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There are an increasing number of reasons why parish churches are strapped for cash. Diocesan contributions, building upkeep, charity donations and insurance costs are just of the problems - your church could, I'm sure, add many more to the list.
So it's not surprising that many churches find it difficult to justify spending large amounts of money on music. It's a shame, as we know that music is one of the finest and most compelling ways to enhance the liturgy, but even church musicians must live in the real world and recognise that we have a place in the budget.
But here are a few things you can do to make what you do have go further
Use a piece of music for more than one purpose
Just because a composer or publisher (or indeed, your service book) says that a piece is for a particular occasion, it doesn't mean that you have to only use it for that purpose. A Lenten Gospel Acclamation, for instance, can make a good entrance song; a songlike Alleluia can serve the same function at appropriate times in the year. A communion song or anthem often makes sense as an offertory item, while some parts of the mass - the Glory to God, I believe or even a Holy, Holy can also work as a song in non-Eucharistic worship environments.
Responsorial psalms, by the way, are ideal for a variety of different situations.
Ask people to 'sponsor' the purchase of sets of music
This is a simple way to spread the cost of purchasing sets of music. If there are members of your congregation who tell you that they enjoy the music in your services, suggest that they help out this way.
Share with other churches
If there are other churches in your area with repertoire similar to yours, why not arrange to exchange sets of music? This works best with anthems and songs - mass settings and the like tend to be needed every week.
Buy single copies to try the music out
Sometimes you're not sure whether a piece (maybe you heard it at a workshop, or have read a description of it in a catalogue) will work or not with your congregation. Try it out on some people before committing to buying a complete set - much better to have a cupboard stocked with music that you actually use!
Make sure you use the budget
As anybody in business will tell you, the secret of getting a budget next year is to use your budget this year. If you don't buy music regularly (if not necessarily all the time) then eyebrows may be raised when you do. It may seem odd to talk this way when it comes to church music - but remember that the music in your worship is important, and you are the one responsible for it.
Martin Le Poidevin is a journalist and freelance musician. He has been a cathedral choir director and is a composer
If you have any comments on this feature - or if you want to add some more ideas on coping on a budget - email features@whitelightpublishing.co.uk. We will post the best replies here.
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