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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.

1. What is the purpose of the activity?
2. Is the purpose secular in nature; for instance, studying music of a particular composer’s style or historical period?
3. What is the primary effect of the activity?
4. Is it the celebration of religion?
5. Does the activity either enhance or inhibit religion?
6. Does it invite confusion of thought or family objections?
7. 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.

1. Is the music selected on the basis of its musical and educational value rather than its religious context?
2. Are the traditions of different people shared and respected?
3. Is the excessive use of sacred music, religious symbols or scenery, and performance in devotional settings avoided?
4. Is the role of sacred music a neutral one, neither promoting nor inhibiting religious views?
5. Are all local and school policies regarding religious holidays observed?
6. Is there understanding of the various religious beliefs and sensitivities represented by the school-children and parents?