I'm not putting down bringing in instrumentation. We've had violinists, flutists, cellists from the St. Louis Symphony play and it was magnificent, I was simply referring to the “jazz” rifts which, again, were simply unsettling. We've also enlisted the Bach Society to sing in the choir on special occasions — like Christmas and Easter. I simply grew up in choral groups and sang all the Bach, Beethoven, Handel — all the great choral works which, to me, were a thrill to sing and uplifting beyond all measure.
Another thing, Catholics need to learn how to sing. The congregation sounds like shy three-year-olds. Now and then, you'll get someone who belts it out (i.e. making a joyful noise to the Lord) and the heads turn and the stares start. When God commands make a joyful noise, he's not referencing murmuring.
I was really just making a joke about the use, or rather misuse, of the word “sanctuary.” I hear people regularly speak of sanctuaries, meaning it in the Protestant way, and I will admit it makes me giggle. Of course, the sanctuary is only that portion of the worship space dedicated to the altar, rather than the entire temple or church as some people use the term. Congregations sit in the nave, not the sanctuary. That was why I was amused at the thought of a bass player chugging away in the sanctuary, presumably next to the altar. It’s like those signs always popping up announcing that some local Baptist church is building a new sanctuary. Imagine that. Wouldn’t that be a hoot to see? Why not, I ask myself, build an entire church? Surely that would be more sensible.
As to music, I can see your point. However, it seems to me that it is hardly the fault of ordinary Catholics for not feeling comfortable singing. We are told week in and week out that our music stinks, and when people speak of Masses with “good music” this is just a euphemism for anything but Catholic. Every week we are subjected to dreck from Protestant Hymnals and Amy Grant albums and never hear anything even remotely Catholic. I swear if I have to endure “Our God is an Awesome God” one more time I may vomit.