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    The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians recognizes that the organ was introduced in Greek Orthodox churches in America in the 20th century, after the tradition of unaccompanied singing was established. While the organ is not traditional, the Forum accepts its use as a necessary aid for volunteer choirs lacking formal training, to help with intonation, balance, and accompaniment. However, the organ should not disrupt or overpower the voices, introduce inappropriate music, or be audible before services. The Forum will continue developing Orthodox organ music and providing guidance to church musicians on its proper use.

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    The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians recognizes that the organ was introduced in Greek Orthodox churches in America in the 20th century, after the tradition of unaccompanied singing was established. While the organ is not traditional, the Forum accepts its use as a necessary aid for volunteer choirs lacking formal training, to help with intonation, balance, and accompaniment. However, the organ should not disrupt or overpower the voices, introduce inappropriate music, or be audible before services. The Forum will continue developing Orthodox organ music and providing guidance to church musicians on its proper use.

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    17 views1 page

    Use

    Uploaded by

    Marth0
    The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians recognizes that the organ was introduced in Greek Orthodox churches in America in the 20th century, after the tradition of unaccompanied singing was established. While the organ is not traditional, the Forum accepts its use as a necessary aid for volunteer choirs lacking formal training, to help with intonation, balance, and accompaniment. However, the organ should not disrupt or overpower the voices, introduce inappropriate music, or be audible before services. The Forum will continue developing Orthodox organ music and providing guidance to church musicians on its proper use.

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    NATIONAL FORUM

    OF GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH MUSICIANS


    The musical arm of the Archdiocese that strengthens and perpetuates
    Greek Orthodox liturgical music in America




    National Forum Position Statement Regarding

    THE USE OF THE ORGAN


    The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians recognizes that the use of the organ
    in our parishes, either as an accompaniment for the choir or as background music during
    services, is an element introduced into the Greek Orthodox Church in America after the
    beginning of the 20th century. Further, the Forum understands that the traditional form of
    music for Orthodox music is the unaccompanied human voice.

    However, since the majority of choirs throughout America are composed of volunteer singers,
    many of whom lack formal musical training, we accept the fact that the organ has become a
    necessary adjunct to the choir and to congregational singing --- primarily to maintain accurate
    intonation, to support the vocal sound if the choir lacks proper balance between sections, or to
    perform an independent accompaniment if such is provided in the composition. Such
    situations, we feel, constitute judicious and musically intelligent uses of the organ, provided
    they do not disrupt or overpower the voices, nor introduce a musical element that is not
    conducive to prayer and meditation.

    Organ misuses that should be avoided include the following:

    _ Pitches sounded by the organ before hymns and responses that are
    audible to the congregation. Much preferred are pitches given by
    pitch pipe and/or hummed quietly by the director.

    _ The use of organ stops or combinations which overpower vocal sound
    or otherwise produce effects that do not complement the character of
    Orthodox Church music.

    The National Forum of Church Musicians will continue to promote and encourage the
    development of Orthodox music for the organ to supplement the prescribed role of the choir
    as necessary during Holy Communion, the Offering, or while the celebrant distributes
    antidhoron. In addition, the National Forum has developed materials regarding the appropriate
    use of the organ and has identified resources to assist church musicians in carrying out these
    guidelines. Further information may be obtained by contacting the National Chairman.

    (Adopted 6/85)

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