In Part One, I discussed the application process, the taped audition, and the tests of musical knowledge and ability that take place before a person can qualify for a formal in-person audition with the directors of the Tabernacle Choir. For the audition cycle I’m following there were over 800 requests for applications. Three hundred and fifty people decided to proceed and send in their applications and tapes; 170 of those were given the opportunity to take the written tests, and 130 were invited for an in-person audition.
Front to back: Choir Director Craig Jessop, Associate Director Mack Wilberg, Associate Tabernacle Organist Linda Margetts. Ready for your audition? Here’s the sight that strikes fear into many a heart. But they look so friendly!
The In-person Audition
“Auditioning was the worst thing I’ve ever been through, but the end was worth it.”
“The audition was more intense than any other I’ve done, including Utah Opera.”
From these quotes you can see how intimidating an in-person audition can be. I’ve joked that most people would probably rather slam their finger in a car door than face such a prospect. Yet in many ways this last step is the easiest. Craig Jessop was kind enough to let me sit in on a series of auditions one evening (like the testing, they were held at the Church Office Building). The first thing you will notice should you audition is how friendly everyone is. Jim and Ann Turner were there to greet the candidates, answer questions and usher them into the audition room. Ann is the choir’s executive secretary and her husband, Jim, is the stage manager. They both sang in the choir until completing their allotted service. They are delightful people with a great sense of humor and genuine interested in seeing everyone succeed. Before the audition there was one last reality check: requirements (time and otherwise) for choir participation were reviewed and the candidates asked to sign a document confirming their commitment to abide by them. Then it was time to face the music!
“It was a humbling process. I never felt I needed humility, but I obtained some in the process. By the time I entered the choir I knew I’d had divine intervention.”
I felt empathy for each brother or sister who entered the audition room. They had been through so much just to get here; and now they stood to sing – all alone – before some of the most accomplished and distinguished musicians in the Church. Besides Brothers Jessop and Wilberg, Linda Margetts, an associate Tabernacle organist, was there to act as accompanist. But don’t forget that the Lord, too, is involved in this process – no one who auditions need feel alone.
It is hard for me – after having performed under Craig and Mack for years – to imagine that anyone would find them intimidating. They are as friendly and down-to-earth as anyone you’ll meet. But when you don’t know them, you can only think of what they represent, and then it is inevitable that your knees feel weak and your throat terribly dry. But Brother Jessop made a concerted effort to put each nervous candidate at ease: greeting each with a big smile, a warm handshake and the assurance that they were among friends who had prayed for their success.
“You have to be brave enough to put it all on the line and try your hardest.”
The only advance instructions had been to prepare the hymn of their choice and a segment from a challenging choral piece they’d been sent. Each was first asked to sing the hymn. Next came the choral piece with the piano filling in on the other parts. Then they were asked to do some sight-reading: an unfamiliar hymn followed by some musical phrases that contained unusual intervals.
The sight-reading was definitely the hardest part. Some people got lost right away as they tried to find their part in the hymn. If so, Brother Wilberg helped by singing along for a few bars so they could get their bearings. Some of the intervals in the musical phrases seemed to trip up just about everybody, and it seemed to me that they all left wishing they had done better. Jim and Ann later said that a number of them expressed their disappointment. They tried to comfort them by pointing out how well they had done just to get this far.
Before leaving, each was told they could expect to hear from the choir in early June. Craig and Mack gave no hints about how they felt about the performances either before or after the candidates left the room. Each one, successful or not, was going to have that agonizing wait for a letter in the mail.
On an interesting note, three people that participated in this round of auditions found me and corresponded – either as a result of my articles in Meridian or my personal website. All three (two sisters and a brother) made it as far as the in-person audition but were unsuccessful at that point. They were given advice on what they could do to improve and were told that they must wait at least a year before trying again. From talking with them and from my own observation of the auditions, my best advice on how to pass them is to become an expert sight-reader. Get a book of unfamiliar vocal exercises. Give an exercise a try, then go to a piano and see how you did. Try working them out in your head without even singing while you’re taking a walk or riding in a car. Search the web for ideas (I tried “sight-reading tips” on a Google search and got several hits). Find a method that works best for you and practice, practice, practice! Being a good sight-reader is crucial to doing well in the choir and will greatly improve your chances in the in-person audition.
