Tips on Ward Choirs

"Every ward should make an effort to have an active ward choir that sings in sacrament meeting at least once a month." (Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 14.4.5).

Achieving this lofty goal is especially challenging in our stake where ward members are dispersed geographically and busy with young families or time-intensive callings. Perhaps the following tips, based on a recent survey of our ward choir directors, may spark new ideas that will be helpful for your ward.  These tips are focused in three areas: encouraging participation, making smart musical selections, and leading rehearsals effectively.


Encouraging Participation

Know Your People: Start by developing an "interest list" of ward members who would like to participate. This should be broad and inclusive, not limited just to those with musical ability. Make sure to include the youth as well!  Then customize each aspect of the choir experience to fit those who are interested (e.g., rehearsal frequency / time / location, musical selections, etc.).

Use a Variety of Communication Methods: The most effective approach is a personal invitation, but this should be reinforced by phone calls, emails, texts, Facebook posts, and sacrament meeting announcements. Calling a choir president or secretary can help with this.

Consider Extending a Calling / Assignment: Ideally, ward choir participation is voluntary, but in some wards, it may be more effective to have the bishopric extend a calling or assignment to some ward members to participate. This may be especially meaningful for someone who is not currently active in the ward.


Making Smart Musical Selections

Follow the Spirit: Be prayerful when making musical selections and seek inspiration from the Holy Ghost. Consult with your Ward Music Chairman and Ward Music Advisor. You may not know the theme of a particular sacrament meeting, but listening to the Spirit will lead to the right choice (see 2 Nephi 32:5).

Use the Hymns: "Church choirs are encouraged to use the hymnbook as their basic resource because the hymns teach the truths of the restored gospel. Hymn arrangements and other appropriate choral works may also be used" (Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 14.4.5). We have an extensive collection in our libraries in the stake available for your use (see link below).

Consider Your Unique Choir: Musical selections should be influenced by the unique circumstances of your ward choir such as the balance of men and women, the musical ability of individual choir members, the available rehearsal time, etc. To do this, you may need to review 3-4 options for every piece you ultimately select.

Leading Rehearsals Effectively

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare: Communicate early and often. Share electronic versions of music and recordings so members can practice ahead of time. Schedule rehearsals when and where the majority can attend (e.g., before church, after church, other?). As the director, study the music and come to rehearsals having already identified the tough spots that will require the most rehearsal time.

Be Organized: Start and end on time! Open and close rehearsals with prayer and consider sharing a spiritual thought or scripture that sets the tone for the music to be rehearsed. Warm up, even if it feels goofy. Make the most of the time by dividing the group and having men and women spend part of the time rehearing separately.

Make It Fun: As one ward choir director put it, we should "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord" (Psalms 100:1). Bring your energy and enthusiasm to rehearsals and invite others to do the same. Give encouragement during rehearsals and express genuine appreciation for the sacrifice ward members make to participate.  Share treats after rehearsals or consider a reception in the cultural hall after a larger sacrament meeting program like Christmas or Easter.

Link to Sheet Music Library: http://orlandosouthstakemusic.blogspot.com/2016/01/sheet-music-library.html