RELIGIOUS MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS
It is the position of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association
that the study of religious music is a vital and appropriate
part of the total music experience in both performing and
listening. The omission of sacred music from the repertoire
or study of music would present an incorrect and incomplete
concept of the comprehensive nature of the art form.
CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
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. A second clause in the First Amendment
prohibits infringement of religious beliefs. Nor are the public
schools required to delete from the curriculum all materials
that may offend any religious sensitivity.
The following questions are relevant to the constitutional
standards of religious neutrality necessary in the public
schools.
- What is the purpose of the activity?
- Is the purpose secular in nature; for instance, studying
music of a particular composer’s style or historical
period?
- What is the primary effect of the activity?
- Is it the celebration of religion?
- Does the activity either enhance or inhibit religion?
- Does it invite confusion of thought or family objections?
- Does the activity involve an excessive entanglement with
a religion or religious group, or between the schools and
a religious organization?
GUIDELINES FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS
Music educators should exercise good judgment in selecting
sacred music for study and programming for public performances.
During the planning phase of instruction or programming, the
following questions should be considered by each teacher in
determining if a program is acceptable.
- Is the music selected on the basis of its musical and
educational value rather than its religious context?
- Are the traditions of different people shared and respected?
- Is the excessive use of sacred music, religious symbols
or scenery, and performance in devotional settings avoided?
- Is the role of sacred music a neutral one, neither promoting
nor inhibiting religious views?
- Are all local and school policies regarding religious
holidays observed?
- Is there understanding of the various religious beliefs
and sensitivities represented by the school-children and
parents?
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