The Temple Square Chorale and Training School
When I joined the Tabernacle Choir the in-person audition was the last step. But in the summer of 1999 the Temple Square Chorale was established as a training organization for prospective and current members of the choir. This change has made great strides in improving our professionalism. Associate Tabernacle Choir Conductor Mack Wilberg (well known for taking the powerful BYU Men’s Chorus to new heights) conducts the chorale. Mack is a master at drawing the most from singers, and the smaller numbers of the chorale allow him to give more individualized attention. There is also a training school where classroom instruction in music theory and vocal technique is given by such eminent musicians as former Tabernacle Choir Director Jerold Ottley and his wife, Soprano JoAnne Ottley.
The chorale does not have a permanent membership. It is formed every six months from a mix of prospective and current Tabernacle Choir members. Each session lasts for three months at which time a formal concert is given. The chorale also participates in at least one choir broadcast.
Rehearsals are held every Tuesday night in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. Classroom instruction is held across the street in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Thursdays.
The chorale provides a kind of probationary period for the new singers – giving them a chance to build up to the hectic Tabernacle Choir schedule while choir leaders have the opportunity to observe them under rehearsal and performance conditions. At the conclusion, Brother Jessop will listen to each of them sing one more time and a final decision will be made as to whether they are ready to join the Tabernacle Choir. While most will do so, it is possible that some may be asked to complete an additional term in the chorale or given other counsel appropriate to their situation.
So… we started in January and it is now June; yet those who have made it this far still have three months to go before they can actually join the Tabernacle Choir. How did the 130 who were invited for an in-person audition fare? 63 singers successfully passed the auditions and have been invited to join the Temple Square Chorale. They will begin their service in July. The chorale will be preparing the Bach Mass in B Minor for performance in October. I plan to sing with them and will continue to follow their progress. I will probably have something more to say when those who have successfully completed this long, arduous process finally join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in October.
This is by far the largest number of new singers the chorale has ever accommodated and, at least in recent decades, is probably the largest group to join the Tabernacle Choir at one time. I asked Brother Jessop if the unprecedented number of applicants made for a more talented “final cut.” He said that it did: this group is of excellent caliber; it is one of the most special groups we’ve ever had. They will provide a big boost when they join us in October!
Results of the Survey
Now you have a good idea what it takes to join the Tabernacle Choir. I hope this information has not discouraged those who might want to try and join, for my purpose is not to dishearten you but to say, “We’d love to have you join us! Here’s what it takes…” At the beginning I mentioned that I had surveyed the choir to get a better idea of their backgrounds and what they felt helped them be successful. Let’s take a look at the results:
Two-hundred and twenty-four people completed the survey. That’s about two thirds of the current choir membership. Of those I found that 77% had received individual voice training before they auditioned (though some said it was many years before); 92% play one or more musical instruments, with piano by far the most common (78% of the respondents play the piano, though some said not very well. It’s good to see those childhood piano lessons can pay off in unexpected ways!).
“The first two ‘no thanks’ messages were devastating, but persistence pays off.”
25% auditioned more than once before making it. 6% auditioned more than twice (the highest number being 5). On their unsuccessful tries, 38% got only as far as the taped audition, 26% were held up at the Skills Inventory/Theory tests, and 36% made it as far as the in-person audition before being told they would need to try again.
61% had participated in a choir at a university. I found only a handful that – like me – were limited in vocal experience to ward and stake choirs (but that didn’t stop me, so don’t let it stop you!). BYU choirs were most frequently mentioned (but that was only 14%) followed by Mormon Youth Chorus and Utah Symphony Chorus (both at 5%) and University of Utah and Weber State University choirs (both at about 4%). I was surprised at the range of vocal groups in which they had participated – I counted 95 university, community or even professional choirs. How’s this for diversity? From the Billings Montana Symphony Chorus to the Robert Shaw Festival Choir; from the Heber Utah Women’s Chorus to the Danish Music Academy. From California’s Monterey Peninsula College Community Choir to the Southeastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus; from the Naval Aviators Choir to the Icelandic National Chorus. It just goes to show that no matter where you live there are wonderful opportunities to sing!
The Mormon Tabernace Choir
In analyzing the comments about what helped most in their efforts to join the choir I did my best to group the results into categories so I could rank them. Here are the results:
23% Spiritual preparation (faith, prayer, fasting).
