Letter to the editor: Churches tend to lean toward traditional music genres

Notes: "Editor's note: At the conclusion of our February [2008] feature article entitled 'Churches sing a new song unto the Lord', we invited readers to tell us about 'unusual' church music , or music that is atypical in the context of the church".; Text of letter follows: Let me tell you my favourite story about the traditional Anglican music genre. One of the ladies of the church approached my wife, who is a well-known professional popular singer, to ask if she was coming to the carol concert. My wife replied that unfortunately she was performing on that date. With pride, I added that she would be leading carols in front of an audience of 2,500. 'That's a pity' the lady replied. 'We only get about 40 at our carol concert, so we needed you two to add a couple more to the numbers in the nave. I think we might need a forum to discuss alternative music traditions in the Anglican church". [Text of entire article.]; Letter also accompanied by editorial cartoon showing group of three musicians with guitar, microphone and drum, being greeting by church usher, holding book of "Hymns Ancient" saying: "Oh good, we could use some more strong voices in the pews".

Subjects: Church music - Anglican Church of Canada; Music - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada