NYC is not affiliated with any religion. We are a secular organization. NYC may rent rehearsal, performance, and retreat spaces from churches. Ensembles may perform in religious services from time to time.
Most of our music selections are secular, but because music comes from a long historical period and a wide array of cultures there are sometimes selections that are of musical significance that have a religious-derived text, think of an African-American spiritual or a Bach cantata. During the selection of pieces used for education as well as those selected for performances, our conductors consider the following:
1. Is the music selected on the basis of its musical and educational value rather than its religious context?
2. Does the teaching of music with sacred text focus on musical and artistic considerations?
3. Are the traditions of different people shared and respected?
4. Is the role of sacred music one of neutrality, neither promoting nor inhibiting religious views?
5. Is there sensitivity to the various religious beliefs (and non-religious beliefs) represented by the students and parents?
