K
kn601
Guest
I am interested in what peoples’ thoughts are regarding the use of the tambourine at Mass. I was recently asked to play it as an accompaniment. Thank you.
- Status
P
peter26
Guest
There is no rule against it. I’d have to say any sort of percussion instrument at Mass isn’t to my taste. What is the general character of the music at this particular Mass? If guitars and such are in vogue, a tambourine may fit with the mood. If its more organ music and plainchant, then probably give it a miss.
T
tseleehw
Guest
You are probably going to get a lot of strong responses one way or the other about this issue. Music at mass is supposed to solemn and suitable to the occasion, and what is appropriate depends on what day it is (weekday, Sunday, special solemnity, lent or advent, etc.). Some people argue that tambourines are not fit for mass, others say they’re fine.
My parish, which does use the tambourine, is primarily used during the entrance and recessional hymns. My personal opinion is that I’m not a huge fan of it, but I can tolerate it, I guess. I just wish they would put it away for lent and advent, at the very least. But in my experience (and others may differ) is that a parish that uses it during ordinary time is probably going to use it year round no matter what the season or occasion.
My parish doesn’t have an organ, but a large donation was just made for one and there should be one installed by the end of the year, so it’s my hope that as the organ is used more often after it’s installed (in place of the piano which is used currently) the tambourine will be phased out gradually.
My parish, which does use the tambourine, is primarily used during the entrance and recessional hymns. My personal opinion is that I’m not a huge fan of it, but I can tolerate it, I guess. I just wish they would put it away for lent and advent, at the very least. But in my experience (and others may differ) is that a parish that uses it during ordinary time is probably going to use it year round no matter what the season or occasion.
My parish doesn’t have an organ, but a large donation was just made for one and there should be one installed by the end of the year, so it’s my hope that as the organ is used more often after it’s installed (in place of the piano which is used currently) the tambourine will be phased out gradually.
H
Hawkmaid
Guest
I second the previous thoughts; it’s not explicitly wrong or ruled against, but to me it doesn’t fit the mood of Mass. On the other hand, I suppose that’s how David celebrated the return of the Ark of the Covenant, so it really just depends on the atmosphere.
In any case, the tambourine to me is a side-instrument; there’s a problem if it becomes the focus of all the music. It’s too jarring, to me.
In any case, the tambourine to me is a side-instrument; there’s a problem if it becomes the focus of all the music. It’s too jarring, to me.
This is just me talking.
It should be an excommunicable offense reserved to the Holy See.
W
WingsOfEagles
Guest
There are times where it’s okay (percussion not always my taste).However, tastes aside, we should remember Psalm 150…
A Psalm of Praise.
1Praise the LORD!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
2Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
A Psalm of Praise.
1Praise the LORD!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
2Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Code:
3Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
4Praise Him with timbrel *(tambourine)* and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
5Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
6Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD!
A
angell1
Guest
exactly, personally doen’st bother me one way or the other. if your bishop allows it for the diocese, then no one’s opinion really matters
F
Fuerza
Guest
There are actually a few statements from the early Church Fathers, including at least one pope, which give an interpretation of that passage that has nothing to do with instruments. It is also worth noting that St. Pius X forbade percussion instruments in the Mass, though I think subsequent documents have at least indirectly reauthorized them.
If it were up to me, the only instruments allowed in the Mass would be the pipe organ, flute, clarinet, oboe and members of the violin family. However, that’s just my opinion and it certainly isn’t up to me.
C
ctb95
Guest
My for my archdiocese’s ordinations this past year, there was trumpet and orchestral drums along with the organ. It was very dignified and tasteful.
There’s definitely a difference between that and tambourine, which isn’t to my taste either.
K
katy
Guest
Wasn’t the bit with David and tambourines in the context of a parade or procession or something? How come everything allowable has to be allowed at Mass? There can be Mass music at Mass and other music just as great at other occasions.
W
WingsOfEagles
Guest
True, although what is considered tasteful music is often a result of social conditioning, not hard set rules.
A
Allegra
Guest
I’ve seen it used effectively for specific pieces, but I think it is distracting to have it just to have it, or to give the nice tone deaf lady who wants to join choir something to do. The times I’ve heard it used well were with pieces with a definite Hebrew flair to it, a gospel style, and one arrangement of Personet Hodie that I really liked.
M
Marysann
Guest
For those who use David’s use of the tambourine as a justification for its use in church today: I asked an ultra Orthodox rabbi about this type of thing when we lived in Israel. David lived before the first temple was built. The ark of the covenant was still in a tent at that time, and David was dancing outside. The rabbi said that musical instruments were not used in the temple. I personally do not think that the tambourine is a suitable instrument for use at the holy sacrifice of the Mass, but I do not want to discourage anyone who would like to volunteer his or her time in music ministry.