20% The Lord’s help or help from the Spirit.
20% Experience singing in other groups.
18% Voice teacher or vocal coach.
17% Musical training and education.
15% Hard work, study, personal preparation
11% Natural talent (ear, “genes”)
8% Guidance from others (conductors, teachers, friends).
8% Persistence, desire, determination
6% Love of music, singing.
6% Sight reading ability
6% Instrumental background
5% Musical foundation in the family
4% Sight reading practice
3% Humility, a willing attitude
3% Music lessons growing up
3% Family support
Other items mentioned were testimony, cultivating a voice that blends well, ear training, good sense of pitch, practicing the skills inventory elements, having a positive attitude, learning relaxation techniques for the audition, luck, and bravery.
It is not surprising to me that the top two items were spiritual preparation and help from the Lord. Consider these comments:
“My personal audition was so bad. I’m sure that an angel must have come down and told the committee to let me in the choir!”
“When I compare myself to some of the wonderful musicians in the choir I wonder how I made it! It was only because the Lord wanted me here.”
“I had a prompting to try and where I lacked, He carried me through.”
“You can be the most talented musician – but not make choir. Ultimately, it is God who calls you to the work, and blesses you to succeed beyond your own expectations”
Such comments made me wonder about the perspective of those who do the selecting, so I posed this question to Brother Jessop: “As you listen to those who audition, do you sometimes feel the Spirit saying, ‘This person belongs in the choir,’ even when the quality of their audition leaves something to be desired?” Here is his reply:
“Without question the Spirit is the first, last, and constant guide in the audition process.
This last round of auditions has been no exception. It comes in quiet, unexpected and sometimes persistent ways. I have a firm testimony that all of our singers are here by divine call. There are times when the Spirit confirms over the perceived talent – generally they come hand in hand. There always seems to be one or two singers in each round of auditions that will sit in a ‘maybe’ pile and simply will not leave my mind. Such has been the case many times – I’ve never second-guessed or regretted listening to the promptings of the Spirit to admit some singers. We try to listen with our spiritual ears and hearts first.”
That being the case, I would only add that I’m sure the same has been true in the selection of our conductors, organists, staff, and the members of the Orchestra at Temple Square. Can there be any question that the Lord leads and guides the Mormon Tabernacle Choir – that He is the one responsible for what people feel when they listen to us? There is certainly no question in my mind.
More from the Choir
Finally, here are more comments from the choir. There were so many I cannot include them all, but these will give you additional insight about how choir members feel and what you can do prepare yourself should you want to join:
“Every ounce of training and experience – every musical ensemble, every solo, every lesson, every theory and ear training class, every diction class, every voice lesson. I needed it all. Perhaps the most important, though, is willingness to serve (musically or otherwise).”
“I feel the Lord prepared me to sing in the choir by (1) sending me to a family where music was important, (2) giving me a talent, (3) giving me singing opportunities which taught me, and (4) guiding me to a vocal coach who knew what I needed help with. Therefore, I feel a great responsibility to sing to the Lord with greatest love, honor and thanksgiving.”
“Although the new audition process is very challenging, it makes you reach for a higher level of performance, and helps improve the choir.”
“Study any suggested material, attend the temple and your meetings. Study the scriptures and pray.”
“Keep trying. Don’t give up. Improve your musical skills in any way you can.”
“Do your best but be humble and determined. If you don’t make it the first time, try again.”
“I knew that after all was said (or sung) and done, the ultimate decision would be up to my Heavenly Father. So I asked what He would have me do – then did it – one step at a time.”
“Study theory and PRAY – your spirit is as much a contribution as your voice – also keep trying, it is worth it!”
[This person talked about the anguish of her first rejection. She could hardly listen to the choir during the intervening months. The second time she did something different. The afternoon of her in-person audition she went to the temple:] “It was an unusual day because when I got to the Celestial Room I was completely alone for the longest time …as I sat alone praying for help that night to come I surrendered my will to my Heavenly Father and when I said, ‘Thy will be done – I offer Thee my service. If you want me, I’m yours.’ He said, ‘Yes, I do.’ I learned that this is His choir and His decision who belongs here. I am so grateful to be chosen.”
