No Singing?
(no name) ((no email))
Fri, 23 Aug 1996 16:32:55 +0200
I was able to find additional information on the memo that I posted
yesterday. The following is from ASCAP's (American Society of Composer,
Authors and Publishers), Web page that I found on the Inernet.
ASCAP's Response to the
August 21st Wall Street Journal Article
Yesterday, August 21, 1996, The Wall Street Journal ran a very
misleading article which gave people the impression that ASCAP is
seeking to silence the Girl Scouts. That is nonsense. The fact is that
ASCAP recently negotiated an agreement with the American Camping
Association, which represents large and small, including for-profit,
camps throughout the country. The Wall Street Journal article generated
a great deal of media coverage, some of which has been equally
misleading. ASCAP is glad to have had the opportunity to speak with
hundreds of media sources to set the record straight.
Music is an integral and valuable part of the camping business. The
Girl Scouts make an appealing public relations tool for some in the
business community who seek to use the property of others without
permission. But, the image of ASCAP seeking to license 4-5 girl scouts
singing around a campfire is a distortion of the real issue. Most camps
operate on a schedule from early June to August. During the course of
the season, camps collect fees from hundreds or even thousands of
campers. Camps sponsor dances, talent contests and other entertainment
of which music is a vital part. Music is also a valuable part of the
arts and crafts activities conducted at many camps. Camps pay for the
other supplies and services used in their programs. Why should music be
any different?
Girl Scout and other camps teach campers about responsibility,
consideration and respect for others. One of those principles is to
obtain permission before using someone else's property. Songs are the
property of the songwriter. Songwriters, like other American citizens,
have the right to choose to which charities or organizations they wish
to donate. For example, most people are unaware that Irving Berlin, one
of ASCAP's founders, has since 1940 donated $250,000 per year of his
earnings for "God Bless America" to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of
America. ASCAP wishes to meet with the leaders of the national Girl
Scout organizations. We are confident that an accommodation and mutual
understanding can be reached.
Has anyone run into this problem?
Yours in Scouting & WWW,
Mike Lardie
Barbarossa District Committee Member
Transatlantic Council
WB (WAKO) Owl, NE-VI-19
O/A Vigil 1994 - Black Eagle Lodge
email: logplanner@fwd.areur.army.mil / 100104.241@compuserve.com
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
