Let there be guitars...
When Craig Jessop abruptly stepped down as head of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, rumors immediately circulated: Was this the beginning of a Tom Monson purge related to something unspeakable in Mormon circles? (Wink-wink, nudge-nudge.)
But I've found evidence of the real reason. Jessop brought a guitar —Satan's ax —into a major church performance on New Year's Day 2006, in the presence of the Prophet, no less. Guitarist and folk singer Peter Breinholt recalls:
Nate Oman on the Times and Seasons blog, notes:
The program contained the the standard sort of fare for such Major Mormon Events: large choirs — which now include a full orchestra — and sermons. ...then there was this number by Utah-based Mormon folk singer Peter Breinholt... thought it was surprising because I have always thought that the one, hard-core, non-negotiable rule in all Mormon meetings regardless of forum was “Thou Shalt Not Have Guitars.” ...
In 2103, when some BYU student is doing a Master’s Thesis on the rise of pop-folk music in Mormon services, I suspect that this will be marked as the moment when the first cracks appeared in the old-aesthetic line against guitars.
Remember, ye saints, a guitar can be used for good or evil.
But I've found evidence of the real reason. Jessop brought a guitar —Satan's ax —into a major church performance on New Year's Day 2006, in the presence of the Prophet, no less. Guitarist and folk singer Peter Breinholt recalls:
Craig Jessop called me and explained that they were looking for something a little different. He kept using the word “celebration” to describe the event they were envisioning. ... not only did he encourage me to pick a broader song, he steered me towards playing the guitar."Something a little different?" — for crying out loud! What was Jessop thinking? Sure, the MoTabs had covered "La Bamba" and even "Louie, Louie" (OK, that's unsubstantiated). But a gee-tar?
Nate Oman on the Times and Seasons blog, notes:
The program contained the the standard sort of fare for such Major Mormon Events: large choirs — which now include a full orchestra — and sermons. ...then there was this number by Utah-based Mormon folk singer Peter Breinholt... thought it was surprising because I have always thought that the one, hard-core, non-negotiable rule in all Mormon meetings regardless of forum was “Thou Shalt Not Have Guitars.” ...
In 2103, when some BYU student is doing a Master’s Thesis on the rise of pop-folk music in Mormon services, I suspect that this will be marked as the moment when the first cracks appeared in the old-aesthetic line against guitars.
Remember, ye saints, a guitar can be used for good or evil.
2 Comments:
This is one of the most ridiculous story I have ever heard. There is not a ban on guitars, perhaps electric guitars may be considered in poor taste, but this was an acoustical guitar. I have attended several LDS religious services where a guitar was played.
I headed the music committee for several years in my ward. The church handbook only talks about what instruments are allowed in chapel services. Guitars of any kind are not allowed.
However, the Meganacle is not a chapel.
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