“I believe Heavenly Father magnified me when it was needed. I was never going to risk failure but He asked and I answered. He placed me in situations to sing before others (I don’t solo) and I was scared to death. Burying a son at age 23 was easier than the 3-year process. It humbled me and I will always realize how blessed I am.”
“I have been singing since childhood and never missed an opportunity to sing (to learn and share my talent). I felt if I willingly shared what the Lord had given me whenever asked, He would bless me when I needed His help. I am in the choir because He made it so.”
“Family support is essential to my ability to participate.”
“It has to be your time. Too many get in the choir but don’t last long because they weren’t ready for the commitment.”
“I was caring for my mother-in-law who is very frail and has severe dementia. She couldn’t be left alone, so while I waited an hour each mealtime for her to eat, I could study the theory book. Thank you, Grandma!”
“I put my trust in the Lord. I knew that if this was something the Lord wanted me to do I would make it.”
“I believe that singing in the choir is an opportunity that comes to each individual for many reasons. I have very little (formal) music training, but I asked the Lord if I could do this and He said yes! What a great blessing.”
“Spiritual preparation is important – to know you are doing what the Lord wants you to do. There is a big time commitment, so family needs to be involved in the final decision as well. It is a wonderful experience, also in knowing you are doing the right thing for the right reason, with the support of the Lord and your family. I prepared myself musically all my life, but the joy from doing musical missionary work far exceeds anything imaginable.”
“The opportunity to participate with the choir has been a spiritual high point in my life. I believe that my experience has also been a vicarious experience for my now-deceased father who loved to sing, but who did not have the opportunity of choir membership.”
“I sing best when I am in tune with the Spirit.”
“I keep learning more and more about music.”
“I will never lose interest [in the choir]. [I] hope that by the time my 20 years is up the allotted time limit will be extended! I absolutely LOVE to sing!!”
“If you work very hard and it is the Lord’s will that you be part of the choir, you will be.
” [This person has been in the choir twice and each time had to audition 3 times (total of 6)].
[This person talked about being in the choir many years ago when she didn’t have to audition but was simply invited to join. Things have changed!] “The second time was DIFFERENT!! Talk about STRESS!! I had been out of the choir for 18 years and mourned its loss while I raised my 8 children. My voice had gone to pot, but there was still something inside that told me I was to be in the choir. I started practicing and praying – and I KNEW that if I made it, it would be a true gift from Father, for my voice had a long way to go. The day I got my acceptance letter I just sobbed. I could NEVER take this gift for granted. To come to choir is a heavenly blessing.”
“I ‘live’ for choir!”
Singers in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
This last comment, in one form or another, was voiced over and over. We absolutely love this calling – this gift from heaven. But in conclusion I would like to say a word to the thousands who have hoped for this opportunity and – for whatever reason – have not been able find themselves among us. Perhaps you have tried but didn’t make it through this difficult process; perhaps you have been called to do other things and simply don’t have the time. You may have physical limitations that make it impossible or perhaps you live elsewhere and can’t move to Utah.
To you I would only say what President Hinckley has exclaimed to us on more than one occasion: “Sing, sing, sing!” Surely the very best choral music is that which is directed towards our Father in Heaven in praise or in prayer. Find ways to do that! As one of the choir members said, “Music heals!” Lift and inspire those around you! Sing enthusiastically in sacrament meeting! Your ward choir needs you! Your stake and regional choirs need you! Community choirs need you! I did an Internet search for the words “Mormon Choir” and came up with the following:
The Mormon Choir of Washington, DC
The Mormon Choir of Southern California
The Tongan Mormon Choir of O’ahu
The Arizona Mormon Choir
The Nashville Mormon Choir
The “Heart of America” Mormon Choir
The Valparaiso Mormon Choir
The Hacienda Heights Mormon Choir
The Rochester Regional Mormon Choir
The Perth Mormon Choir
The Maracaibo Mormon Choir
Undoubtedly some of these choirs were formed temporarily for special occasions, but how wonderful that Latter-day Saint choral singing is being carried forth in places all over the world! Take advantage of every opportunity to sing; and if you cannot join us in this life, it is my hope that we will sing together in the heavenly choirs above!
If you feel you’re ready and would like to try out, the next period for accepting requests for applications will be the first week of July. However it is possible some voice parts will be delayed until January since so many applications were received in January of 2002. You can find out by calling the Tabernacle Choir Office at (801) 240-3221 during the first week of July.
