenced by the musical interpretation of a conductor or musical director.  My voice as a musician continues to change and develop.  Fortunately, I don’t often find myself in these situations.  In addition to playing at BJ, my work as an artist varies from Broadway shows to concert halls to amplified work with bands in clubs. 

At BJ, I learned to play melodies I have been singing for many years.  While playing the High Holiday and Shabbat services I started to feel like I was praying through the voice of my instrument. The range of the cello is thought to be closest to the human voice.  I had always considered my playing a form of expression, but never had I considered it or shared it as a form of prayer.  Now, when I sing out (while playing) in services, it is not only personally fulfilling, but as I’m often told, a meaningful contribution to the religious experience of the BJ community as well. 


Jessie Reagen is a cellist based in NYC. 
www.cellochic.com