Singing in the mormon tabernacle choir

Singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: It’s Harder Than It Looks

By Lexi Devenport We know you’ve been enjoying Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir on BYUtv. And you enjoy the Mormon Tabernacle Choir because their sound resonates through the building in perfect sync, making music that few large choirs can imitate. For this choir, it’s all about every single member singing together in unison with beautiful choir voices. It’s no wonder, then, that the application process is strenuous, commitment is crucial, and the rewards are great for a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Stephen Devenport, a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, explains the application process as three-fold.

First, you will be asked to tape record yourself singing various scales, intervals, and a song. This helps the choir directors get an initial idea of your basic sound ability. Devenport then says that “if they like your tape then you [will be] invited to an in-person theory test.” This test covers music theory, testing how well you can hear intervals, major and minor scales, augmented and diminished triads, and other musical elements. Finally, if you pass both these tests, you will perform in-person. Devenport says that “this part is the most nerve-wracking aspect of the whole process, not only because this may make or break you, but because you are singing before the choir directors themselves.”

What will help you get in? Your ability to blend in with the choir. Devenport says that many people take voice lessons for years, but still aren’t able to pass all three tests. However, it is important to have experience singing in a choir. Many of the members have sung in a choir in school or in the community.

Once you’re in the choir, you should expect a demanding schedule, especially before large concerts and performances, like the Christmas and Pioneer Day concerts and General Conference. Normal rehearsals are four hours a week, but during the busy seasons, Devenport says that the schedule can be very grueling, especially when the directors aren’t hearing the results they want.

But despite the time commitment, Devenport says the rewards make all grueling rehearsals worth it.

Besides getting to visit to nations around the world, like Japan, New Zealand, and Germany, Devenport says that, “It's the best calling there is in the Church. . . . We are set apart as ‘musical missionaries,’ and there is seldom a time that the Spirit isn't strongly felt at choir functions.” The choir is there to invite the Spirit, which will in turn prepare listeners to hear about Christ.

So next time you are listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir this Christmas season, think about all the effort they put in to applying, practicing throughout the week, and preparing us to feel the Spirit. It might make your experience even more meaningful.