A number of years ago in my ward in Kentucky we decided to try a concept that we called "Instant Ward Choir," or IWC for short. We did not hold formal rehearsals but simply invited those who wanted to participate to come up to the stand during sacrament meeting to sing.
I would ask the bishop to give me a moment just to say a word or so about the hymn to set the spirit and invite anyone who would like to sing, to come and join the choir. In order to give the choir "the feel of a choir," I always prepared some signs I would show the members who got up to sing that announced how the verses would be sung. They would say: "First Verse: Men Only," "Second Verse: Women Only," etc.
This approach was well received, because it gave many ward members a chance to participate in a choir who might otherwise not be able to sing. Our Stake President even planned his visits to our ward so he could participate. He told me that he loved to sing, but could never participate in a choir, because he could never practice.
These choir experiences were some of the most spiritual experiences these choir members have had. They were singing the words and really thinking about them. I firmly believe "Instant Ward Choirs" can have a wonderful place in our sacrament meetings and help the members feel the spirit -- that is what a choir is all about!
This experience was shared in the September 2008 issue of the Ensign magazine. Perhaps there are some in your ward who, because of their current church callings, family responsibilities, or other circumstances, are not able to participate in ward choir, but would benefit from this type of opportunity. Please prayerfully consider how best to adapt a ward choir to your ward's circumstances and work with your bishopric and ward choir director to implement.
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