Essay on PBS's 'Newshour': Sing along

Subject: RE: Essay on PBS's 'Newshour': Sing along
From: CapriUni
Date: 02 Sep 06 - 08:24 PM

Some time ago, I started a thread: Chants vs. song: Why don't Pagans *sing?*, where I bemoan the lack of melody in Neo-Pagan ritual which, otherwise, is very much a homespun, do-it-yourself, sort of religious tradition.

After seeing the segment last night, I got the answer to my question: Neo-Pagans don't sing because the majority of them are modern folks in this modern culture. And I think it boils down to a basic fear of hitting the wrong note, and being mocked for it. And really, comparing your own talent to a highly-produced commercial album is like comparing your looks to the photos of models in fashion magazines. Whidh is sad.

Subject: RE: Essay on PBS's 'Newshour': Sing along
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Sep 06 - 08:24 PM

I hope they put it up in a day or two. I'd love to hear it. I am listening to an address by him about Latino culture HERE. Very good. He's got a lot to say and very eloquently.

Thanks, CU!

Subject: RE: Essay on PBS's 'Newshour': Sing along
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 02 Sep 06 - 07:51 PM

We caught it and thought it was right on. We have always sung with others - in school, with our kids in the car and around campfires, with folk music clubs and, eventually as performers.

Whenever we perform we include some singalongs. We find most grownups are eager to participate if given the chance. Most of our performing has been for kids and we always point out that most of the music they hear is designed to be listened to but folk music is music we can all sing together. They, too, are eager to participate except at that awkward age from about ten to fifteen where it's definitely uncool to sing along.

And about Christmas carols - many people we know are eager to sing them but no one seems to know them anymore.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: Essay on PBS's 'Newshour': Sing along
From: CapriUni
Date: 02 Sep 06 - 06:48 PM

Last night (September 1, 2006), The Newshour with Jim Lehrer closed with what I thought was an excellent 'essay.' Richard Rodriguez mused on how, for many people in today's American culture, singing is something we only let ourselves do in private -- in the shower, or in the car, with the windows rolled up -- as long as we're sure no one can hear us. He points out that, for many of us, we're surrounded by music all the time, in background music in stores, or walking around with iPod earpieces in our ears, but that communal singing has become a lost art, and that even in many of the larger churches, the worship music is often produced concert pieces, and members of the congregation have become listeners rather than singers.

That's something I've noticed, too, and I really miss it: no one goes carolling door-to-door at Christmastime anymore (at least around here); just records of carols playing in the background at parties.

I was hoping the segment would be available online, for folks to listen to, but it's not. I was wondering if any other Mudcatter caught it.