F
FollowChrist34
Guest
I went through a brief period of considering joining the Anglican/Episcopalian Church. I attended I think three masses and two or three orientation meet and greet sessions. The Church itself was modern (maybe mid 20th century) but very tastefully done. Large, with kind of modern stained glass, all blue I think. Lot of light. Pews were ok. Good feeling, you could pray there ok. Then Mass started and the clergy (about 5 or 6 men and women) came out in robes (I think there were rainbow scarves). I remember one of the women was playing tambourine, with gusto. Other instruments going too. Suddenly it all sort of felt Southern Pentecostal, Baptist, whatever, a bit wild. Which is ok; I am not being sarcastic here. I was determined to be reverent and I was. But I have not forgotten how bizarre it seemed, especially the tambourine for some reason. I got through it by thinking - well, Protestants are more outgoing, lively, expressive, it is in honor of God…Sadly it all went downhill from there. Though there were some great people there too.
I like traditional music. I am not saying a tambourine could not be used in traditional music. I am not really sure either way. It would depend on the piece of music in its entirety to me.
P
pianistclare
Guest
Don’t worry about it.
If other instruments besides for pipe organs were the only thing allowed, no other culture could have music at Mass.
Clearly the Mass is universal.
Play it if you want, and ignore those snooty people who roll their eyes about it.
Mass is for everyone, in every stage of life, every demographic, and every culture.
Some cultures use tambourines.
On the pueblos they use native drums. It’s nice. And very reverent.
good luck!
If other instruments besides for pipe organs were the only thing allowed, no other culture could have music at Mass.
Clearly the Mass is universal.
Play it if you want, and ignore those snooty people who roll their eyes about it.
Mass is for everyone, in every stage of life, every demographic, and every culture.
Some cultures use tambourines.
On the pueblos they use native drums. It’s nice. And very reverent.
good luck!
E
egretps
Guest
Tambourine is used exuberantly by a darling lady at a nearby parish’s music ministry. For every song. The lady seems to be a real sweetie, but seriously it just doesn’t work with every piece of music. For some it’s great like the example above. But this particular parish is gifted with musicians who play many different instruments, like the flute and the violin.
It has become something of a joke in our family. Not mean spirited, but really it’s sometimes brings me to tears and not those of compunction. I have had to fight the urge to laugh out loud the last time we were there because the sound was so ill fitting to the song.
Ask if you can also play other percussion instruments like the chimes or triangle at appropriate parts in different pieces. This would be wonderful!
It has become something of a joke in our family. Not mean spirited, but really it’s sometimes brings me to tears and not those of compunction. I have had to fight the urge to laugh out loud the last time we were there because the sound was so ill fitting to the song.
Ask if you can also play other percussion instruments like the chimes or triangle at appropriate parts in different pieces. This would be wonderful!
G
Gertabelle
Guest
Don’t worry about it.
If other instruments besides for pipe organs were the only thing allowed, no other culture could have music at Mass.
Clearly the Mass is universal.
Play it if you want, and ignore those snooty people who roll their eyes about it.
Mass is for everyone, in every stage of life, every demographic, and every culture.
Some cultures use tambourines.
On the pueblos they use native drums. It’s nice. And very reverent.
good luck!
P
phil19034
Guest
I have been to mass with one and I frankly find it distracting.
For me, during mass, we sing prayers / hymns as part of our worship. If I’m supposed to be actively praying what we are singing, then, for me, adding additional instruments is a distraction from prayer and seems to make the prayer more about entertainment.
For me, during mass, we sing prayers / hymns as part of our worship. If I’m supposed to be actively praying what we are singing, then, for me, adding additional instruments is a distraction from prayer and seems to make the prayer more about entertainment.
P
phil19034
Guest
I would add harp to this list and trumpet when called for. But other wise, I totally agree
R
Roseeurekacross
Guest
Hmm whats your stances on the didgerdoo in Mass. Picture this, Mass outside, no traditional Western instruments, just your run of the mill clap sticks and Didgeridoos.
This was the experience of St John Paul II during some masses in Australia.
perthcatholic.org.au/News_and_Events-News-2016-December-Week_2-Special_Mass_celebrates_30th_anniversary_of_St_John_Paul_IIs_visit_to_Australia.htm?latest_news=yes
catholicoutlook.org/30th-anniversary-of-st-john-paul-iis-visit-to-alice-springs/
See also
aboriginal.sydneycatholic.org/index.php/programs-a-resources/aboriginal-peoples-and-the-church
My Cathedral holds on of the commemorative Didgeridoos with inscriptions of our sainted Pope from that visit.
This was the experience of St John Paul II during some masses in Australia.
perthcatholic.org.au/News_and_Events-News-2016-December-Week_2-Special_Mass_celebrates_30th_anniversary_of_St_John_Paul_IIs_visit_to_Australia.htm?latest_news=yes
catholicoutlook.org/30th-anniversary-of-st-john-paul-iis-visit-to-alice-springs/
See also
aboriginal.sydneycatholic.org/index.php/programs-a-resources/aboriginal-peoples-and-the-church
My Cathedral holds on of the commemorative Didgeridoos with inscriptions of our sainted Pope from that visit.
- Status