District Holiday Music Policy Statement
The _______________ Schools continue to be as inclusive as possible of all students’ beliefs and interests. This can be particularly difficult in December as many celebrate significant holidays based on their faith and native customs. It is the policy of the _PS that all music selected for concerts be considerate of the broad diversity of our student population. Music teachers have spent time choosing and preparing selections that are appealing to all families. It is also a significant consideration that any religious text and/or music only be selected if considered historically significant. Any such selection should be approved by school administration for consideration before being programmed and performed.
In carrying out this policy on holiday or religious music, music educators in the __________ Schools are being asked to exercise caution and good judgment in selecting any ‘sacred’ music for study and programming for public performances. Among the considerations should be its musical and educational value rather than its religious context; respecting the shared traditions of all students and families that neither promotes nor inhibits religious views; and sensitivity to the various religious beliefs represented by students and parents. It is with this in mind that we seek to allow students the opportunity to celebrate a variety of holiday traditions through song and performance, while understanding that not all religions celebrate holidays in December and that appropriate musical arrangements for developing voices may be limited when trying to include representative selections in every concert program.
While school concerts will continue to include winter themes, and non-religious texts that may be associated with Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc., it is not the intent of the ______________ Schools to promote any particular religious holiday. It is hoped that music performances in our schools promote tolerance and understanding of all beliefs, traditions, and cultures within our student population.
For guidance in this matter, reference was made to the policy established by the National Association for Music Education, linked here for further clarification.
