[HANASHIR:16070] Re: Minchag for arrangements

[Scott Shuster <scott_shuster...>]

> Yes,
> >there are limited use exceptions, etc., but copying an entire work
> and
> >distributing it is the very essence of a copyright violation.


I know this may sound like a stupid question, but can someone define
the phrase ".. distributing it.."?

The reason I ask this is because of the music we use in worship and
religious school.  All of the music we sing in our services and teach
to our students was written by someone at some point in time, and
unless we wrote it ourselves, we do not have copywrite authority unless
we've obtained permission.

So... if we sing these melodies in our worship or educational settings,
are we distibuting it?  If we make copies for the congregation or
students to read from (since they can't be expected to memorize it all)
are we distributing it?  If we collect the copies after each service
are we still distributing it?  Where do you draw the line?

And what about composers who are no longer living?  Must we track down
their ancestors to obtain permission?  Are there melodies that are
public domain?


Scott

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