IS IT TRUE LATTER-DAY SAINTS CAN ONLY USE THEIR HYMNBOOK IN CHURCH MEETINGS?

The MUSIC section of the current (1998) Handbook of Instructions is pages 289-294. Every person with a music-related calling is required to have a copy of this section of the Handbook. If you don't have a copy, then get one.

All underlining in these quotes is my own underlining.

 
 

APPROPRIATE MUSIC FOR CHURCH MEETINGS (page 289):

"Stake presidencies and bishoprics determine whether musical selections or instruments are suitable for a particular meeting. Careful selection and proper performance of music can greatly enhance the spirit of worship. Guidelines are provided in the following paragraphs.

"The hymns of the Church are the basic music for Latter-day Saint meetings and are standard for all congregational singing. Hymns are also encouraged for prelude and postlude music, choir music, and special events. If other musical selections are used, they should be in keeping with the spirit of the hymns of the Church. Texts should be doctrinally correct. (See "Hymns for Congregations," Hymns, pages 380-81.)

"Music in Church meetings should help members worship, feel the sacred spirit of the Sabbath, and feel the spirit of revelation. This music should not draw attention to itself or be for demonstration. Some religiously oriented music in a popular style is not appropriate for sacrament meetings. Also, much sacred music that is suitable for concerts and recitals is not appropriate for a Latter-day Saint worship service.

"Organs and pianos are the standard instruments used in Church meetings. If other instruments are used, their use should be in keeping with the spirit of the meeting. Instruments with a prominent or less worshipful sound, such as most brass and percussion, are not appropriate for sacrament meeting.

"Live accompaniment is normally used in sacrament meeting and other ward meetings. If a piano, organ, or accompanist is not available, appropriate recordings may be used. Such recordings are listed in the annual Church Materials Catalog.

"Music in Church meetings should usually be sung in the language of the congregation."

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Okay: here are some of the basics:

1. Stake presidents and bishops are to determine what music and musical instruments are suitable for any given meeting.

2. The hymnal is the basic resource for music for church meetings. If other music is used it must be in keeping with the spirit of the hymns in the hymnal and texts are to be doctrinally correct.

3. The purpose of the music is not to be a concert but to aide in worship. The performance should draw the congregation towards the Spirit and not towards the performer.

4. The use of instruments other than piano and organ should be in keeping with the spirit of the particular meeting.

  
 

MUSIC FOR STAKE MEETINGS (page 290):

"Under the direction of the stake presidency, the stake music chairman arranges for the music at stake conferences and other stake meetings. The presiding authority at a stake conference reviews all proposed musical selections for the conference early in the planning stage.

"Music for the general session of stake conference normally includes four selections. The congregation sings the opening and intermediate hymns. A choir may sing the other two selections, perhaps after the invocation and at the close of the meeting. At least one of the choir's selections should be a Latter-day Saint hymn or hymn arrangement. Choirs may be composed of children, youth, priesthood holders, and Relief Society sisters, or families."

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Much the same guidance applies to stake meetings as for ward meetings. It also notes that at stake conferences the choir can be used to sing two or the four songs used in the meeting, and that at least one of them should be from the hymnal.

  
 

MUSIC IN PRIMARY (page 236 in the PRIMARY section of the Handbook):

"Music in Primary should create a reverent atmosphere, teach the gospel, and help children feel the Spirit of the Lord and the joy that comes through singing. THE CHILDREN'S SONGBOOK is the basic resource for Primary music. Hymns from the hymnbook and songs from the FRIEND are also appropriate. 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 in Primary should be approved by local priesthood leaders."

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Music in Primary should:
1) create a reverent atmosphere,
2) teach the Gospel,
3) Help the children feel the Holy Spirit,
4) help the children feel the joy that comes through singing.

Sources of music already approved for use in Primary are:
1) Children's Songbook,
2) the hymnal;
3) the FRIEND Magazine;
4) patriotic or seasonal songs that are suitable for the Sabbath.

  
  

In case the Handbook of Instructions is not plan enough, 
the First Presidency issued the following letter:
November 7, 2002

To: General Authorities, Area Authority Seventies; Stake, Mission, and District Presidents; 
Bishops and Branch Presidents.

Dear Brethren,

MUSIC FOR CHURCH MEETINGS

Inspirational music is an essential part of worship. When prayerfully selected, music can invite the 
Spirit of the Lord, increase devotion to the gospel, and lead to greater spirituality.

We remind Stake Presidencies and bishoprics that they may consider both the hymns and other 
appropriate music when planning meetings. The hymns of the Church are the basic music for 
worship services and are standard for congregational singing. However, in addition to the hymns, 
other appropriate selections may be used for prelude and postlude music, choir music, 
and special musical selections.

May you be blessed in using inspirational music to enhance worship and strengthen members 
of the church.

Sincerely your brethren,

Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
James E. Faust