He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old.
Matthew 13: 52
It seems self-evident that a church’s music program will combine new music with old music that people are more familiar with. There is music which varies according to season and music which is always applicable. A music director has the honor of choosing the music according to the abilities of all concerned, liturgical needs and making a beautiful sound for the greater glory of God.
Sometimes a music director can encounter criticism about the music program. The good side of this is that it shows that someone cares. It can be an opportunity to share ideas about why we choose certain music. Hopefully it can be an amicable exchange mutually enriching both sides.
Having a plan can be helpful. Having a published schedule of upcoming music can help show that the choices are not arbitrary. It can also show that any alterations need to be made months in advance. Also having records of past plans helps bring something concrete to any discussion.
When it comes to the discussion of varying music, I’m always reminded of a dear old priest who would sing the same two hymns, one before Mass and the other after Mass, just for the quiet weekday Masses. Usually such Masses would have had no music whatsoever, but these two well known hymns were very welcome.
I still fall back on those two hymns on a fairly regular basis. They are well known here in Australia but I understand not so well known elsewhere around the world. I’m speculating that other places would tend to have old stalwart pieces which can guarantee a good reception. Such pieces could become stale, but they have their place.
