Tips for Ward Choir Directors

Singing with the Ward Choir should be a rewarding experience for the Director, the Accompanist and the Choir Members.

One of the most important things a Director can do to make it rewarding is to select appropriate music. As the purpose of a ward choir is to invite the Spirit of the Lord into Sacrament Meeting, hymns are especially welcome.  Often the Spirit can be felt even during the practice of such music, as well as the performance for the congregation.

When music is chosen that is well within the member's abilities, they will be able to learn it within a reasonable amount of time and will feel confident singing it.  They will also be able to learn the music without having over long practices.

And, although every ward choir should strive to be musically proficient, singing sincerely from the heart should be emphasized since the goal is to worship through music, not to impress the congregation with their musical capabilities.

In other words, it is better to sing simple music well, than to sing difficult music only so-so.

Of course, the choir could sing the hymns directly from the hymnbook without difficulty, however, that's not much fun for the choir or the congregation if it is done every month.  Some variety is usually appreciated.

In addition to music selection, a choir director should make it a goal not to waste the time of the choir members by introducing music that he or she is unfamiliar with.  The director should know with the music well, and understand all the musical terms and time signatures before the rehearsal.

He or she should see to it that there are enough copies of the music for each person and have pencils ready for marking the music if needed.

Also, choir members will appreciate beginning and ending on time.  A director who is considerate of the fact that those in the choir often have families to care for and other callings which need their attention, will have an easier time encouraging participation among ward members.  An hour once a week is usually sufficient if appropriate music has been selected and good use is made of the time.

Of course, beginning and ending practices with prayer will invite the Spirit of the Lord to guide us in our efforts. And we will have greater success realizing the uppermost purpose of a ward choir:

"Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns."
The First Presidency