Sacred Music cont.

        The role of Sacred Music in schools is a difficult one to determine.  Any decent educator would be remiss if they were to leave out the vital historical and musical significance that Sacred Music has.  If an educator is going to undertake the task of teaching Sacred Music, there are many guidelines that must be considered.  What is ethical and what is not? If a teacher chooses a religious piece, the overall religious preference of the class is a very important detail to consider.  Are there any students in the class that might be offended by the selection? If they are offended, how does the teacher provide an equal assessment opportunity for the student without sequestering or ostracizing the student?  Is the teacher balancing religious and secular selections or teachings?  These must all be answered before making a musical selection for a performance group or music classroom.  Sacred music has its place, but it must be used carefully. 

Sacred Music

What is Sacred Music and does it belong in our educational system?

       Sacred music was written for church services, for worship and has a deep religious context.  Some of the most cutting edge music of the time, it was also used for educational purposes.  Teaching students of instrumental and vocal legacy.  It was the first music to be transcribed and because of that, we have no choice but to learn from it.  We have seen the benefits of music education in our schools and research in the field.  Sacred music is a vital part of that tradition.  To leave it out would be handing our younger generations and incomplete education.