Classical music is rich with history of magnificent music, compelling divas, and innovative composers. Not every world premiere was grand, however.  This Month in Classical Music History is a series dedicated to finding stories of the good, the bad, and the downright weird. For November read about Bach serving time in jail, an invention that helped develop the standard tuning pitch of A440 Hz, and an outburst from the New York City Opera stage.

My Music. My Story. is one of Classical Music Indy’s initiatives to feature music, musicians, and music lovers in a fun way. To honor Jewish American Heritage Month, we spoke with Cantor Janice L. Roger, from the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (IHC). She has been the Cantor with the IHC for 38 years and will be retiring from the position this year. Cantor Roger discusses her love of music, how it is used throughout her work at the IHC, and why she decided to serve her community through music.