This is a crappy letter from The Watchtower. I'm only posting it to show how micro-managers these fools are. And at the end, they say: "We should avoid making specific rules about somewhat technical matters". But this is what this stupid letters IS in the first place!
It is definitively a cult!
Dear Brothers:
This letter replaces the letter dated March 27, 2008, to all bodies of elders on the same
subject. Paragraphs 6 and 7 of this letter contain updated information regarding the music played
before and after congregation meetings and before assembly and convention sessions.
A number of reports have been received indicating that some congregations consistently
play the music for singing so softly that it is difficult for some to sing in a heartfelt manner. In
other cases, it appears that the volume of the music is normally so loud that it drowns out the
voices of the congregation. The brothers who operate the sound system in the Kingdom Hall are
encouraged to avoid both extremes. Some thought must be given as to how this can be accomplished.
Brothers assigned to operate sound systems must take seriously the fact that instrumental
music is rightly featured in true worship, whether it is played to be listened to or used as an accompaniment
to singing. Music and song are gifts of God by which Jehovah’s faithful servants
can render praise and thanksgiving as well as give expression to deep emotions of both sorrow
and joy. Jehovah’s angels have raised their voices in poetic expressions of praise upon observing
the wondrous works of our magnificent Creator. (Job 38:7; Luke 2:8-14) The Bible record shows
clearly the wide range of expression in music and song. Consider, for example, the triumphant
song of victory on the lips of Moses and the sons of Israel on their being delivered from the
Egyptian military forces at the Red Sea, or the numerous prayers and supplications of David set
to music in the Bible book of Psalms. Also, give thought to what would have been the tenor and
tone of the singing of Jesus and his eleven faithful apostles at the conclusion of the Lord’s Evening
Meal and before going out to the Mount of Olives.—Matt. 26:30, ftn.
It is important to take note of the tenor and tempo of our Kingdom songs. Some of them
are expressions of fervent prayer to Jehovah, thanksgiving, or heartfelt supplication, while the
words of others remind us of our Christian responsibilities. Some songs are written to bring comfort.
Others reassure us of Jehovah’s protection and the promised reward for faithfulness. All of
us enjoy raising our voices in singing the lively encouragement to remain steadfast and to keep
busy serving Jehovah, declaring his glory, and making new disciples.
So it is that a little increased volume may be appropriate for full-throated singing of the
lively, more vigorous songs. However, many prayerful expressions would naturally be rendered
with a somewhat softer voice and perhaps with slightly less volume. Keep in mind that the music
is to lead those singing the song. The important thing for the brothers who handle the sound
equipment is to remain always alert and attentive to their assigned responsibilities in this matter.
Bodies of elders should make arrangements to play Kingdom songs over the sound system
before and after congregation meetings. Such music should not be allowed to drown out
or overshadow the interchange of encouragement that comes from Christian association and theocratic
conversation.
The situation is different at assemblies and conventions. Prerecorded musical preludes
are provided for use at the start of each session. These are part of the program, and are usually
ten minutes in duration. The purpose of these preludes is not to provide background music for
conversations and association. Instead, they are a means to indicate that the large crowd should
end their conversations and be seated. Sitting and quietly listening to the music also helps us to
prepare our mind and heart to absorb the spiritual program to follow. The prelude is considered
part of our worship, similar to the singing of the assigned songs at these events. Hence, the volume
should be at a higher level than the volume of the background music that congregations play
before and after their weekly meetings. The prelude music should initially be loud enough to be
heard clearly over the conversations that have been in progress. As the audience settles into their
seats and listens to the music, the volume level may be lowered so as not to overpower the now
quiet and attentive audience. Good judgment must be used to accomplish the purpose of the prelude
music while ensuring that it is not uncomfortably loud. The session chairman should enthusiastically
invite the audience to be seated to listen to the prelude music.
If on occasion there are different opinions as to the application of what has been set forth
in this letter, no individual should resort to forcing his personal opinion on others. All matters are
to be resolved by the local elders or, in the case of assemblies and conventions, the brothers responsible
for oversight of the program.
May you find these comments both helpful and encouraging. We should avoid making
specific rules about somewhat technical matters. However, if we understand the spirit to be displayed
on every occasion with regard to the use of music in our worship of Jehovah, this will assist
us greatly in determining what is appropriate. Similar principles could be applied to other
public and private gatherings of Jehovah’s true worshippers, such as wedding receptions, dinners,
and other social occasions. Of course, at all times and under all circumstances, our endeavor
is to do all things for God’s praise and glory.—1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17.
Be assured of our warm Christian love and greetings.