Playing a tape or CD in worship service?

Hello,

    I would welcome any advice you could offer me. As Director of Music at a large church, I am the one most involved with copyright regulations. (My stance is generally, please don't shoot the messenger.) I am aware of the battle between the Restaurant Association and ASCAP re: fees for having the radio or TV broadcasting in their establishments or playing "background music." How does this affect nonprofit organizations such as churches? Our church wants to play CDs for certain worship services or to accompany dance ensembles. It is my understanding that this requires permission from both the composer (or copyright holder) as well as the performers. For example, we couldn't just pop a CD of Yo-Yo Ma playing music by John Williams into a boombox for people to mediate to, or dance to, without the permission of both Ma and Williams. A Music Therapist friend says they do that sort of thing all the time even in group settings without giving it a thought. Can someone please help me?
Thanks,
Judith Higbee
AJ.Higbee[_at_]worldnet.att.net Received on Fri Aug 18 2000 - 23:55:28 GMT