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The Ethics of Sacred Music in Public School Choirs

The Ethics of Sacred Music in Public School Choirs. Ellen Squier. Issues Facing Music Educators. Balance between: Laws – Religion neutralized in public schools --Separation of Church and State Sacred Music

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The Ethics of Sacred Music in Public School Choirs

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  1. The Ethics of Sacred Music in Public School Choirs Ellen Squier

  2. Issues Facing Music Educators • Balance between: • Laws – Religion neutralized in public schools --Separation of Church and State • Sacred Music – Historical – Bach – 21st century composers set Masses, Psalms, Oratorios, etc. -- Cultural–Judeo-Christian Heritage, Christmas Carols, Hymns, Patriotic, Singing Schools, Spirituals. • Colorado Choir • Personal Reactions?x

  3. NAfME Statement • Does music with a sacred text have a place in the public schools? • It is the position of MENC: The National Association for Music Education that the study and performance of religious music within an educational context is a vital and appropriate part of a comprehensive music education. The omission of sacred music from the school curriculum would result in an incomplete educational experience.

  4. 1st Amendment • The First Amendment does not forbid all mention of religion in the public schools; it prohibits the advancement or inhibition of religion by the state. • Schools do not have to remove all materials that may offend religious sensitivity. Subjects may be taught and presented, but not promoted. • For as just as a study of art would be incomplete without including cathedrals, so would a study of music be without including Bach Chorales, Handel’s Messiah, and other sacred classics. • Since music with a sacred text or of a religious origin (particularly choral music) constitutes such a substantial portion of music literature and has such an important place in the history of music, it should and does have an important place in music education.

  5. What’s the Purpose? Guides for the Music Teacher 1. Is the music selected on the basis of its musical and educational value rather than its religious context? 2. Does the teaching of music with sacred text focus on musical and artistic considerations? 3. Are the traditions of different people shared and respected? 4. Is the role of sacred music one of neutrality, neither promoting nor inhibiting religious views?

  6. What’s the Effect? Guides for the Music Teacher Cont. 5. Are all local and school policies regarding religious holidays and the use of sacred music observed? 6. Is the use of sacred music and religious symbols or scenery avoided? Is performance in devotional settings avoided? 7. Is there sensitivity to the various religious beliefs represented by the students and parents?

  7. Integration of Faith and Education • CO High School Video • My Faith vs. Others • NAfME as guideline and rationale • Arts are an opportunity to expose students to Christian faith, American heritage. • Careful selection: Consider lyrics, historical use. • Listening and Analysis vs. Performance. For example, unit on music in world worship.

  8. Works Cited: • "Sacred Music In Schools." NAfME. Music Educators National Conference, 1 Jan. 1996. Web. 01 Apr. 2012. <http://www.nafme.org/about/view/sacred-music-in-schools>. • YouCruising. "Colorado Student Quits High School Choir Over Songs Islamic Verses: "There Is No Truth Except Allah"" YouTube. YouTube, 16 Feb. 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx3wmtdVY5s>.

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