[Dixielandjazz] Music In Church - Jazzing up Religious Songs

[LARRY'S Signs and Large Format Printing]

When I was teaching at Mo School for the Blind we had a principal that was
an old line Presbyterian.  He would make the kids attend assemblies that
were really church services.  The kids were asked to play for an Easter
assembly.  They chose "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord" done in a
trad jazz style.  The instrumentation was Tuba, Trumpet, Piano, Trombone and
Drums.  I actually had nothing to do with it.  They learned it on their own.
At the rehearsal for the assembly they played it.  The principal almost
fired me on the spot.  He said very loudly that it was the worst piece of
music he had ever heard".  Translated it swung.  I was really proud of the
kids because of what they had done with the arrangement.  On the bright side
the band was never asked again to play at a religious assembly. This was in
the 60's.

As far as I know no one does a Funeral for the old year here.  You told us
how you did them one time but maybe you could outline it again.  Sounds like
something fun to do.
Larry
St. Louis
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve barbone" <barbonestreet at earthlink.net>
To: "LARRY'S Signs and Large Format Printing" <sign.guy at charter.net>; "DJML"
<dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Friday, July 15, 2005 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Music In Church - Jazzing up Religious Songs


> LARRY at sign.guy at charter.net wrote: (polite snip)
>
> > Steve:
>
> > It seems that most religious groups have softened their views on music
in
> > the church and aren't as rigid as 50 years ago.
>
> Yes indeed. The Catholics have guitar masses, various Protestant churches
> have Jazz Vespers etc., and many just have concerts in Church.
>
> I played my first church service at the Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn
> Heights, NYC about 1960 or 61. I'll never forget the minister starting the
> service by walking out with a pair of huge cymbals which he clanged
together
> and proclaimed: "Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord." The band,
"Southampton
> Dixie, Racing and Clambake Society Jazz Band" did just that at appropriate
> moments during the service. It was written up in the NY Times complete
with
> a photo
>
> As an aside, my wife to be, a Catholic, felt very uncomfortable during the
> service. But that all changed.
>
> Early on, even I felt a little uncomfortable at some jazz services where
we
> played right in front of the altar. Then we did a concert in a Lutheran
> Church one Sunday evening, and I helped the minister move the altar so we
> could set up right in the center. That cured me.
>
> And now, the "Funeral For The Old Year" has become an ongoing gig with us
at
> the first Sunday Service after New Years Eve. As well as 4 or 5 jazz
vesper
> services every year. That plus a few funerals in churches.
>
> Gimme that old time religion.
>
> Cheers,
> Steve Barbone