Up above, performances by school choirs, etc. were mentioned. From years ago, I remember decisions made by students and music teachers at our schools to perform certain pieces or musical plays. The school bought copyright songs and plays. Some were too expensive and had to be dropped from consideration. The school agreed to certain performance conditions and made payment for this material.

If someone records the performance of a copyright composition and puts it on youtube or whatever, open to the public without charge, they are stealing from the copyright holder.

Composers rights must be upheld. Paroles.net, Honking Duck, and other internet sites as well as youtube have violated these rights.
We might have enjoyed the free pass, but that does not make it either right or legal.