How Much Talent?

During the summer of 2008, I moved with my family from Boston to Orlando. We were excited about a new job with The Walt Disney Company, but were nervous about moving to an unfamiliar location among people we didn't know. There were a lot of times we had to remind ourselves to "just keep swimming..."

When we arrived at the church on our first Sunday, I remember wondering if we would fit in and feel welcomed by the ward. Our worries subsided when we both heard and saw Daniel Law boisterously leading the opening hymn.

Brother Law's day job was playing the part of Marlin in Finding Nemo - The Musical at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, a broadway-style adaptation of Pixar's Finding Nemo. He led each Sunday's congregational singing in a way that I have rarely seen. He stood at the front of the pulpit rather than behind the piano and organ and projected his voice with such enthusiasm and joy that I couldn't help but sing along!

While it is great to have talented individuals serving in every music calling, not every ward has a professional singer to lead the congregation. I thought it might be helpful to clarify what level of ability is needed for each ward music calling.

Ward Organist / Pianist:  Of the four core ward music callings, this is the one that requires the most skill or ability. It's difficult to pick up without proper training or instruction so you will need someone who has been trained at least a bit on the piano. Although pianists are intimidated by the idea of switching to the organ, most will find that if they sit down and tinker for an hour or so, they can play the hymns adequately. And I can help if needed!

Ward Choir Director:  The choir director also needs to know what they are doing. They have to understand how to assess the level of ability in the choir and make musical selections appropriate for that group. In addition, they must guide and teach others how to sing as a group in rehearsals.

Ward Music Director (formerly "chorister"):  This person should probably have some familiarity with conducting patterns and musical styles for selecting hymns to fit the meeting, but this can easily be taught. I would place more emphasis on calling someone who is comfortable standing in front of the congregation and leading the singing with energy and enthusiasm.

Ward Music Chairman:  While it is great to have someone with a musical background in this role, it is not required.  This role is best filled by someone whose strengths include planning and organizing, building relationships, and motivating people. This role is more about coordinating the various musical efforts in the ward as well as identifying people in the ward with talent and inviting them to share and participate.

Bishops (and counselors), I encourage you to prayerfully consider who in your ward can best fulfill these callings as described above.

Photo Reference: "Finding Nemo the Musical - Disney's Animal Kingdom" by Josh Hallett - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr.