www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Musical Notation in Pew Books?

This is intended simply as a discussion starter - the interesting stuff is WHY folks do or do not like musical notation in Pew Books.

Musical Notation in Pew Books? single choice
	I like it if the people have musical notation in their pew books.
	I do NOT like it when people have musical notation in their pew books.
Votes accepted starting: 12/31/69 08:00 PM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

So far, I notice that 95% of the responses are in favor of music notation in the pew books. (for those who eschew pews, perhaps it should be called the peoples book).

As a cantor, I favor music in the pew books.More people are familiar with basic music notation than in decades past.

Given that the number of 'cradle' byzantines is shrinking having music in the pew book is the fastest way for people new to the church to learn and join in with worship. Also, with less frequent services as matins or vespers the inclusion of music helps those who wish to join in to do so rather than with text alone.

I know that when I'm the visitor I appreciate having the same music that the cantor has. Many times I have visited and had to 'figure out' what the cantor was singing or just be silent if it was too far from my reportoire of known variations because of a lack of music.

just my .0002 cents.

Steve

Steve,

I don't read music very well, but having the notes would be helpful. However, how would one have all the tones for every song? I eschew pews as well so I like your idea about changing the word "pew" to "people" or the like.

Dan L

yes - because it's always better to have TOO MUCH information than NOT ENOUGH.

Eventually, the cantor's book will have most of the major variants. There are always the local variations that one just has to learn by hearing.

I agree with Christine that one can't have too much information, especially when it comes to having music.