>>>Most people can’t read music any more; it’s a lost skill and consistent with the general dumbing-down of our society.<<<
You are correct, but doesn’t this make the notes in the hymnbooks of little help? If most of the congregation can’t get the tune by reading the notes, the main advantage (other than portability) of the hymnbook over the screen is lost.
Don’t get me wrong, I love hymnbooks and own several. However, they hold a limited number of songs, and none of them contain anything close to all the great hymns of the church. I like singing out of them in church, but I’d love to see some great hymns that are not in them go up on the screen.
I think most people learn the tunes of hymns (or any song for that matter) by listening to them being sung or by the musical accompaniment. I usually learn new hymn tunes by listening to them over and over on Cyberhymnal.
In my experience, the tunes to hymns are generally easier to pick up after hearing them a couple of times than those of modern songs. I also find the melodies of many modern songs more difficult to sing, especially for men.
I, too, collect hymnals. My favorites are “Great Hymns Of Tbe Faith” and “Inspiring Hymns”.
Our SBC church got new hymnals last month, and most of the great old hymns have totally disappeared and been replaced with the trite little ditties. (Actually, most of the TRULY great hymns disappeared 20-30 years ago.)
I guess I “don’t get” listening to something recorded to learn a tune but I understand that people do that.
Cyberhymnal is cool if you want to find and print an old hymn that’s in public domain. Also, the Noteworthy application connected with it is fun to play with.
So, part of the choirmaster’s job is to set up a rotation of hymns. A lot of it is pre-planned, so you’ll sing the same him every four to six weeks or so... I don’t know the details. Anyways, part of that duty is to introduce new hymns to the congregation. Of course it’s rocky at first but it’s mixed in with other hymns that they DO know, so it’s no big deal. And after a few tries, they either get it or the choirmaster gives up on it.