Appropriate or not appropriate?

[oregangirl]

Recently called as Music Leader I have been informed that the following songs are not suitable to sing in Primary 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas', 'Jingle Bells' and the traditional birthday song 'Happy Birthday to You'. I was told that it was because they are not in the Hymn, Children's Hymn books etc but the Primary Handout booklet says that "Occasionally patriotic or holiday songs that are suitable for Sunday and for the children's ages are also appropriate...the use of 'any other' music should be approved by local priesthood leaders." I'm confused and don't want to seem resistant to the Presidency. I have been in Primary for many years and others whom I've have spoken to feel that those songs are fine. What say ye?

[avsfan]

Hmmm, interesting. My two cents would be that 1) it's not all that important so therefore I will follow what the presidency asks, and 2) there are so many occasions outside of church that they can sing those songs, I would be happy to use primary singing time to sing the songs not all that common.

Really, I don't see why they would need to be 'banned'--they would fit into the handbook definition like you say. But obedience is greater than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

I kind-of had the same feelings when I was in charge of Nursery music; we sang the songs in the Primary children's songbook, and I didn't do Wheels on the Bus and Old MacDonald, etc. We filled up the time with "I am like a Star" and Smiles and Popcorn popping, etc. But when someone else took that position, they brought in props for those other 'nursery' songs. I felt like it was better to just stick with the church songs for church. But it's not a big deal.

Hopefully you can come to an understanding so that you don't have confusion. That's never a fun feeling!

[andreagrover]

We stick to the Children's Songbook in Primary, but I choose to include favorites such as "Ring Around the Rosies" in nursery. When somebody in the stake suggested that such songs were inappropriate, I gave my singing schedule for the year to the Primary president. She, in turn, took it to the bishop to get approval. He said it was fine and dandy.

I think it's good to go up the chain of command when you have a question such as this, and then follow the direction of your ward leadership.

[calgarymomto3]

When I was chorister, I stuck with the songs in the songbook. There are so many in there that never get sung. I understand the Jingle Bells particularly on the Sunday before Christmas and the kids have sung in sacrament mtg, but I still didn't do it.

Ahh. Nursery - that's interesting from what I've learned. Before I was the chorister I was the pianist for 2 other choristers, 1 of them having been the chorister multiple times. I would go into nursery with them, and the only song that was sung from the songbook was IACOG (I Am a Child of God). So when I was called to be chorister, I did the same thing. And then I had my kids and I learned that there are some really good action songs in the songbook. If I'm ever called to be chorister again (and I pray that I am cause it's the best calling ever), I will use songs in nursery from the songbook.

Hope this helps.

Sheri.

[beckyb]

Songs like the traditional "happy birthday" are heavily copyrighted and the church could actually get in trouble for singing it with out permission.