As STEMI 2010 September rally approaches, I am part of the music team that will handle chorister registration. I noted a couple objections during yesterday's meeting.
1. The simple 簡譜 musical notation is often used by Chinese congregations as well as many Chinese traditional musicians. I objected its use this time (I was instructed to add the notations for our own church's choir - which I do since I find no alternative). The purpose of such additional notation is meant for those who can't read regular musical notations but can, however, read the simple notation. Therefore, to make the excuse of "for beginners" is absurd. If need be, at least we shouldn't announce that we have numbered notations in Messiah, Elijah, Creation, etc. until the very last second when needed or else it is an obvious vain zeal. I then suggested the use of the website cyberbass.com, also used by OSNY members, which I also donated $20 to yesterday. Using the stupid notation only makes things worse, it prevents people from actually learning from the regular notations. Cyberbass.com uses midi files to train each voice parts in various popular classical pieces.
2. It was suggested that we buy 140 originals and also make copies so that the choristers are only given the copies and not the originals yet (lest they should lose them) until the week of the rally. I would say this is due to "showing how gracious we can be". Perhaps it was due to my experience with the Oratorio Society I joined, I believe all members of the choir should buy (or pay a partial amount of) their own musics, even if they are volunteering. This would confirm their seriousness, true Christian servitude (evangelically), and responsibility. Not to mention a huge save on papers as well as confusion of switching from copies to originals.
How these objection will turn out, I don't know.