I love singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! In the few short months I have been a part,, I have sung just about 100 pieces of music, and out of that perhaps 30 of them are memorized. The time is demanding, but the rewards are beyond my comprehension. The music sung is a mix of church, contemporary, classical, and show tunes.  Each week music is prepared for the Music and the Spoken Word broadcast, and above that there is music to be learned (and memorized) for the upcoming Pioneer Day Concert. I have come to the the understanding that being a member of this great organization is much more than the ability to read and sing music.

Each piece of music that is sung praises our Creator in one way shape or form. Even the show tunes and contemporary pieces sung. The message in the music is uplifting for even the casual listener. But when one listens to the music with the Spirit, the true and deeper messages are given.  The messages of the beauteous creation that we have been given. The message of a hope brighter for each of us if we just seek for it. And when 360 people, with the Spirit sing those songs, the Spirit speaks louder than normal. 

During the recent Midwest tour, it has been remarked by people in the audience that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has a certain "something" that they cannot put a finger on, but it feels good to them and makes them happy. That is what makes music so powerful. It can testify without being "preachy". Being a Member of the church all my life, I have grown up listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. When I moved to Utah, one of the first things I did was to sit in on one of their Thursday rehearsals. I was happy to raise my hand when Mack asked the audience how many people it was their first live experience and for those who lived east of the Mississippi River. Little did I know then that I would take the journey of becoming a member of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir in a few short months.

The audition process was intense, testing our musicality by preparing a CD of myself singing. This was a first for me. I never did like to hear myself singing on a recording, so this was a huge leap of faith. The next step n the audition process was an intense music theory and auditory skills test which lasted for almost 3 hours. The study book was at my side for almost 2 months straight. But even the book coud not prepare you for some of the things. I had to dig down to my musical roots and rely on the Spirit to help me. The Spirit was, and still is my best study-mate. ;) If one passes that, then it is on to the one-on-one audion with Mack Wilberg, Ryan Murphy, and a few others in the room. For me, this was the most difficult part of the process. The fact that I am in the same room with great men and women, whose talents include being pitch perfect, and being able to tell if my singing was off even a microtone was overwhelming to say the least. But I was comforted by Mack telling us that we have been personally prayed for and that we are meant to be there.

I so, enjoyed that audition process so much that I was privileged to do it all over again (I didn't make the first year). Okay, that was sarcasm. :) but I am grateful for that extra time, which allowed me to concentrate more on reliance with the Spirit.

For those interested, the audition process is in progress now. You can find out more at the Mornon Tabernacle Choir website. I hope I did not intimidate anyone contemplating doing this. My purpose is to let you know from a first-hand experience that the process is challenging, but certainly doable.

I will say again that I love singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It is the best calling I have ever had. The spirit is very strong with the organization and the opportunities for growth musically, physically, and spiritually are well worth it.

Come, Sing to The Lord!

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